Summary

  • The Holiday is a classic feel-good romantic comedy that combines funny stories, engaging characters, and a happily ever after ending.
  • The film depicts healthy relationships and self-love, showing the growth and development of its main characters.
  • A sequel to The Holiday would offer a modern retelling, capturing the changes in technology and the opportunity to continue the storylines of the beloved characters.

Romantic comedies that take place at Christmas are undeniable fan favorites, combining two feel-good genres into one wonderful event. Films from Love, Actually to Happiest Season have made their way into the hearts and homes of audiences everywhere thanks to their funny stories, engaging characters, and, of course, that feel-good "happily ever after" finale.

2006's The Holiday is perhaps one of the best examples of this trend. The premise is simple — two women wanting a change of scenery decide to switch houses on a whim for two weeks... and of course, hilarity ensues. Its span takes audiences on an escapade through a snowy London while paying homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood across the globe. Starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black, The Holiday depicts two distinct love stories about two very different couples who manage to overcome several life obstacles to come together. In the process, they learn a great deal about both each other and themselves.

Updated 11/23/2023 by Amanda Minchin: Fans of the holiday rom-com craze should know that this article was just updated with all the latest juicy gossip.

So, why is it, in the age of the sequel, that this film hasn't made its way to the proverbial block? It's true that things have changed a lot since 2006. That being said, there are some aspects of The Holiday that would translate perfectly into a more modern retelling. Elements from its depiction of healthy relationships and self-love to its sense of character development, and its non-kitschy romances, would make a sequel all the sweeter. Here are some of the reasons why The Holiday needs a sequel.

A Lot Has Changed Since The First Film

the holiday
The Holiday
PG-13
Comedy
Romance
Release Date
December 8, 2006
Director
Nancy Meyers
Runtime
136

Technology, and, in particular, house swapping, has come a long way since The Holiday premiered in 2006. From Airbnb to VRBO and the litany of websites and apps to choose from in between, staying in a random person's house for a short period of time doesn't seem quite as adventurous as it did nearly twenty years ago. Curious interlopers can even stay at the countryside cottage or purchase the California mega-mansion from the film.

Technology aside, another thing to consider would be whether Jack Black and Cameron Diaz would reprise their respective roles as both have stepped away from acting in the past few years to focus on their family life and other projects. Perhaps the pair could be persuaded to come back for just one more project. After all, it would be lovely to see how the main relationships from the first film have developed over time.

There's also the question of Jude Law's children in the film, portrayed by Emma Pritchard and Miffy Englefield, respectively. Both have kept a low profile since it aired. It would be fascinating to see how these child-to-adult relationships have developed.

Complicating things even further is that acclaimed writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers is currently wrapped up in talks to continue her newest project, the semi-autobiographical Paris Paramount, after talks over budgetary concerns with Netflix fell through. Perhaps this one would be an easier sell for the multi-hyphenate?

Depiction of Healthy Relationships

The Holiday depicts both the healthy and unhealthy sides of a romance. At the beginning of the film, Iris is seen lamenting over her boss and former boyfriend, Jasper. Jasper, on the other hand, couldn't care less about Iris, other than her undivided emotional support. Amanda Woods, on the other hand, is an LA production company owner and workaholic who seems to have it all... that is until she discovers her boyfriend, Ethan, is cheating on her. Unlike Iris, Amanda shows no real emotional reaction to being mistreated by her partner aside from anger.

Swapping homes and lives leads to a second, and genuinely healthy, chance at love for both. For Iris, it's meeting Miles Dumont, a film composer. He shows Iris hospitality, promising a future where a kind, selfless romantic prospect exists just for her. Amanda's second chance at love comes in a more fairytale-like way when Graham, Iris's brother, rings her doorbell. They have a spontaneous sexual encounter in Iris's cottage that turns into something much more profound. From dates around London to meeting Graham's children, to experiencing a sensitivity and warmth that Ethan never provided her, Amanda learns what it is like to receive selfless love for the first time in her life.

