Alexander Payne’s highly anticipated film The Holdovers is the perfect combination of hilarity and emotion. The complicated trio of characters support each other during the lonely holiday break through beautifully written repartee, making this one of the most charming films of this year.

The Holdovers reconnects Payne with his Sideways star Paul Giamatti in the leading role. Paul Hunham (Giamatti) is a history teacher at Barton Academy, an all-boys prep school in 1970, and one of the most hated people on that campus by both the students and the faculty. He is forced to monitor the few holdover students who are unable to go home for the holiday break. Staying alongside him is Mary Lamb, (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) the head cook whose son has just been killed in Vietnam and Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a brilliant but devious student who was told last minute he wouldn’t be able to return home because his mom was going on her honeymoon with his stepfather.

Paul and Angus’s relationship starts highly antagonistic. Everyone else in Angus’s history class, save for him, failed their semester exam. Paul decides to give the class a second chance, but there’s a catch: all the questions will be different, and the class must learn an entire chapter about the Peloponnesian War, too. Angus argues back, hoping to use his charm to convince Paul to simply let them retake the test but this backfires, and now Paul won’t even teach the information in class. Angus is now the pariah among the five holdover students. Making matters worse, the school is shutting down the heat except for the infirmary where all the students must sleep together and Paul is keeping them on a school schedule, giving them no free time to relax. Mary does her best to give these kids quality meals, though she only has access to leftovers. It’s truly a hellish situation, that is until one of the rich kid’s father rescues all but Angus in his helicopter.

Unfortunately, this leaves Angus as the sole recipient of Paul’s criticism, which he does not take lightly. He is rebellious and causes issues for Paul constantly. Thankfully Mary is there to be a voice of reason and a pathway for the two boys to empathize with each other. Paul holds her in high respect and is aware of her grieving. She helps Paul realize that Angus needs someone who cares about him, not just a disciplinarian. Eventually, Paul loosens up, and the trio takes a few trips off campus that really kick the film in high gear and lead to a final emotional catharsis that ties the whole film together.  

The Holdovers was written by David Hemingson, and much to my surprise, it is his first screenplay for the big screen. Just when you think you finally understand the characters, another interaction or event occurs that unlocks another layer. Paul, Angus, and Mary are some of the most fully realized characters I’ve seen in any movie this year. Also, the number of incredibly hilarious lines is insane (a standout being Paul’s final line to Dr. Woodrup). Thankfully, this brilliant dialogue is brought to life by perfectly cast actors. This is not only Dominic Sessa’s first film role, but his first professional job. He was plucked from obscurity and easily holds his own against two heavy hitters like Giamatti and Randolph. 

The Holdovers transports the viewer back in time, somehow creating a sense of nostalgia for a time and place that few people have actually experienced. It is a warm blanket of happiness that wraps around one’s mind and provides a perfect escape for 2 hours and 13 minutes. Giamatti is completely in the pocket here as a grumpy curmudgeon, and Randolph’s sincerity shines as her character tries to hold herself together. Overall, The Holdovers is a great option for everybody of all ages to enjoy together in the theater. It is a timeless story of how we shouldn’t presume to know each other and someone’s history because they seem to fit in certain predetermined boxes. This is the perfect reminder to be open-minded and kind to each other this holiday season. 

Grade: A

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Lead Actor (Paul Giamatti), Best Supporting Actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), Best Film Editing
Should be Considered: Best Supporting Actor (Dominic Sessa)

Where to Watch: In Theaters

Eva Kirby
She/her @eva_kirby21
Lives in Florida. Loves sports, Diet Coke, and rewatching Fleabag.
Favorite Director: James Cameron
Sign: Pisces