Stanley Yelnats, wrongfully convicted of stealing sneakers, is sent to Camp Green Lake—a juvenile detention facility where boys dig holes in a scorching desert as supposed “character building.” The story masterfully weaves three timelines together: Stanley’s present ordeal, his ancestor’s curse from 19th-century Latvia, and the tragic tale of interracial love destroyed by racist violence in the Old West. Stanley befriends Zero, the camp’s outcast, teaches him to read, and together they break a generational curse while uncovering buried treasure and the truth about the corrupt adults running the camp.

Content Breakdown: The film contains moderate violence including a Black man shot during a racist mob attack, a woman committing suicide via venomous lizard bite, and bloody injuries from shovels and rattlesnake bites. Language is mild throughout. Frightening scenes include yellow-spotted lizards crawling on trapped children and the racist lynching flashback. Substance use includes smoking and alcohol in historical scenes.

Why This Film Works for Building Self-Responsibility

Holes demonstrates that self-responsibility isn’t about accepting blame for things outside your control—it’s about how you respond to circumstances, including unjust ones. Stanley is wrongfully convicted yet chooses to make the best of his situation, form meaningful connections, and take action when he discovers wrongdoing. His decision to carry Zero up the mountain—fulfilling his ancestor’s broken promise—shows that true responsibility sometimes means completing what others left undone. The film powerfully illustrates that our choices either perpetuate cycles of harm or break them, and that taking responsibility for our actions (including helping others) creates ripple effects across generations.

Characters to Discuss

• Stanley: How does he take responsibility despite being wrongfully punished? What’s the difference between accepting injustice and responding responsibly within it?
• Zero (Hector Zeroni): He’s been abandoned by systems that should protect him. How does learning to read represent taking ownership of his future?
• The Warden: She inherited her obsession from her family. What happens when we refuse to take responsibility for changing inherited patterns?
• Stanley’s great-great-grandfather: His broken promise cursed generations. What responsibilities do our choices create for those who come after us?

Parent Tips for This Film

Preview the racist violence flashback (Kate Barlow’s story) if your child is sensitive—it’s historically appropriate but intense. The film shows all adult authority figures at Camp Green Lake as corrupt, which can be distressing but opens valuable discussion about what to do when those in charge aren’t trustworthy. Consider watching in two sessions: stop after Stanley meets Zero for the first time, then continue after discussing first impressions.

Studying the Book and Film Together

Louis Sachar adapted his own novel for the screen, making this an ideal paired study. The book provides richer internal monologue—Stanley’s thoughts about responsibility and fate are more explicit on the page. The film excels at visual storytelling, particularly showing how the three timelines connect (watch for color palette shifts between eras).

Discussion comparison: The novel includes more of Stanley’s passive acceptance early on (“He was overthinking things”). How does the film show his internal shift differently? Which version better captures the moment Stanley decides to take action rather than just survive?

Writing exercise: Have your child write a “fourth timeline” entry imagining how Stanley’s choices might affect his future children or grandchildren, mirroring how the novel traces consequences across generations.

Recommendation: Suggested viewing age to 10+. Best paired with the novel for middle schoolers (ages 10-13). The book can be read aloud with younger children (8-9) with parent guidance, followed by the film when ready.