British funny-men Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin created one of the funniest shows in the country with Outnumbered. Outnumbered is based around a mad-cap working-class family in London, and the show details boring everyday jobs and situations but in a unique and comedic way. The reason I’m explaining this is because the same people who made Outnumbered also created a film with the same concept.
What We Did on Our Holiday is about a dysfunctional family traveling to Scotland to celebrate their Grandad’s 75th Birthday. The cast is full of British icons with Rosamund Pike and David Tennant playing the parents Abi and Doug McLeod and Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge and Harriet Turnball playing their children Lottie, Mickey and Jess. Providing some good ‘ole Scottish humour is Billy Connolly as Gordie, the Grandfather. The film is perfectly cast with some wit and some deadpan humour in the film being provided by the family members.
The heart of the film is the relationship between the children and their Grandad. Lottie and Gordie share a close bond with each other which really shines throughout the film. Meanwhile, Mickey’s obsession with Vikings is aided by Gordie’s heritage and heirlooms that he shares with him. Jess is mischievous and is constantly hiding objects from her family, something that amuses Gordie who also has a mischievous side. All three children are clearly enjoying their time with their Grandad and the scenes at the Beach with them all together is a pivotal scene that also reinforces their bond as a family.
Scotland is beautiful, there is no denying that, and the cinematography used to show the rural landscapes really makes the film feel alive and gives it scope. The film can feel too fancy free in times, especially when Celia Imrie’s social worker appears on the scene, but apart from that the film flows rather naturally and doesn’t feel forced at all in its storytelling. It’s a light-hearted reminder of what is important in life, and who you spend your time with.
Yet, despite the heavy themes in the film it never feels like it is forcing them down our throats. Billy Connolly is a national treasure and his effortless skills of comedy and acting are a highlight throughout the film. There are some scenes which I even found myself howling with laughter, such as a scene which involves a light that turns on by clapping. It’s these moments which makes this film stand above others. The originality and the sparks of humour throughout the film is the selling point of what makes What We Did on Our Holiday work.
★★★★☆
4/5
What We Did on Our Holiday is designed for the whole family. Children and adults will find humour in the unlikeliest of places in this light-hearted romp. It deals with heavy themes but the cast handle the story very well, even if the ending feels a bit too trite, and the film looks beautiful almost as if you’re on holiday with them. It may be set in Scotland, but this British Comedy deserves a legacy in our film culture.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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