Sundance 2026: Summer Roads and Returning Shadows: Hold Onto Me Finds a Tender Pulse

Myrsini Aristidou brings a vibrant, sunlit warmth to *Hold Onto Me*, energizing the story of young Iris as she passionately navigates her summer with boundless freedom and insatiable curiosity. From the exhilarating runs through lively streets alongside her older friend Danae, to the unbreakable bond that sparks a sense of endless possibility, Aristidou masterfully captures this youthful exuberance with a lively rhythm, letting each moment shine with youthful vitality.

The arrival of Iris’s estranged father, Aris, played by Christos Passalis, injects a fresh energy into the film. Passalis delivers a subtle yet powerful performance, embodying Aris with a quiet gravity that reflects his distance, longing, and the emotional weight of returning home for his father’s funeral. His interactions with Iris are tinged with delicate tension, as if both are soulfully discovering each other’s lives for the very first time.

Maria Petrova infuses her role with a warm steadiness, grounding Iris amid the shifting tides of her world. Her presence deepens the film’s emotional core, offering a gentle counterbalance to the lingering uncertainty of Aris’s return. Jenny Sallo brings an extra layer of richness, her luminous and attentive performance shaping the community around Iris with heartfelt care.

Aristidou’s script immerses us in the sensory richness of summer—heat shimmering from the pavement, the exhilarating freedom of aimless running, and the sudden, piercing realization of family histories that emerge unexpectedly. These vivid details craft a compelling backdrop for Iris’s journey, infusing her emotional discoveries with texture and immediacy. The lyrical prose flows effortlessly, drawing the reader into the characters’ inner worlds with clarity and depth.

The film’s pacing captures the vibrant rhythm of childhood summers: swift bursts of activity interspersed with quiet, reflective pauses. Aristidou skillfully uses this dynamic structure to delve into the delicate space between independence and longing, allowing Iris the freedom to navigate her evolving understanding of family. Every scene is infused with genuine affection for the characters and the rich world they inhabit.

By its final stretch, Hold Onto Me reveals itself as a story of return, renewal, and the courage of a child learning to see her father with fresh eyes. Passalis, Petrova, and Sallo deliver a trio of performances that enrich Aristidou’s vision, resulting in a film filled with warmth and emotional clarity. It lingers with the glow of a remembered summer.

Letter Grade: B+.