Festive rom-coms likeThe Holidayare definitely all the rage these days.
It turns out, there are a few things inThe Holidaythat you only really notice as an adult.
When you’re a kid, interior design is hardly something you notice.
But, returning toThe Holidayas an adult, we were blown away by the unrealistically gorgeous homes.
In fact, asHooked on Housespointed out, Amanda’s designs were seriously on trend.
Her neutral home had white furniture, seagrass rugs, and a few well-placed plants it’s all veryGoop.
It’s clear now that this luxurious interior design is over the top.
Apparently, it cost the filmmakers $1 million to design and that’s without any plumbing or electricity!
What follows is meant to be a cute, endearing, funny exchange as Miles awkwardly apologizes.
However, watching the scene in a modern context, it feels just a bit too awkward.
AsRefinery29put it, it’s seriously “cringey.”
Of course, the scene could be a lot worse; it is just an accident after all.
Apparently, she thought it was so funny, she wrote it into his next scene.
He was a dad of two after all!
However, as adults, Graham is pretty much the ultimate romantic lead.
AsCosmopolitanpointed out, he’s basically perfect!
He’s also a great dad who takes care of his two daughters all by himself.
Plus, in the age of the “macho” man, Graham completely subverts this stereotype.
For instance, onhis date with Amanda, he openly admits to crying “all the time.”
How could we have not noticed this perfect male specimen as kids?
Even Law admitted that his character was pretty much the best.
“He’s trying to do the right thing.”
Where are her warm boots for trekking through the fields?
And what’s with all the fluffy white fur?
AsRepellernoted, she decided to bring three different coats with her for two weeks!
Plus, she also managed to squeeze a super glamorous evening wear dress into her luggage (viaCosmopolitan).
That seems like an odd choice for someone intending to hibernate on a cottage sofa all Christmas.
Finally, there are the shoes.
Amanda arrives in the English countryside literally wearing a pair ofstilettos!
Amanda was ridiculously unprepared for a winter in the countryside judging by her absurd wardrobe.
Amanda and Iris seemingly do zero research about where they’re heading before agreeing to home swap.
Based on her reactions to the neighborhood, she didn’t do any recon about where she was heading.
Talk about taking a huge risk!
AsThe Telegraphpointed out, doing research before committing to a home swap is essential.
We have to say, Iris got seriously lucky with her home exchange!
In fact, the more you think about it, the more confusing it becomes.
So,Cosmopolitanconcluded it must be around December 22 whenThe Holidaybegins.
It follows, then, that the two women start their vacation on December 23.
For a Christmas movie, there is a noticeable lack of Christmas inThe Holiday!
When they’re discussing sleeping together, Graham says, “How do you feel about foreplay?”
to which Amanda replies, “I think it’s overrated.
As oneTwitteruser joked, “CUT TO: The worst sex ever.”
AsWebMDnoted, foreplay is an important part of making intimacy enjoyable, particularly for women.
It’s not exactly a feminist portrayal to say the least!
One of the most glaring plot holes inThe Holidayonly really becomes clear once you’re an adult viewer.
For one, he apparently frequently sleeps over at his sister’s house after getting too drunk.
So, where are Graham’s kids all this time?
What single father has the luxury to leave home for more than 24 hours straight?
And who is taking care of the kids?
We have a lot of questions about Graham’s childcare situation in this film.
Unless he has a live-in nanny, his long, laid-back dates with Amanda seem seriously unrealistic!
As theNew Statesmannoted, it seems like Graham has literally abandoned his kids on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning!
Amanda is left wondering, “Who are all of these women in Graham’s life?”
Of course, they turn out to be his two adorabledaughters, which is great news for Amanda.
This is one plot hole that’s seriously hard to ignore as an adult!
Wait, was that Dustin Hoffman in The Holiday?
We then see a quick shot of a man glancing up at them in disdain.
It turns out, that’s actually the real Dustin Hoffman!
Apparently, Hoffman’s cameo was actually a last minute addition to the film.
“He’d just come out with these glorious anecdotes,” she recalled.
In fact,depressionandanxietyare often treated like a joke rather than a serious issue.
Amanda, for instance, is so stressed that she gets “esophageal spasms.”
As for Iris, she’s shown heartbroken and sobbing after discovering that her ex is engaged.
She even goes as far as to turn up the gas on her stove.
Where’s the festive food in The Holiday?
For a Christmas film,The Holidayis missing one important thing: holiday food!
AsVicenoted, there’s plenty of food in the film, but none of it is even remotely festive.
For instance, Iris and Miles are seen eating at asushi bar.
Nothing could be less like warm, comforting Christmas food than fish and veggies!
In another scene, Iris and Miles decide to whip up some “Christmas fettuccine” on Christmas Eve.
AsViceputs it, it’s “confusing and upsetting” to see such regular food.
AsBuzzFeedpointed out, it’s actually super depressing.
Towards the end of the film, Amanda and Graham discuss their relationship.
And for Iris and Miles, we have the same issue.
What’s the plan?
Are Miles and Amanda actually going to move to England and leave behind their careers?
Sadly, this ending seems a lot less satisfying as an adult.
