Film Review: The Holdovers (2023)
Summary
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Comedy/Drama
UK Release Date: 19th January 2024
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Film Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
Starring: Dominic Sessa, Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Carrie Preston
Content Warnings: Dislocated Shoulder, Alcohol, Mild Drug Use, Mild Nudity
Keywords: Monotone, Human, Warm, Spirited, Witty
Image from IMDB
Review
Sometimes the Christmas’ that you go on to cherish and hold in your heart are the ones that come from everything going wrong, The Holdovers (2023) is exactly that.
Following the story of three characters with a similar attitude towards merriment; Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a cynical student who is forced to stay at his boarding school over the winter holiday because his mother is busy honeymooning with her new husband. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a lonely school teacher who has drawn the short end of the stick and is responsible for the school’s ‘holdovers’ this winter. And Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), the school’s cook who is grieving the loss of her son, a former student. The Holdovers (2023) shows these three bring comfort to one another.
Initially there are five ‘holdovers’ for Hunham to key an eye on, but when one’s father changes his mind and returns to collect his son he in turn offers to take the other four. Everyone other than Tully is granted permission, leaving him in the dynamic of an unlikely trio. The build up to Christmas proves difficult as Tully becomes more aggravated with his situation. He finally snaps. Or more accurately his shoulder does. Dislocated after an impressive defiance of the no entering the gymnasium rule Hunham and Tully rush to the hospital. This sequence, despite the graphic shoulder readjustment, is my highlight of the time. The dialogue is witty and both actors give an incredibly funny performance.
Image from IMDB
The chemistry Dominic Sessa, Paul Giamatti, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph bring to screen is truly impressive and reflected in the film’s deserved sweep at the Oscars 2024 (won Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing). The slow reveal of each character’s history and motivation to dislike the holidays feels natural and it is believable that by the end of the film they have come to care deeply for one another.
The perfect film to watch this winter holiday, especially during those 6 days between Christmas day celebrations and New Year’s Eve preparations; either on your own for some winter comfort or with your family when the little ones have gone up to bed.
Standout Quote or Moment: “You said you were washing your hands of me.” “It was metaphorical.” “Of course it was metaphorical. What were you going to do? Actually wash your hands?”
Watch if you are looking for a new holiday film that restores your faith in humanity.
Similar Films: Dead Poets Society (1989), Love Actually (2003), Last Christmas (2019)
Written by Hazel Earthy