Holy Days (12A)

This lively New Zealand road comedy with a rebellious streak sends a grieving boy and three unruly nuns rattling across the South Island in search of redemption, and a very specific piece of paperwork.

In 1974, Brian is struggling with the death of his mother and his father’s plans to remarry. He finds comfort with the nuns she worked alongside: formidable Agnes (Judy Davis), mischievous Luke (Miriam Margolyes) and warm-hearted Mary Clare (Jacki Weaver). When a new bishop closes their convent, the sisters refuse to go quietly. Borrowing a car and heading south to collect the property deed from Brian’s Aunt Patricia, they reluctantly take him along.

The journey provides a strew of comic detours, from stop-motion glimpses into Brian’s imagination to dodgy cash, eccentric locals and increasingly chaotic escapades. Davis, Margolyes and Weaver are terrific fun together, delivering sharp comic timing while giving the sisters enough warmth to make their friendship convincing.

Underneath the silliness are observations about changing communities, property development and the disappearance of services people rely on. The story may be unapologetically sentimental, but its infectious humour, colourful characters and generous spirit make the journey easy to enjoy