What We Did On Our Holiday Film
Ever feel like your family holidays are a bit… predictable? You know, the same old car singalongs, the slightly-too-warm hotel rooms, the endless quest for decent Wi-Fi? Well, buckle up, because I just stumbled upon a movie that took the concept of a family holiday and turned it upside down, inside out, and then probably bounced it off a few unsuspecting seagulls. I'm talking about What We Did On Our Holiday, and oh boy, is it a ride!
Imagine this: you're a slightly frazzled, recently separated couple, trying to put on a brave face for your three adorable, but let's be honest, slightly bonkers kids. And where do you decide to host this grand display of parental unity? None other than a big, sprawling family gathering at Grandpa’s (played by the legend that is Dame Judi Dench) and Grandma’s place. Sounds idyllic, right? Think again. Because these aren't just any family get-togethers. This is a holiday where secrets are as plentiful as the questionable party hats, and the kids, bless their innocent little hearts, are about to unleash a level of chaos that would make a herd of wild elephants look like a polite tea party.
The premise itself is gold. You have David Tennant and Rosamund Pike playing Doug and Abi, the aforementioned parents who are trying their absolute best to keep their marital woes under wraps. Their kids, Lottie, Mia, and the incredibly precocious Mick (seriously, this kid steals every scene he's in!), are the unwitting pawns in this grown-up game of pretend. And the stakes? Oh, they're higher than a kite in a hurricane. It all kicks off because the parents are dreading the inevitable cross-examination from Doug’s well-meaning but hilariously blunt father, Gordie (Billy Connolly), and his equally sharp wife, Anne (Dame Judi Dench). They want to present a united front, a picture-perfect family, when in reality, their lives are about as put-together as a toddler’s art project after a glitter explosion.
But here's where the real magic happens. The kids, especially Mick, have their own agenda. Armed with a truly impressive, and frankly terrifying, understanding of what’s really going on, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Their plan? To invent a fantastical, wildly elaborate story to explain their parents' separation to their grandparents. And what do they invent, you ask? Oh, it involves a rather unfortunate incident with a wrestling champion, a badger, and a very questionable misunderstanding involving a time machine. Yes, you read that right. A time machine. My own family holidays have never involved anything quite so… cinematic. We usually just argue about who gets the last digestive biscuit.
The beauty of What We Did On Our Holiday lies in its sheer relatability, despite the utterly ridiculous plot points. Who hasn't felt the pressure to appear a certain way in front of family? Who hasn't had to navigate the awkward silences and the thinly veiled questions? This film captures that feeling perfectly, but then amplifies it with the innocent, unvarnished truth-telling of children. The kids' dialogue is a masterclass in unintended honesty. They say the things we’re all thinking but are too polite (or too scared) to utter. It’s like having a tiny, adorable, truth-serum-dispensing committee running around the house.
And the cast? Simply phenomenal. David Tennant is his usual charming, slightly manic self, perfectly embodying the stressed-out dad trying to hold it all together. Rosamund Pike is a revelation, showcasing her comedic timing with every perfectly timed eye-roll and exasperated sigh. But it’s the kids who really shine. They are so natural, so funny, and so utterly believable that you’ll find yourself rooting for their increasingly insane narrative. And Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly? They are the ultimate comedic double act, their weathered wisdom and impeccable comic timing adding layers of warmth and hilarity. They’re the kind of grandparents you secretly wish you had, the ones who aren’t afraid to speak their minds, even if it’s to question the sudden appearance of a wrestling champion’s towel at a family dinner.
Watching this film is like being invited to the most chaotic, heartwarming, and hilariously awkward family reunion imaginable. It’s a reminder that even when things get messy, and believe me, they get messy in this film, love and laughter can always find a way to win. It’s the kind of movie that will have you chuckling all the way through and then reflecting on your own family dynamics with a fond, slightly bewildered smile. So, if you’re looking for a film that’s genuinely funny, incredibly sweet, and will make you appreciate the glorious, messy, unpredictable nature of family, then do yourself a favor and watch What We Did On Our Holiday. Just try not to start inventing elaborate tales about time-traveling badgers in your own life. Although, I’m not saying I haven’t considered it…
