‘Holy Days’ – A Road Trip of Faith, Friendship and Pure Kiwi Joy – Review
Nothing beats a proper Kiwi comedy, the kind that wears its heart on its sleeve, kicks up a bit of dust on the open road, and leaves you grinning long after the credits roll. With Holy Days, actress-turned-writer-director Nat Boltt delivers exactly that: a warm, whimsical, thoroughly charming road movie that feels tailor-made for those final golden days of summer.
Adapted from the beloved novel by Joy Cowley, Holy Days is set in rural New Zealand in the mid-1970s, a time of social change, cultural shift, and fading traditions. Boltt captures the era beautifully, crafting a slice-of-life adventure that blends comedy, faith, friendship and grief into a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alive. This is Kiwiana through and through — gentle, cheeky, and grounded in emotional truth.
A lost boy in search of heaven, three odd nuns on a mission, a car powered by God (and stolen money). This is a road trip like no other.
A Child’s Eye View of a Changing World
At the heart of the film is 10-year-old Brian Collins (Elijah Tamati), a bright, sensitive kid still struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother. Brian has found comfort and connection with the residents of Saint Bernadette’s, a rural nunnery that has long since lost its place in a modernising community, but remains a refuge for those who need it most.
Run by the no-nonsense yet deeply compassionate Mother Superior, Sister Agnes, Saint Bernadette’s is also home to the gentle, mousey Sister Mary Claire and the gloriously unhinged Sister Luke; a trio who provide Brian with the stability, humour and affection missing from his own fractured home life. When a greedy developer threatens to shut the nunnery down, the sisters decide to take matters into their own hands, sparking a road trip that quickly spirals into chaos, hilarity and unexpected self-discovery.
Road Movie Whimsy with a Kiwi Twist
Boltt smartly frames Holy Days through Brian’s eyes, giving the film a buoyant, storybook energy that carries it effortlessly from scene to scene. There’s a sense of adventure baked into every mile of the journey, with dusty backroads, small-town encounters and moments of pure absurdity all adding to the fun. The third act even throws in a handful of bold, kinetic driving sequences that are far more exhilarating than you’d ever expect, and that would make Mad Max blush!
Pitch-Perfect Casting and Performances
The casting here is an absolute treat. Judy Davis brings quiet authority and warmth to Sister Agnes, balancing discipline with deep empathy. Jacki Weaver is endlessly endearing as Sister Mary Claire, while Miriam Margolyes steals nearly every scene she’s in as the loud, unpredictable and utterly lovable Sister Luke.
Strong support comes from Tanea Heke as Patricia Ngata, a former sister turned lawyer and Brian’s great-aunt, who grounds the film with compassion and humour. And special praise must go to Elijah Tamati, who anchors the entire story with sincerity, charm and genuine childlike wonder. Brian’s emotional journey, from grief and resistance to openness and love, is handled with care and never feels forced.
Final Verdict: A Feel-Good Classic in the Making
Bright, colourful and overflowing with warmth, Holy Days is the kind of film that reminds you why local stories matter. It’s funny without being loud, emotional without being heavy, and proudly Kiwi without ever tipping into parody. For anyone looking for a light-hearted, feel-good cinema experience, one that celebrates community, kindness and a little bit of mischief, Holy Days is an absolute delight. By the time the journey ends, you’ll be smiling, maybe misty-eyed, and quietly hoping this becomes a cherished classic of Aotearoa cinema.
Image: Kismat Films
