The Hollars (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie primarily takes place in New York City, where John Hollar lives and works as a graphic novelist. However, the story also unfolds in John's hometown, where he returns to be with his family during his mother's illness. New York City serves as the backdrop for John's present-day life, while his hometown represents his complicated past and family ties.

• setting
• locations
• new york city
• hometown

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the current challenges faced by modern families. The story captures universal themes of love, loss, and life's transitions, resonating with audiences through its relatable depiction of present-day family struggles.

• time period
• era
• contemporary
• modern

The Hollars explores three interconnected themes: loss, new beginnings, and family. The film centers on the family coping with a mother's terminal illness while simultaneously preparing for a new birth, John's impending fatherhood. These themes of death and life colliding create the bittersweet tone that defines the movie's emotional landscape.

• themes
• loss
• new beginnings
• family
• bittersweet

John Hollar is the film's protagonist, portrayed as a graphic novelist living in New York City. He faces the dual challenges of his mother's serious illness and impending fatherhood with his pregnant partner. Throughout the film, John confronts his complicated family dynamics and learns to balance his past with his future.

• john hollar
• main character
• protagonist
• graphic novelist

Sally Hollar is John's mother and the matriarch of the Hollar family. Her battle with a brain tumor serves as the catalyst that brings the family together. Her illness forces John to return home and confront his past, while her strength and vulnerability provide a poignant portrayal of a mother facing her legacy.

• sally hollar
• mother
• matriarch
• brain tumor

Ron Hollar is John's brother, who is grappling with his past and a complicated relationship with his ex-wife. His character reflects themes of longing and regret, and his journey involves risking everything to reconnect with his daughters. Ron's storyline showcases the depths of familial love even in difficult circumstances.

• ron hollar
• brother
• ex-wife
• daughters

Don Hollar is the patriarch of the Hollar family and father to John and Ron. He struggles to keep the family business afloat while dealing with his wife's illness. Don represents resilience and emotional strength, demonstrating a father's dedication as he supports his family through their most challenging times.

• don hollar
• father
• patriarch
• family business

The Hollars is classified as a drama, comedy, romance, and family film. The movie balances its serious subject matter, dealing with illness and family conflict, with comedic family dynamics and romantic elements. The tone is described as bittersweet, mixing moments of humor with emotional depth as the family navigates loss while also celebrating new beginnings.

• genre
• comedy
• drama
• romance
• family film
• bittersweet tone

The movie juxtaposes death and birth as central themes. While the family copes with Sally's terminal illness and eventual death, John simultaneously prepares for the arrival of his first child. This contrast serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound grief, life continues and new joys can emerge, a theme that defines the film's emotional resolution.

• death
• birth
• life
• death and birth
• new baby
• mother's illness

The main family conflict revolves around Sally's brain tumor diagnosis, which forces John to return home and face unresolved tensions from his past. The family must navigate not only their mother's illness but also pre-existing rivalries, old relationships, and individual struggles, Ron with his ex-wife and Don with the failing family business. These crises test and ultimately strengthen their familial bonds.

• family conflict
• family crisis
• relationships
• rivalry
• ex-girlfriend

The movie explores how familial bonds are tested in times of crisis. Through shared experiences of dealing with illness, loss, and personal struggles, the characters discover strength in their unity. The film reveals that family ties can both be strained by hardship and reinforced through mutual support, ultimately highlighting the importance of connection and understanding.

• family bonds
• family relationships
• unity
• support