Holy Days (2026): the New Zealand film starring Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver

Holy Days will be released in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2026. The film marks the directorial debut of Nathalie Boltt, a New Zealand actress who adapted Dame Joy Cowley’s novel for the screen. A co-production between New Zealand and Canada, the film is set in 1970s Aotearoa and alternates between comedic tones and reflections on mortality and intergenerational relationships.

The main cast features three internationally established actors: Judy Davis as Sister Agnes, Miriam Margolyes as Sister Luke, and Jacki Weaver an Oscar nominee as Sister Mary Clare. Facing eviction from the convent and the prospect of forced retirement, the three nuns embark on a journey to the South Island in an old car, aiming to retrieve the property deed held by a former sister who has become a lawyer.

Joining the group is Brian, a nine-year-old Māori boy played by Elijah Tamati, who is staying at the convent after his mother’s death. Brian has a personal goal: to reach the summit of Mount Cook (Aoraki), a place that in his worldview represents the crossing point between the living and the dead. His presence changes the course of the journey, turning it into a path with spiritual implications for all involved.

Filming took place in Christchurch, Akaroa, and the mountainous areas of Aoraki. Major production challenges included faithfully recreating the 1970s setting and managing high-altitude shoots during a sequence with artificial snow, which is narratively central in the film. Boltt also contributed as screenwriter and appears in a supporting role.

The soundtrack is composed by musician Tami Nielson. The film premiered at the Toronto Festival before beginning international distribution. Its U.S. release represents the main commercial test for the film.