Holy Days film gets top marks from Catholic reviewer

By CathNews New Zealand

February 24th, 2026

A scene from 'Holy Days'

A comedic adventure movie involving nuns, a young lad searching for answers and a madcap road trip in the South Island has been described as a “triumph” and a “movie with heart” by a Catholic reviewer.

Holy Days, based on a Dame Joy Cowley novel and featuring Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver and rising star Elijah Tamati, opens in Aotearoa New Zealand cinemas on February 26.

Wellington-based reviewer Michael Fitzsimons wrote that “much-loved author Joy Cowley . . . knows what makes a good story and this movie has these elements in spades – sharply drawn characters, a suspenseful plot and buckets of humour”.

The story takes place in a recognisably Catholic world, Mr Fitzsimons noted, with roles including a bishop “in cahoots with a developer”, and a priest who “bumbles along but finds his redemption”, while the sisters “embrace life wherever it may take them”.

“With Joy Cowley, the funny and the profound mix together so naturally,” Mr Fitzsimons wrote.

“Beneath all the hijinks and comedic twists and turns of the movie, there is the underlying message that life is full of little miracles that give zest to everyday living and draw us into the grand mystery of life. [The boy] Brian learns from his faith-filled sister companions nothing is to be feared, not even death.

“With its polished production values and top-drawer acting, Holy Days is a triumph. The three sisters are totally convincing and Elijah Tamati is a star as young Brian.

“Holy Days is a movie with heart – entertaining, suspenseful and surprisingly moving.”

Filmed on location in New Zealand, Holy Days is a Canada-New Zealand production made with financing from the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Screen Production, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, CBC Films and Elemental Post.

The world premiere of the movie was at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on February 5, and releases are scheduled for Canada and the United States on March 27. A May 28 release in Australia is planned.

FULL STORY

Review of Holy Days by Michael Fitzsimons (Michael Fitzsimons/Catholic Diocese of Auckland)

Judy Davis’ ‘Holy Days’ Headed to U.S. Theaters Via Blue Fox (Hollywood Reporter)

Holy Days (Village Cinemas Australia)