No Winter Holidays review – haunting portrait of female companionship in Nepal’s frozen highlands
No Winter Holidays is a documentary that explores the lives of two widows in an abandoned village in Nepal. The film contrasts the personalities of Ratima, who is jaded and regretful, and Kalima, who maintains a more positive outlook. While the cinematography captures the stunning landscape, the film sometimes prioritizes visuals over a deeper exploration of the women's relationship.
- ▪The documentary is set in the Dhorpatan valley of western Nepal during a harsh winter.
- ▪Ratima and Kalima, the two widows, have contrasting personalities that create an engaging dynamic.
- ▪The film features breathtaking cinematography that highlights the desolate landscape of the region.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Beguiling human dynamics in a cold climate … No Winter Holidays. Photograph: True StoryView image in fullscreenBeguiling human dynamics in a cold climate … No Winter Holidays. Photograph: True StoryMoviesReviewNo Winter Holidays review – haunting portrait of female companionship in Nepal’s frozen highlandsTwo widows of the same man remain behind in an abandoned mountain village in Rajan Kathet and Sunir Pandey’s visually arresting documentaryPhuong LeMon 25 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 06.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIn the valley of Dhorpatan in western Nepal, winter arrives with unforgiving intensity. Clouds of freezing mist gradually descend, making the rocky terrain look starkly barren, a lonesome void amid vertiginous mountain ranges.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Film.
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