Related: These Are the Best Nancy Meyers Films as Both a Writer and Director, Ranked

In a day and age where many interactions are relegated to social media and texting, it'd be great to see a rom-com sequel where its protagonists focus on getting to know each other face-to-face, with respect, kindness, and wholehearted affection.

Excellent Representation of Self-Love

Iris' story arc is perhaps one of the best representations of self-love in film. During her time in California, for example, Iris forms a close friendship with Arthur Abbott, a retired screenwriter who Iris persuades to speak at the Writers Guild of America West. In turn, Arthur pushes Iris to be an independent woman, devoid of sentimental attachments to men who don't deserve her.

Similarly, her new love interest, Miles, is a kind, giving soul who is devoted to his girlfriend, Maggie. Unfortunately and unbeknownst to him, she's seeing another man behind his back. When Miles finds out, Iris consoles him, realizing the similarity in their respective plights. Together, the two learn to ultimately let go of their self-centered love interests and start dating with a newfound hope.

Even if they hadn't started dating and only remained friends, both characters managed to learn an invaluable lesson about self-love. While romcoms don't always perpetuate this message (historically they lean towards needing a love interest over self-worth), a sequel to The Holiday surely would and could.

Character Development

On the subject of self-development, it is also important to note that each of the main characters shows growth throughout the course of the film, even in their tropes. Every character develops in an interesting and notably believable way.

Related: Best Christmas Rom-Coms of All Time, Ranked

Amanda, for one, learns to trust others and to fully open her heart for the first time. In doing so, she is finally able to feel the real-life repercussions of her decisions, breaking down the emotional block that impedes her from crying. Graham, on the other hand, opens up his heart to love when meeting Amanda, which is quite a gamble considering his family is still mourning his late wife's passing. Iris embraces her worth, allowing her to fully grace those around her with her charming personality instead of hiding behind the whims of another. Miles, who is arguably the most selfless and loving character in the movie, learns that there will always be someone who is ready to accept his love while reciprocating it equally.

A sequel would need to show what happened to the unique, funny, nice-guy-done-right Miles; the quirky, romantic, and kind-hearted Iris; the self-sufficient, assertive Amanda; and the charming and gallant Graham. Characters like these are the bread and butter of the modern rom-com genre.

Romance Done Right

Surprisingly, it's far too easy to find a rom-com that shows an unhealthy portrayal of a romantic relationship. The romantic scenarios in The Holiday, however, are written cleverly with this in mind while still paying homage to the traditional tropes of the genre.

Amanda meeting Graham, for example, while somewhat contrived, is still plausible, considering Graham's relationship with the usual tenant. Cameron Diaz and Jude Law deliver a subtlety and lightheartedness to the scene that truly sells the bodice-ripping moment, making way for the suspension of disbelief.

Iris and Miles, on the other hand, build a slower and much more nuanced relationship. They start off as friends, taking the time to really get to know each other without a romantic agenda in the works. Part of this is because they're still trying to get over their past romantic entanglements. While Amanda and Graham's relationship takes the spotlight in its romantic troupes and sexual scenarios, Iris and Miles' relationship is by far the more compelling in their respective plights. Audiences can relate to the unrequited love Iris experiences and Miles's pain over his unfaithful partner.

One thing about all of them, however, is just how human they are. Audiences can relate to getting to know someone who promises a new chance at love, and means it. It would be so rewarding to see what happened to both relationships after the whirlwind experience of The Holiday. Are they still together all these years later? Only time will tell.

The Holiday Is A Feel-Good Movie

In addition to being an epic holiday movie, The Holiday just so happens to be just a classic feel-good film. It not only provides a steaming dose of two enjoyable love stories with likable and relatable characters. More importantly, in all these feel-good moments, The Holiday provides life lessons that aren't typically seen in the average rom-com, albeit a holiday one. In doing so, it teaches its audiences about selflessness, compassion, self-love, and most importantly, hope. Newer generations of fresh moviegoers deserve an equally refreshing retelling for their generation. A sequel in this same thematic framework would allow them to fully embrace and enjoy the magic that is The Holiday.

Stream The Holiday on AMC+

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