Palpably tense and thematically complex, this is deeply uncomfortable viewing, with a graphic but wholly justified rape scene
The film is cold and hard, clinically detached from both its subjects and the milieu which they inhabitant. But is it a post-:pound_symbol:MeToo narrative or an exploitative recreation of the male gaze and a validation of the worst imaginable elements of toxic masculinity (and toxic femininity)? And, yes, there are some problems – the eschewing of narrative momentum and conventional character arcs, the lack of interest in eliciting pathos – but this is an impressive debut feature. The rape scene will limit its exposure beyond the festival circuit, but irrespective of that, we will definitely be hearing more from Isabella Eklöf in the future.
For my complete review, please visit: https://boxd.it/MSKcR
The cinema blurb made this out to be an "I spit on your grave" type of film, it's not.
what does a drug lord's dolly have to do to stay alive, and become more than a holiday toy?
There's a lot of tension from the start, long, lingering shots, where I expected our silly heroine to get attacked by the main a$$hole.
Just as it feels like it's about to put it's foot down on the harsh... it ends.
I liked the soundtrack, liked that the silly girl grew up a bit..
*It's stayed on my mind the day after.
Review by XiofireBlockedParent2019-02-27T22:15:53Z
Holiday is a shocking, trope-busting artsy thriller that utilises slow-burn tactics to add extra sting to it's shocking scenes. While I understand the films merits, and greatly appreciate it's subversion of typical character tropes and expectations, I can't shake the feeling that I disliked this movie, and I can't fully put my finger on why.
I liked how Thomas was used throughout as a literal symbol of escape (with a boat too), a helping hand reaching to Sascha to pull her out of this horrific life she's found herself ensnarled in, only to subvert your expectations when Sascha ultimately murders him to maintain her lavish and materialistic lifestyle. The viewer expects Sascha to want to break free of her oppressive, abusive boyfriend after the horrific acts we see him inflict upon her, only for the exact opposite to be true. Sascha is willing to endure this abuse, and even kill, to protect the luxury she has grown accustom to. And I think that's why I disliked Holiday by the finale. After all is said and done and the characters intentions are laid bare, you realise you've invested in characters that are all completely unlikeable, and the redemption arcs you thought they'd take never come to fruition. The only character you can root for get's unabashedly murdered, for seemingly no other reason than trying to connect with the wrong person at the wrong time. Sure, this is a subversion of your expectations, but it makes the film come off as a hollow shock piece after all the complicated and nuanced groundwork put in during the opening act.
So I think that's why I dislike Holiday, but appreciate it aswell. It's a personal 6/10, but probably an analytical 8/10, so I'll score it right down the middle.