It’s Christmas Eve and we are going to go celebrate being young and being alive.|Dec. 08, 2006|United States|136 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Romance
Description: Iris Simpkins, portrayed by Kate Winslet, is a society columnist for The Daily Telegraph in London. Despite her ex-boyfriend Jasper Bloom’s infidelity and emotional demands, she still harbors feelings for him. When she learns of his engagement, Iris is heartbroken and decides to escape for the holidays. Meanwhile, Amanda Woods, played by Cameron Diaz, is a movie trailer producer in Los Angeles who ends her relationship with her film composer boyfriend, Ethan, after discovering his infidelity. Amanda stumbles upon Iris’s cottage listing on a home swap website and contacts her. The two agree to exchange homes for two weeks.
Iris finds Amanda’s spacious house comfortable upon arrival, but Amanda initially regrets the swap and plans to return home the following day. That evening, Iris’s brother Graham, a handsome book editor played by Jude Law, visits Amanda after a night at the pub and asks to stay over. Despite their initial awkward encounter, they share a meaningful conversation, and Graham unexpectedly kisses Amanda. They spend the night together, but the next morning, they part ways, believing they will not meet again. Later that evening, Graham spots Amanda at a local pub, where she has decided to stay longer.
During her stay, Iris befriends Arthur Abbott, Amanda’s elderly neighbor and a celebrated screenwriter from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Arthur offers Iris advice on overcoming her struggles with Jasper by suggesting she watch classic films featuring strong female characters to inspire her to take control of her own life. Iris also assists Arthur in preparing for a speaking engagement at a Writers Guild event and helps him regain his confidence. Additionally, she forms a friendship with Miles, a colleague of Ethan’s, who is dating Maggie, an aspiring actress.
The story follows both women as they navigate their personal challenges, find unexpected connections, and rediscover their independence during their holiday exchange.
Cast director: Nancy Meyers
Cast actor: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell, Miffy Englefield, Emma Pritchard, Sarah Parish
Original name: The Holiday