The Holiday (released in theaters on December 8, 2006), written and directed by Nancy Meyers, is a charming, globe-trotting romantic comedy that embraces the cozy comfort of Christmas while delivering a genuine message about finding strength and new beginnings after heartbreak. The film balances two contrasting worlds and features winning performances from its four leads: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
The film introduces us to two women on opposite sides of the Atlantic, both dealing with crushing romantic disappointment just before Christmas.
In Surrey, England, Iris Simpkins (Winslet) is a kind-hearted writer for a newspaper who is hopelessly in love with her commitment-phobic colleague, Jasper Bloom (Rufus Sewell), who has just announced his engagement to another woman.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Amanda Woods (Diaz) is a high-powered, perpetually stressed-out owner of a movie trailer company who has just discovered her long-term boyfriend, Ethan (Edward Burns), is cheating on her. Amanda is emotionally stunted, unable to cry or fully express her feelings.
Desperate for a change of scenery, Amanda impulsively searches the internet for a vacation spot and connects with Iris, who has posted her cozy English cottage for a “home exchange.”
The two agree to swap houses for the two weeks leading up to the New Year.
The change of environment immediately shakes up their lives. Amanda struggles hilariously to adapt to the lack of modern amenities and technology in the quaint English countryside but soon finds herself captivated by Iris’s charming brother, Graham (Law), a book editor and single father.
Their chemistry is immediate and passionate, forcing Amanda to confront her emotional guardedness.
Iris, initially finding peace in Amanda’s sprawling L.A. mansion, soon meets two unexpected men: Miles Dumont (Black), a quirky, sensitive film composer and friend of Ethan, and Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach), a kindly, elderly gentleman and former golden-age Hollywood screenwriter.
Iris forms a beautiful friendship with Arthur, helping him prepare for a lifetime achievement award, and Miles helps Iris realize her own value, leading her toward a sweet, meaningful romance.
Shannyn Sossamon, John Krasinski, Alex O’Laughlin and Odette Annable round out the supporting cast.
Jude Law and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (Photo/Sony Pictures)
Reception for The Holiday
The Holiday grossed $12.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office.
The film would gross $205.2 million worldwide.
Rex Reed, in his review for The New York Observer, said “at least 90% of The Holiday is a stocking-stuffer from Tiffany’s … so loaded with charm that it makes you glow all over and puts a smile in your heart.”
Legacy
The Holiday has cemented its place as a modern Christmas movie staple. Its legacy is built upon its appealing visuals, which showcase a magical, snow-dusted English village and a glamorous California mansion, and Meyers’ signature style of blending high production design with relatable emotional turmoil.
The film is a feel-good showcase for its stars, particularly Law in a charming romantic role and Winslet, whose character arc about learning self-respect is profoundly affecting.
The film’s underlying message—that you must be the heroine of your own life before finding love—makes it an enduringly popular and positive holiday watch.
