Holiday In The Wild (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in Zambia, with Lusaka serving as the gateway to the country's national parks and conservation areas. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Africa's wildlife-rich landscapes, specifically at an elephant sanctuary in one of the continent's largest game reserves.

• zambia
• lusaka
• africa
• safari
• setting
• location

The movie takes place in 2019, setting it in the modern day. This contemporary timeframe allows the film to address current issues like elephant poaching and wildlife conservation while exploring themes of personal transformation.

• 2019
• modern
• timeframe
• year
• contemporary

The film explores three core themes: love and loss as Kate navigates heartbreak and finds new connection; wildlife conservation, focusing on elephant protection and the fight against poaching; and self-discovery, as Kate reassesses her life priorities and pursues her passion for veterinary work with wildlife.

• love
• loss
• conservation
• self-discovery
• themes
• elephants
• poaching

Kate Conrad is the film's protagonist, portrayed by Kristin Davis. She is a former veterinarian going through a painful divorce after her husband reveals he no longer loves her. Seeking solace, she travels to Zambia where she rediscovers her passion for wildlife conservation and finds healing through caring for an orphaned elephant named Manu.

• kate conrad
• protagonist
• veterinarian
• divorce
• main character

Derek, played by Rob Lowe, is a pilot who works at the elephant sanctuary in Zambia. He serves as Kate's love interest and plays a vital role in her journey of self-discovery. His compassionate nature and dedication to wildlife conservation create a meaningful connection with Kate as she heals from her divorce.

• derek
• pilot
• rob lowe
• love interest
• sanctuary

Drew is Kate's husband, portrayed by Colin Moss, who undergoes a mid-life crisis and decides to end their marriage. His decision to reveal he no longer loves Kate serves as the catalyst for her journey to Zambia, setting in motion her path toward self-discovery and new love.

• drew
• husband
• colin moss
• divorce
• kate's past

The film highlights the plight of African elephants facing threats from poaching. It showcases the important work done at sanctuaries to rescue and care for orphaned elephants, emphasizing how conservation efforts protect wildlife and how individuals can find purpose through helping these animals.

• elephants
• poaching
• conservation
• sanctuary
• wildlife protection

The movie has a hopeful and uplifting tone, balancing emotional themes of divorce and animal endangerment with positive outcomes. While it addresses serious topics like heartbreak and poaching, the narrative focuses on healing, romantic connection, and the beauty of the African landscape, resulting in a feel-good story with a happy ending.

• tone
• hopeful
• uplifting
• emotional
• romance
• happy ending

Kate is a veterinarian by training, though her journey leads her to rediscover this passion while working with wildlife in Zambia. Her veterinary skills become essential in caring for the orphaned elephant Manu, and her experiences at the sanctuary help her redefine her career path toward wildlife conservation.

• veterinarian
• vet
• profession
• wildlife
• career

Leslie, played by Hayley Owen, is Derek's girlfriend who works at the sanctuary alongside him. She adds tension to the developing relationship between Kate and Derek, as her presence creates jealousy and conflict when she notices the growing connection between Kate and the man she loves.

• leslie
• hayley owen
• girlfriend
• love triangle
• conflict

The elephant sanctuary serves as both the physical setting and emotional core of the film. It provides Kate with a new purpose and community while allowing the story to explore real conservation work. The sanctuary setting enables her transformation from a heartbroken traveler to someone actively engaged in saving wildlife.

• sanctuary
• elephants
• transformation
• purpose
• community