But Graham’s appeal extends beyond romance. There’s something more to it, I think. For those of us whose lives revolve around tiny flats, late nights, and endless doomscrolling, even as we head towards our 40s, he offers a vision of a slower life. Falling for Graham isn’t just about falling for Jude Law (though, obviously, that helps), it’s about stepping into his small-town idyll, trading city chaos and late-night work calls for an escapist fantasy, one where you’re not just falling for hot, kind Jude Law, but also stepping into his ready-made, perfect family and even more perfect cottage, where the wildest adventure is a hot chocolate-fueled car ride through snowy lanes, and going for lunch doesn’t involve scouring endless TikToks of best restaurants in London, just heading to what looks like the nearest National Trust property. It’s not a life I actually want, but there’s inherited nostalgia to it—the same “simple life” appeal that people find attractive about farmy trad wife TikToks, just without any of the weird trad wife stuff. In fact, for a man in 2006, Graham is surprisingly progressive. (It makes sense: he was written by a woman.)
And now for the plot twist: a sequel might be on the horizon. Nancy Meyers recently posted a video with Law, her first reunion with him since filming wrapped nearly two decades ago. In the clip, she cheekily asks, “Is there going to be a sequel?” Law’s response? A sly grin, followed by a familiar flourish: draping a napkin on his head and donning glasses over the top, resurrecting Mr. Napkin Head in all his ridiculous glory.
Is it happening? Who knows. But for now, we’ll be here, rewatching The Holiday and thirsting over Graham, our handsome, emotionally evolved rom-com king.
