Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson’s reunion in the Tribeca Festival film Happy Hours coincided with a heartfelt tribute to their late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who died in February 2026, according to Yahoo. The film, which premiered in New York City, explores their on-screen chemistry while also highlighting Holmes’ personal reflections on Van Der Beek’s legacy.
Happy Hours: A Nostalgic Reunion with Mixed Reviews
Happy Hours, written, directed, and starring Katie Holmes, premiered at the Tribeca Festival as a romantic drama about former high-school sweethearts reuniting decades later. The film, which features Holmes as Liz, a divorced photojournalist, and Joshua Jackson as Andrew, a travel writer, received mixed critical reactions. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a nostalgia fest” with “undeniable chemistry” but criticized its “contrived and inauthentic” plot. Variety noted the film’s “soft-hearted” approach, calling it “perfectly innocuous” but lacking innovation for viewers unfamiliar with the actors’ past work.
The story follows Liz, who photographs Andrew for a magazine, leading to an awkward reunion. Flashbacks depict their teenage romance, soundtracked by Blondie, while the present-day narrative includes a “calamitous group date” with their friends. Critics highlighted the film’s reliance on “metatextual” casting, with The Hollywood Reporter noting Holmes’ “overreliance on Woody Allen-esque shout-outs to philosophers like Neruda and Rilke.”
Personal Reflections on James Van Der Beek’s Legacy
During the Tribeca Festival, Holmes shared emotional memories of James Van Der Beek, who passed away from colorectal cancer in February 2026. “We experienced something very unique at a very young age,” she said, per Yahoo. “I’m more protective than ever of that time.” Jackson added, “I’d actually go in the opposite direction. I would say that having the opportunity to meet him again later, as a husband and as a father, and to see the culmination of who he was as a man—that’s the thing that I will cherish the most.”
Van Der Beek, known for his role as Dawson in Dawson’s Creek, left behind six children with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, including Olivia (2010), Joshua (2012), Annabel (2014), Emila (2016), Gwendolyn (2018), and Jeremiah (2021). Holmes’ tribute emphasized his “bravery, compassion, and strength,” describing him as a “hero” whose “imprint on [her] heart” would endure.
Contrasting Perspectives on the Film and Its Context
The Happy Hours reviews diverged on the film’s depth. Variety noted its “tidy commercial romcom tropes” and “shaggier walking-and-talking” style, while The Hollywood Reporter called it “a hangover” due to its “convenient coincidences.” Both sources acknowledged the actors’ chemistry but questioned the script’s originality.
Meanwhile, Holmes’ remarks about Van Der Beek added a layer of personal significance to the film’s premiere. The Tribeca Festival, where the movie debuted, became a space for both professional and private reflections. Yahoo reported that Holmes’ tribute highlighted her enduring connection to the Dawson’s Creek era, a theme that resonated with fans of the 1990s series.
What Comes Next for Holmes, Jackson, and the Legacy of Dawson’s Creek
While Happy Hours may not redefine the rom-com genre, it underscores the enduring appeal of 1990s nostalgia. Holmes, who has previously directed films screened at Tribeca, faces questions about her creative trajectory. The Hollywood Reporter noted the film’s “lack of depth,” but its focus on middle-aged reconnection could signal a shift in her storytelling. Jackson, meanwhile, continues to balance acting with personal reflections on his late co-star.
For Dawson’s Creek fans, the film and Holmes’ tribute to Van Der Beek represent a bittersweet chapter.
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