The Holiday (2006) Our Rating: 5/5

I’m willing to unalive on this hill – quite possibly the best Christmas movie of all time, is ‘The Holiday’.

The Holiday – Synopsis

Two women, Iris and Amanda, are both having boy trouble, so swap homes (they live in England, UK and California, USA respectively). While on holiday, they each meet a new love interest, and learn more about what they truly value.

The Holiday – Review

I really love the number of different sub-plots in this movie, and that it’s dual location in the UK and USA. Both plots are well connected and fit together in a realistic and seamless way. Another area where this film excels is in gender diversity, with strong and successful female characters. They each have their own careers displayed throughout, successful in their own right. Neither ‘needs’ a man – and both are glad to be rid of toxic ones – but they find true gentlemen and I love that for them. Unfortunately, probably somewhat ‘of the time’ in 2006, it is lacking in wider racial and LGBTQ+ diversity with minimal representation.

If you can forgive this, it is a really good non-cheesy film, set at Christmas time, and with some slightly more than PG scenes. It’s mainly ‘fade to black’ so nothing that’s indecent or embarrassing to watch with the family. It has definite ‘feel good’ vibes that are crucial for this time of year, and despite having many different plot lines to keep you interested. Bottom line – it isn’t too taxing to keep track of what’s happening, even if you’re multi-tasking.

Conclusion

Finally, there is some debate as to whether The Holiday is a Christmas movie – but I’d argue it most definitely is. It starts off with an office Christmas party gone wrong, and ends with New Year celebrations. It’s a feel good movie, with a happy ending, and definite cosy feel good vibes – what’s not to like?

The Holiday – Review Statistics

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