A social media influencer has sparked outrage and disbelief among legions of fans after mockingly dissecting the ages of the cast in the beloved festive romcom, The Holiday.
The Viral Video That Caused a Stir
Influencer Helen McPherson took to social media with a video specifically addressing 'elder millennials', asking them to guess how old the stars were during the filming of the 2006 box-office hit. She then proceeded to send up the film's plot and its characters, leaving many viewers stunned by her candid and critical summary.
The film, written and directed by Nancy Meyers, features a stellar ensemble cast including Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. It follows journalist Iris (Winslet) and movie producer Amanda (Diaz) as they swap homes. Amanda finds love with Iris's brother, Graham (Law), in a Surrey cottage, while Iris connects with composer Miles (Black) in Los Angeles.
"She Was 30. She's a Baby": A Character Breakdown
McPherson began her analysis with Kate Winslet's character, Iris. Describing her with "Bridget Jones energy", she joked the character was seen as "a bit past it, and a bit on the shelf", before revealing Winslet was just 30 years old during filming. "She's a baby," McPherson remarked.
Moving to Cameron Diaz's powerful Hollywood producer, Amanda, the influencer said she got "sexy, cougar-like vibes" and assumed the character was in her mid-to-late 40s. The revelation that Diaz was actually 34 prompted McPherson to quip, "I didn't even have a frontal lobe at age 34."
Her take on Jude Law's charming widower, Graham, labelled him a "napkin head" with "Hugh Grant energy" who she also believed was written as late-40s. The fact Law was 34 at the time left her faux-retching: "Sorry, I was just sick in my mouth."
Finally, discussing Jack Black's "wacky, funny guy" Miles, who was 37, McPherson expressed discomfort: "It's so disturbing to know that I'm older than he is, and I identify as his girlfriend."
Fan Backlash and Millennial Frustration
The video clearly struck a nerve with the film's dedicated fanbase. One follower responded emphatically on Instagram: "No, no and no…how is that right…?!" Another UK-based user highlighted the unrealistic financial fantasy, commenting: "As a 37-year-old teen mum, I've had to leave Surrey as I can't afford a postage stamp to live in, let alone a detached cottage! 30! No way!"
A third viewer agreed, pointing out the fantasy elements of Jude Law's character: "Jude's character is pure fantasy, 30-something, £2m Surrey pad, 2 kids, widowed, house full of a lifetime of experience and furnishings. No wonder millennials don't feel like we've ever achieved anything."
The Holiday, released in 2006, was a major commercial success, grossing over $200 million globally. Despite the passage of time, it remains a perennial festive favourite, making this modern critique of its perceived age dynamics particularly jarring for its loyal audience.
