Anybody who's been on a family holiday road trip will find a lot to relate to in British comedy What We Did on Our Holiday. Released in cinemas in September 2014, the movie stars David Tennant and Ben Miller as brothers Doug and Gavin McLeod. Their father Gordie (Billy Connolly) has terminal cancer, so millionaire Gavin is hosting a party in his mansion in the Scottish highlands. Doug, along with wife Abi (Rosamund Pike) and their three children, head up to the party as a family. All is not as it seems though as Doug and Abi have separated, but they're determined to keep it a secret from Gavin and everybody else. If you haven't seen the movie or fancy a rewatch, What We Did on Our Holiday airs tonight (September 4) at 10.40pm on BBC One. We get it if you don't want to stay up past midnight for a movie night – after all, it's a school night. Don't worry, What We Did on Our Holiday will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can also watch the comedy right now on Prime Video, or you can rent it for £3.49 if you don't want to sign up to the streaming service. What We Did on Our Holiday was written and directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the creators of BBC comedy hit Outnumbered. It was confirmed earlier this year that Outnumbered will return for a Christmas special this year. Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez will all reprise their role for the new one-off episode. What We Did on Our Holiday airs tonight (September 4) at 10.40pm on BBC One, and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast. ## The Plot We’re introduced to a family of five, as they get ready to head up north to Scotland to celebrate their Granddad’s 75th birthday. Parents Abi (Pike) and Doug (Tennant) are recently separated but are putting their differences aside temporarily for the sake of the kids. And what an interesting brood they have. The youngest daughter Jess (Harriett Turnbull) is an odd little thing. She informs her dad that she wants to take her best friend Norman on the trip. Interestingly, Norman is in fact a large brick. The middle child, Mickey (Bobby Smallridge) is obsessed with all things Vikings. And the eldest girl Lottie (Emilia Jones) is a sensitive sort who diligently notes in her journal all the lies the family has to tell to keep up appearances. The family has a challenging time on the road and things get even more interesting once they reach their destination. They stay with Doug’s brother Gavin (Ben Miller), an eccentric investor who owns a sumptuous mansion and estate. He and Doug are at loggerheads almost from the second they arrive. Meanwhile, the children are supposed to keep the family’s troubles secret, so they don’t upset Grandpa and the festivities surrounding his upcoming big birthday bash. Granddad Gordie is played to perfection by Billy Connolly. He’s a retired football star and is a kindly, introspective gent who looks like an old hippie, complete with long, curly locks. He fits in comfortably with his grandkids and their interactions are at the crux of the film. We learn that he has cancer and that the medications he’s on is taking a toll on his heart. He takes the kids out for an adventure where they stop by an ostrich farm run by an elderly lesbian. Then they camp out for a day at the beach. Wise old sage Gordie spends some special time with Lottie where he imparts a bit of the wisdom he’s picked on his journey through life. Chiefly that the world is full of ridiculous people and we should love them because of their eccentricities. The kids have a blast at the shore and as I mentioned earlier, the scenery is breathtaking. At one point, Gordie allows the children to bury him alive in the sand and he pretends to be dead. When he pops up very much alive, he scares the daylights out of them. A little bit later in the day, the children encounter Gordie who appears to be sleeping. At first they think he’s faking being dead again, but soon realize he has in fact, passed on to the great loch in the sky. Lottie has the children wait with the body while she runs back to tell the family the devastating news. When she arrives she discovers the family is having a meltdown and her parents are in the middle of a fight. She decides to postpone telling them about Gordie’s demise and instead returns to the beach. Here is where Mickey’s in-depth knowledge of Viking lore pays off. Gordie had told the kids he’d prefer to go out quietly on a flaming raft Viking style rather than have his heirs haggle and fight over his possessions. I won’t spoil the rest of the movie; you’ll just have to witness it for yourself. Let’s just say the ending is full of delightful surprises. ## Where to Watch 'What We Did on Our Holiday' This film is currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card), Freevee, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Plex. And to rent on other services. ## More Family Fun Interestingly, the film was inspired by a BBC television show called “Outnumbered.” It’s another Hamilton and Jenkin collaboration and if you liked “What We Did on Our Holiday,” I think you’ll really enjoy it. I watched the first two episodes and it looks promising. It’s streaming on Tubi. ## Final Thoughts Nobody makes quirky movies quite like the Brits, and this one just exudes offbeat charm by the bucketful. “What We Did on Our Holiday” has all the elements of a classic, fun-filled romp you won’t soon forget. The movie is co-directed and co-written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin and features a couple of great leads in David Tennant of “Doctor Who” fame and Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl” and “Saltburn”). It also doesn’t hurt that it takes place largely in the scenic Scottish countryside, perfectly captured by cinematographer Martin Hawkins. Adding to the nostalgic feeling of the movie is a lilting, Celtic-influenced soundtrack by Alex Heffes. ## What Did You Think? This review is just a starting point. What are your thoughts on “What We Did on Our Holiday?” Leave your comments below. ## You May Also Like * David Tennant's '80s-set drama confirms release date * BBC sitcom Outnumbered to return for 2024 Christmas special * What We Did on Our Holiday * What We Did on Our Holiday