TL;DR: Holes is one of those rare 10/10 book-to-screen adaptations that actually respects a kid’s intelligence. It’s a multi-generational mystery disguised as a "juvenile delinquent" story, tackling everything from systemic injustice to the power of a really good friendship.
Quick Links:
- The Movie: Holes (2003)
- The Source Material: Holes by Louis Sachar
- What to watch next: The Goonies or Bridge to Terabithia
- Deep Dive: Check out our guide on the best movies for middle schoolers
If you missed this in the early 2000s, here’s the vibe: Stanley Yelnats IV (played by a very young, pre-paparazzi-chaos Shia LaBeouf) is a kid who is perpetually in the wrong place at the wrong time. He blames it on a family curse stemming from his "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather."
When Stanley is framed for stealing a pair of celebrity sneakers, he’s sent to Camp Green Lake—which is neither a camp nor a lake. It’s a dried-up wasteland where the Warden (Sigourney Weaver, being deliciously terrifying) makes the boys dig one hole every day, five feet deep and five feet wide, to "build character."
Except, they aren't building character. They’re looking for something. The story weaves together three separate timelines: Stanley’s modern-day struggle, his ancestor’s missed promise in Latvia, and a tragic Wild West romance involving an outlaw named Kissin' Kate Barlow.
In a world of "brain rot" content and 15-second TikTok loops, Holes is a refreshing change of pace because it treats kids like they can handle a complex plot.
- The "Underdog" Energy: Every middle schooler feels like the universe is out to get them sometimes. Stanley’s "curse" is a perfect metaphor for that pre-teen angst where everything feels unfair.
- The Mystery: The way the three timelines snap together at the end is incredibly satisfying. It’s a "puzzle movie" that makes kids feel smart for connecting the dots.
- The Gross-Out Factor: Digging holes in the heat, yellow-spotted lizards that can kill you with one bite, and eating "Sploosh" (century-old canned peaches). It’s just gritty enough to feel "real" without being traumatizing.
- Zero: The character of Hector "Zero" Zeroni is a massive draw. He’s the quiet kid who everyone underestimates, and his bond with Stanley is the emotional heartbeat of the film.
We talk a lot about "digital wellness" and making sure our kids aren't just consuming empty calories on YouTube. Holes is the "whole grain" of kid cinema.
It tackles heavy themes like intergenerational trauma, racism, and the failure of the justice system without being a "very special episode" snooze-fest. It shows kids that the choices people made 100 years ago can still echo today, and that breaking a "curse" often just means doing the right thing when it’s hardest.
It also offers a great jumping-off point to talk about how people in power (like the Warden) can manipulate systems to exploit those underneath them. If your kid is starting to notice that the world isn't always "fair," this movie gives them a vocabulary for that.
Recommended Ages: 9-13
While the movie is rated PG, it’s got some "edge" to it that might be a bit much for the Bluey crowd.
- Violence/Peril: There are guns, some mild fight scenes between the boys, and the constant threat of lethal lizards. The historical backstory involves a murder that is sad and impactful, though not overly graphic.
- Themes: The story touches on homelessness and the fact that the "justice system" is basically just a labor camp for these kids.
- Language: Very mild. A few "hells" or "damns," but nothing that’s going to make you cringe at the dinner table.
Ask our chatbot about specific triggers or content concerns in Holes
Let’s be real: a lot of movies from 2003 look like they were filmed on a toaster and have aged like milk. Holes is the exception. The script was written by the book's author, Louis Sachar, which is why it feels so cohesive.
One thing to watch out for is the depiction of the "juvenile hall" system. The movie plays it for adventure, but the reality of it is pretty grim. If you have a kid who is particularly sensitive to "kids in cages" themes, you might want to watch it with them.
Also, can we talk about the Warden’s nail polish? She makes it with rattlesnake venom and scratches people with it. It’s iconic, it’s camp, and it’s genuinely creepy. It’s a great example of a female villain who isn't just a "mean girl"—she’s a calculated, systemic threat.
If you’re looking to turn movie night into a "stealth education" moment, here are a few ways to crack the conversation open:
- On Fate vs. Choice: "Do you think Stanley was actually cursed, or did he just have a string of bad luck? At what point did he 'break' the curse—was it a magic moment, or just him choosing to help Zero?"
- On Justice: "The Warden says the boys are digging holes to 'build character.' Do you think hard work always makes you a better person, or can it be used to take advantage of people?"
- On History: The story of Sam and Katherine (the historical subplot) deals with a town’s racist reaction to their relationship. It’s a heavy but necessary conversation about how prejudice shaped the American West.
- On Friendship: Stanley risks everything to go into the desert to find Zero. "Would you have gone after him? What makes their friendship different from the other boys at the camp?"
Get a list of discussion questions for your family's next movie night
Holes is a rare "certified fresh" win for family movie night. It’s complex, it’s a bit weird, and it doesn't pander. It’s the perfect bridge for kids who are aging out of "little kid" media but aren't quite ready for the heavy-duty teen dramas.
If your kid loves the movie, the natural next step is the book. Holes by Louis Sachar is a masterclass in middle-grade fiction. And if they’ve already done both? Check out Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake for some extra lore.
- Watch the movie on Disney+ or rent it.
- Compare and Contrast: If they’ve read the book, ask them what they thought of the casting. (Most people agree Shia was the perfect Stanley).
- Explore similar vibes: If they liked the "kids solving an old mystery" aspect, they might enjoy the The Mysterious Benedict Society or the Percy Jackson series.
Check out our guide on how to balance screen time with reading