Movie Review: HOLISTAY

By ABBIE BERNSTEIN / Staff Writer

Posted: July 28th, 2023 / 01:42 AM

HOLISTAY movie poster | ©2023 Breaking Glass Pictures

Rating: Not Rated
Stars: Erin Gavin, Gabriela Kulaif, Steven Martini, Gavin O’Fearraigh, John Michael Hersey, Bailee Bob Sveen
Writer: Mary Gallagher
Director: Mary Gallagher
Distributor: Breaking Glass Pictures
Release Date: July 25, 2023 (VOD/Digital)

HOLISTAY is technically a thriller with Celtic horror trimmings. However, structurally, it’s like one of those jokes where the punchline requires a long, deadpan set-up in order to work.

On the upside, the “punchline” in HOLISTAY works, at least when it hits. Then we’re left with more questions. On the downside, the set-up here is indeed long.

HOLISTAY takes place in an upscale neighborhood in San Diego, California (as the end credits inform us, the film was actually shot in Las Vegas). We first see two blue jeans-clad caretakers cleaning up the house and yard; the camera never rises to their faces.

Then we meet Irish couple Branna (Erin Gavin) and Finn (Gavin O’Fearraigh) as they bring their suitcases into the house. They appear happy, although we gather that Branna would be even happier if they finally got married.

Once they’ve settled in, we’re introduced to a second couple, Gia (Gabriela Kulaif) and Tony (Steven Martini). They pull up to the same house. They’re surprised there’s no key waiting for them, surprised the front door is unlocked, and extremely surprised to find Branna and Finn already in the vacation rental they had booked.

After the initial confusion has settled down, everyone agrees that either the travel agents or the homeowners have somehow messed up. Both couples had booked the house for a four-day vacation.

Nobody can reach the homeowners. The travel agencies agree to waive payment. So, only Gia wants to switch to a hotel. Everyone else accepts that since there are two bedrooms, and it’s now free, they might as well share the place. It’s only four days.

Then, separately, Finn and Tony both see a tall figure cloaked in a hooded black robe carrying a staff. Branna and Gia find artwork of this figure tucked inside a book. And Tony starts to hear screams in the night. What can it all mean? We discover that at least some of these people have big secrets, but are these tied to or separate from the odd occurrences?

Written and directed by Mary Gallagher, HOLISTAY is a movie where we cannot determine until the end whether certain elements are clues or filmmaker mistakes. They all turn out to be clues, although the resolution creates some brand-new questions.

A bigger issue is that we just don’t enjoy spending time with Gia and Tony. While what they argue about makes sense, they are neither likable nor involving. Branna and Finn aren’t especially deep characters either, but they are easier on us as cinematic companions.

HOLISTAY is conceptually intriguing, with a strong kicker. Gallagher pulls off several admirable twists. It just takes a while to get there.

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