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The Holdovers

R 2023 Comedy/Drama 2h 13m


The Holdovers is set in 1970 and was filmed to look like that’s when it was made. I don’t know the reason why director Alexander Payne did this but I would speculate he did it so the movie would feel like it’s been around a while like a classic or an old friend. I saw it tonight after Thanksgiving dinner. Ten family members taking up almost an entire row at the theater. I can’t think of a better movie to have capped off the day.


The Holdovers is set at fictional, New England boarding school Barton Academy at the start of Christmas Break. Most of the students leave to spend the holidays with their families. Those without families must remain at the school and are known as “the holdovers.” (Psst. That’s where the movie gets its title.) Disliked and disgruntled teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is stuck supervising the students along with Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), a cafeteria worker who is grieving the recent loss of her son. The student group is lead by Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) whose mother and stepfather decide at the last minute it would be better if he stay at the school over the holidays rather than join them in St. Kitts.


What follows is not unexpected — the relationship between Mr. Hunham and Angus thaws as they realize they have things in common. However, the writing, directing and acting are all top notch and add up to a heartwarming drama with plenty of humor. The characters were well developed, engaging and I cared what happened to them which feels like a rarity at the movies these days. I have seen a lot of movies this year and, as it stands, this is on my 2023 top ten list. I highly recommend this one.



Dominic Sessa, Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph star in "The Holdovers"
Photo: TIFF

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