Holy Days
The brief
Nathalie Boltt turns what could have been saccharine nun comedy into something genuinely charming, anchored by Elijah Tamati's earnest performance as Brian and a trio of legendary actresses (Davis, Margolyes, Weaver) having an absolute blast as the convent's resident troublemakers. The New Zealand road trip backdrop gives the whole thing a breezy, adventure-filled energy that never lets the sentimentality get too heavy, while Jonny Brugh adds his signature deadpan weirdness to the mix. It's got the warmth of Hunt for the Wilderpeople with the fish-out-of-water charm of Sister Act, perfect for anyone who wants feel-good comedy that doesn't insult their intelligence.
The verdict
If you're craving feel-good comedy with genuine heart and don't mind a leisurely pace, this New Zealand charmer delivers laughs and warmth without dumbing things down. If you need high-concept plots or can't stand fish-out-of-water comedies, you'll find this road trip too predictable and sentimental for your taste.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect family viewing for all ages
- 👫 Great for a cozy date night
- ⚠️ Some religious themes may not resonate with all viewers
Heads up
- Mild religious themes and convent closure (moderate)
- Brief moments of emotional distress (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Nathalie Boltt
- Cast
- Elijah Tamati, Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver, Jonny Brugh, Nathalie Boltt, Craig Hall
Official synopsis
When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Is God Is (2026)
Both films explore faith and spirituality through unconventional comedic storytelling.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 1h 39m = 3h 19m
