What We Did on Our Holiday

In the rolling, mist‑kissed Highlands of Scotland, a large, eclectic family converges to honor a patriarch’s milestone birthday. The celebration promises sunshine, sweeping vistas, and the usual chaos that comes when several generations share a cramped, historic house. Beneath the picturesque setting, the gathering becomes a delicate stage for unspoken tensions, as each relative brings their own hopes, grievances, and a healthy dose of affection for one another.

Doug McLeod arrives with his wife Abi, a couple whose recent separation lingers like a low‑hum of static. Their reunion is motivated as much by duty to the family as by a desire to keep the peace for their children. Across the hallway, Gavin—Doug’s brother—exudes a quiet competitiveness, hinting at deeper rivalries that have simmered for years. Their interactions are a blend of sibling banter and thinly veiled power struggles, setting a tone where humor and discomfort walk hand in hand.

The trio of youngsters—Lottie, the sharp‑eyed eldest, Mickey, the imaginative middle child, and Jess, the observant youngest—act as both mirrors and magnifiers. Their candid remarks and innocent curiosity serve to surface the adults’ hidden issues, turning ordinary family chatter into moments of awkward revelation. While the children are largely oblivious to the full weight of what they expose, their sincerity adds a fresh, sometimes unsettling perspective that keeps the atmosphere lively and unpredictable.

Overall, the film balances gentle comedy with poignant family drama, painting a portrait of a reunion that is as much about confronting private truths as it is about celebrating a life well‑lived. The Scottish backdrop, together with the ensemble’s witty repartee, creates a warm yet slightly uneasy mood, inviting viewers to wonder how far love, loyalty, and a bit of good‑natured mischief can go when a family is forced to face itself.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:30