I was super excited when I found out that David Tennant’s latest movie was going to have a theatrical release in the U.S. (Thanks to my rabid following of www.david-tennant.com, I could mark the date on my calendar. But I’m not a crazy fan or anything!) I have to admit, I was a latecomer in discovering this extremely talented actor. I’m not sure if I first saw him when BBC America aired Spies of Warsaw (because I LOVE good spy drama) or in season 1 of Broadchurch. Either way, David Tennant is absolutely brilliant. And he’s pretty easy on the eyes, too. Yep, wouldn’t kick him out of bed (of course, he’s married, so that wouldn’t be appropriate. But a girl can still dream, right?!)
Anyway, after seeing whichever was the first show I saw him in, I got a little obsessed. It was the Christmas holiday, so I started binge watching just about everything I could find. From Blackpool to Hamlet (he’s incredible in that, BTW. If I had seen his performance back in high school, I might have actually understood Shakespeare!) and since then, a whole lot in between! But not Dr. Who, at first. After I ran out of just about everything else, I started on the role that made him a household name in the UK. But I’m still working my way through.
So when David’s new movie came out (as if I’m on a first name basis with him! LOL!), I had to rush to the theater – in part because I didn’t think it would be playing more than a week or two. I had read reviews of the film when it opened in the UK, so I knew a little what to expect. “What We Did on our Holiday” is a black comedy about Doug and Abi (David and Rosamund Pike), who are on the verge of divorce. Their awful behavior is a nightmare for their three children, but the couple agrees to keep up appearances while they visit Scotland for a special family occasion. It’s a great commentary on why divorce should be at the very least civil, when there are children involved.
In the end, the movie is really about the importance of family and why we should all “live more and think less”– heartfelt lessons made real for the adults by Doug and Abi’s children. Wisdom from the mouths of babes, so to speak. I thought the cast was just outstanding, especially the young actors who played the children. They had some of the funniest moments, and in the end, were rather heroic. Tissues were required, but I’m easily teary-eyed.
The other great draw for this movie was the scenery. I don’t know what part of Scotland they filmed, but it’s on my to-visit bucket list. Breathtaking and majestic. Lush green grass, and magnificent mountainsides. Kudos to whomever scouted out locations! “What We Did on our Holiday” was really an ensemble piece, and while I would have liked more screen time for David Tennant, he gave an excellent performance. I am always amazed at the gentle nuiances that he brings to characters. Always the right emotion and never over-acted. He’s just an outstanding talent and I think, one of the best actors of my generation, hands down. I was thinking at the end of the movie how Rosamund Pike earned an Academy Award nomination, and how deserving David Tennant would be of this honor. (given the right role, of course) But then, maybe it’s better to fly under the radar, like he does. He continually turns out spectacular performances, almost always critically acclaimed, without all the pressure. And he doesn’t have to worry about the curse of winning an Oscar and then his next movie bombing. Although I’m sure that wouldn’t happen anyway!
All in all, a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Hoping that this movie begins to introduce more Americans to the varied talents of David Tennant. Here’s a clip of the trailer and a photo of the premiere, because who doesn’t want to see a good lookin’ Scotsman in a kilt?