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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Hollars (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Struggling New York City graphic novelist John Hollar faces a daunting challenge when he learns that his mother, Sally, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. As he embarks on this emotional journey, he finds himself at her side alongside his brother Ron and father Don. The attending physician, Dr. Fong, informs the family that the tumor is scheduled for removal later that week. Complicating matters further, John is also about to welcome his first child with his girlfriend Rebecca.

While grappling with these life changes, Ron is caught up in a complicated situation with his ex-wife Stacey, whom he divorced years ago. He finds himself spying on her only to encounter her new partner, Reverend Dan. In a twist of fate, John reunites with an old high school friend, Jason, who happens to be his mother’s nurse and is married to Gwen, John’s former fiancée. Jason is all too aware that Gwen’s decision to marry him came after becoming pregnant and still harbors feelings for John.

In the meantime, Don struggles to keep their plumbing business afloat and is forced to take a job at the local wine shop. Meanwhile, Ron’s longing for his daughters leads him to sneak into Stacey’s home, only to be arrested when she discovers him. Thankfully, he is quickly bailed out by Reverend Dan, who understands Ron’s deep love for his children.

Just one day before Sally’s operation, John and Sally manage to sneak out of the hospital for one last meal together, savoring precious moments. On the day of the surgery, the doctors successfully remove the tumor; however, tragedy strikes when Sally passes away, with Don at her side. Overcome with emotion, Don shares a heartfelt letter written by Sally before her passing. In a bittersweet turn of events, Reverend Dan officiates the marriage between John and Rebecca. As they mourn their mother’s loss during the funeral, life takes another unpredictable twist when John, Ron, and Don rush Rebecca to the hospital as she goes into labor.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Hollars (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


John's Mother's Diagnosis

Graphic novelist John Hollar's life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that his mother, Sally, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. This news serves as a catalyst for him to confront not only his mother's health but also the challenges in his own life.

New York City

Family Gathers

John joins his father, Don, and brother, Ron, to support Sally during this challenging time. They face the looming uncertainty of the upcoming surgery to remove the tumor, and the emotional weight of the situation brings the family together.

Hospital

John's New Fatherhood

As John navigates his mother's illness, he is also preparing to welcome his first child with his girlfriend, Rebecca. Balancing these significant life events adds to the emotional strain he experiences throughout the course of the film.

Ron and Stacey's Complicated Past

John's brother, Ron, finds himself embroiled in a complicated situation involving his ex-wife Stacey. As he spies on her, he unexpectedly encounters her new partner, Reverend Dan, highlighting Ron's unresolved feelings despite their divorce.

Stacey's Home

Reunion with Old Friends

In a twist of fate, John reunites with Jason, an old high school friend who is now a nurse caring for his mother. This reunion comes with complications, as Jason is married to Gwen, John's former fiancée, creating an awkward atmosphere filled with unresolved feelings.

Hospital

Don's New Job Struggles

As the family deals with Sally's diagnosis, Don tries to keep their plumbing business afloat amidst the chaos. Financial stress mounts, leading him to take a job at a local wine shop, showcasing the family's struggles on multiple fronts.

Wine Shop

Ron Sneaks to See His Daughters

Longing for his daughters, Ron sneaks into Stacey's home to see them. However, he is caught and arrested, showcasing the lengths to which he is willing to go for his children, and the sense of desperation in his life.

Stacey's Home

Bailed Out by Reverend Dan

After his arrest, Ron is quickly bailed out by Reverend Dan, who understands Ron's deep love for his children. This act of kindness reveals Dan's character and offers a glimpse into the complexities of their relationships.

Police Station

A Last Meal Together

One day before Sally's operation, John and Sally escape the hospital for a final meal together. This precious moment not only strengthens their bond but also serves as a poignant reminder of their love and the looming uncertainty ahead.

Restaurant

The Surgery

On the day of Sally's surgery, the family holds their breath as doctors successfully remove the tumor. Despite the successful operation, tragedy strikes when Sally passes away, leaving the family devastated and grappling with their loss.

Hospital

Don's Heartfelt Farewell

In the wake of his wife's death, Don shares a heartfelt letter that Sally wrote prior to her passing. This emotional moment illustrates the depth of love in their marriage and offers comfort amidst their grief.

Hospital Room

A Bittersweet Wedding

In a bittersweet twist, Reverend Dan officiates the marriage between John and Rebecca shortly after Sally's funeral. The ceremony represents a new beginning for John against the backdrop of profound loss, showcasing the cyclical nature of life.

Ceremony Location

Rebecca Goes Into Labor

As the family mourns Sally's passing during the funeral, they receive unexpected news that Rebecca is going into labor. The urgency of the situation forces John, Ron, and Don to rush her to the hospital, marking another life-changing moment.

Hospital

A New Life Amidst Grief

The rush to the hospital symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for John and his family. With the impending arrival of a new life, they are reminded of hope and renewal even in the depths of their sorrow.

Hospital

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Hollars (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


John Hollar

John is a graphic novelist facing the dual challenges of his mother's illness and impending fatherhood. His character embodies emotional resilience as he navigates his complicated family dynamics. Throughout the film, he learns to confront his fears and grow into his role, ultimately seeking balance between his past and future.

👨‍🎨 Artist 💔 Son 🤔 Expectant Father

Sally Hollar

Sally, John's mother, is at the heart of the family's emotional journey. Her battle with a brain tumor brings her family's struggles to the forefront, prompting deep reflections on life and love. Her strength and vulnerability mark a poignant portrayal of a mother navigating her legacy in the face of loss.

💖 Mother 😢 Illness 🌹 Legacy

Ron Hollar

Ron is John's brother, grappling with his past and the complicated relationship with his ex-wife. His character reflects the theme of longing and regret, and his journey showcases the depths of familial love as he risks everything to reconnect with his daughters.

👨‍👦 Father 💔 Ex-Husband 🔍 Seeker

Don Hollar

Don, the patriarch of the Hollar family, struggles to keep the family business afloat while dealing with his wife's illness. His character serves as a symbol of resilience and emotional strength, showcasing a father's love and dedication as he supports his family through their toughest times.

👨‍🔧 Plumber 💔 Husband 💼 Provider

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Hollars (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting the current challenges faced by families. It captures universal themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life's transitions, resonating with audiences as it mirrors real-life struggles.

Location

New York City

New York City, known as the city that never sleeps, serves as the backdrop for John's emotional journey. It's a bustling metropolis famed for its vibrancy and diversity, where lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The hospital symbolizes both hope and despair as the family confronts Sally's illness, while moments spent at home highlight the warmth and complexity of family ties.

🏙️ City 🏥 Hospital 🚗 Home

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Hollars (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Loss

The theme of loss permeates throughout the film, as the family grapples with the impending death of a beloved matriarch. Each character's journey showcases the deep emotional impact of losing a loved one and the challenges of coping with grief. The film poignantly explores how loss can both tear families apart and bring them closer together in their shared sorrow.

👶

New Beginnings

Amid the sorrow, new beginnings emerge as John prepares for the arrival of his first child. The juxtaposition of life and death serves to remind viewers that even in moments of profound grief, life continues and new joys can arise. This theme is central to the characters' arcs as they navigate their relationships and responsibilities.

🏠

Family

Family ties are intricately woven into the narrative, showcasing the complexities of relationships between parents, children, and siblings. The film reveals how familial bonds can be tested in times of crisis and highlights the importance of connection and understanding. Through their shared experiences, the characters find strength in their unity.

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