THE HOLLARS (2016)

Summary:

John Hollar, a struggling graphic novelist living in New York City with his pregnant girlfriend, is forced to return to his small hometown in Ohio when his mother, Sally, is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Upon his arrival, he is immediately drawn back into the eccentric and often chaotic lives of his family, including his well-meaning but financially struggling father, Don, and his aimless older brother, Ron.

The film explores themes of family, responsibility, and the complexities of adult relationships, blending humor with poignant drama as John navigates his mother's illness, his parents' failing business, his brother's marital issues, and an awkward encounter with his high school ex-girlfriend. It's a heartfelt portrayal of a family coming together during a crisis, rediscovering their bonds, and confronting their shared history.

Keywords: The Hollars, 2016, John Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Family Drama, Comedy.

Plot:

John Hollar is on the cusp of fatherhood but feels stuck in his life in New York. The news of his mother Sally's brain tumor sends him rushing back to the home he tried to escape. There, he finds his father, Don, struggling to keep his plumbing business afloat, and his brother, Ron, living in his parents' basement after a divorce, working for Don. John's pregnant girlfriend, Rebecca, eventually joins him, witnessing the full, overwhelming dynamic of the Hollar family firsthand.

As Sally prepares for surgery, the family's anxieties and long-simmering issues come to the surface. John reconnects with his ex-girlfriend, Gwen, now married to his mother's nurse, Jason, adding another layer of awkwardness. Through a series of both comedic and emotionally charged interactions, John confronts his own fears about commitment and fatherhood, while the family rallies around Sally, finding strength and solace in their imperfect but undeniable love for one another. The film culminates in Sally's surgery and the family's hopeful, if uncertain, path forward, with John embracing his role as a future father and a son deeply connected to his roots.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• John Krasinski as John Hollar
• Margo Martindale as Sally Hollar
• Richard Jenkins as Don Hollar
• Sharlto Copley as Ron Hollar
• Anna Kendrick as Rebecca
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Gwen

Crew:

• Director: John Krasinski
• Writer: James C. Strouse
• Producer: John Krasinski
• Producer: Michael London
• Cinematography: Eric Alan Edwards
• Editor: Joe Klotz

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: August 26, 2016 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Running Time: 88 minutes
• Accolades: Premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival