The Hollars Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy’s mom has a tumor, so he has to deal with his family drama and also his ex, who is now married to a nurse with a score to settle.

🍿 The Hollars: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Return to Hometown

John Hollar, a struggling graphic novelist living in New York City, receives news that his mother, Sally, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He reluctantly returns to his small hometown in Ohio, accompanied by his pregnant girlfriend, Rebecca. John’s return forces him to confront his dysfunctional family dynamics and the life he left behind.

Family Issues

Upon arriving, John finds his father, Don, struggling with a failing heating and plumbing business. His older brother, Ron, recently divorced and living in his parents’ basement, is obsessively stalking his ex-wife. Amidst this chaos, John reconnects with his high school ex-girlfriend, Gwen, now married to his old classmate, Jason, who is also Sally’s nurse. The family tensions and unresolved issues begin to surface as they prepare for Sally’s surgery.

Pre-Surgery Chaos

As Sally’s surgery approaches, the family grapples with their individual problems. Ron struggles to accept his ex-wife’s new relationship with the local Reverend Dan. John confronts his feelings for Gwen while navigating his commitment to Rebecca and the impending birth of their child. Don’s business woes weigh heavily on him, adding stress to an already tense situation. Sally, despite her illness, attempts to keep the family together and maintain a sense of normalcy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Hollar (John Krasinski): A struggling NYC artist who returns to his dysfunctional family in his hometown when his mother needs brain surgery, while also dealing with his pregnant girlfriend and past relationships.
• Sally Hollar (Margo Martindale): The matriarch of the Hollar family who faces a life-threatening brain tumor with grace and humor, bringing her family together in the process.
• Don Hollar (Richard Jenkins): The emotionally vulnerable father and husband struggling to keep his business afloat while supporting his wife through her medical crisis.
• Ron Hollar (Sharlto Copley): The emotionally stunted older brother living in his parents’ basement, grappling with his divorce and longing for his ex-wife and children.
• Rebecca (Anna Kendrick): John’s pregnant and supportive girlfriend who navigates the chaos of the Hollar family while preparing to become a mother.
• Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead): John’s ex-girlfriend, now married to Jason, who still harbors feelings for him, adding tension to the family’s already complex dynamics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sally Hollar: “Don’t waste time with the bad, live with the good.” – Sally offers this advice to John when he asks how she managed to get through 38 years of marriage, highlighting her positive outlook.
• Don Hollar: “I’m always gonna be here for you.” – Don says this to his sons as he shows he will always be there for his family no matter what.
• John Hollar: “It’s ok to be scared, right?” – John says this to his mother Sally, making her realize she is not alone during this difficult time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.8M
• Domestic Gross: $1.0M
• Worldwide Gross: $1.1M

💥 The Hollars Reviews

Personal Review

I thought ‘The Hollars’ was a really touching and funny movie. I loved Margo Martindale as the mom; she was so real and heartwarming. The scene where the family is just being chaotic in the hospital room made me laugh so hard, but then I was tearing up when they were all supporting each other. It felt like a genuine family dealing with a tough situation. I definitely recommend it if you want a feel-good movie with some heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramedies.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ensemble casts.”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about family dynamics and personal growth.”
  • “People who like John Krasinski’s directing style.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including illness, death, and marital issues.”
  • “Some language and adult situations.”
  • “Brief scenes of stalking and emotional distress.”

Professional Reviews

• Rama’s Screen: “One of this year’s must-see films, it’s the most honest and hilarious dysfunctional family comedy I’ve seen in recent years. Perfect ensemble cast, especially the great Margo Martindale whose performance has Oscar written all over it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll find hope.
• Movie Muse Reviews: “Predictable, cliché-ridden indie family dramedy with a great cast, though the film attracted all these terrific names, and they lift the script about as high as it can go. I would say it is definitely an unbalanced movie, but I mostly enjoyed it.

Audience Reactions

This movie literally had the theater laughing and crying throughout the whole movie.: Viewers praised the movie’s ability to blend humor and heartfelt moments, highlighting the strong performances of the cast and the relatable family dynamics.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and funny dramedy, praised for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and strong performances, though some found the plot predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Krasinski directed the movie and also starred as the main character, John Hollar.”
• “Richard Jenkins agreed to be in the movie only if Margo Martindale was also cast. Krasinski made it happen, recognizing their chemistry.”
• “The movie was filmed in Brookhaven, Mississippi, chosen for its small-town America feel and affordability.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hollars?

The Hollars is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, and for purchase or rental on services like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as platforms and offers may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Hollars, you might like these similar films:

• August: Osage County (2013): Both films feature a dysfunctional family brought together by a family crisis, revealing deep-seated tensions and providing moments of dark humor.
• Dan in Real Life (2007): This film shares a similar tone, blending comedy and drama within a family setting, exploring themes of love, loss, and reconnection.
• This Is Where I Leave You (2014): A dysfunctional family is forced to reunite after the death of their father, leading to revelations, confrontations, and ultimately, a stronger family bond.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Another film about a quirky, dysfunctional family taking a road trip and dealing with their individual problems. It balances humor and heart, with an emphasis on the importance of family support.

🛒 The Hollars Related Products

• The Hollars [Blu-ray]: Own the movie that critics are calling honest and hilarious on Blu-ray! Perfect for movie nights and family gatherings.
• Original Movie Soundtrack – The Hollars: Listen to the amazing songs by Josh Ritter.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Hollars features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Still Beating” – performed by Josh Ritter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Pregnant Scenes from “The Hollars”

Want to see Anna Kendrick navigate pregnancy in ‘The Hollars’? This compilation gives you all the adorable (and maybe slightly awkward!) moments. Honestly, it’s a great snapshot of her character’s journey!

✨ Rate