Movie Review - The Holdovers

Director: Alexander Payne
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randall, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Naheem Garcia
 
Description: A cranky history teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook (Da’Vine Joy Randall) and a troubled student (Dominic Sessa) who has no place to go.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 25: A COMEDY FILM 

Review: Director Alexander Payne and actor Paul Giamatti were responsible for the success of the film “Sideways” in 2004. Payne is also known for his films “About Schmidt”, “The Descendants” and “Nebraska”, that all perfectly combine comedy with drama. It’s been a while since Payne brought us something really good. But he’s back with “The Holdovers”, where he succeeds again.

In “The Holdovers”, Giamatti portrays history teacher Paul Hunham, who still champions old-fashioned teaching methods at a remote boarding school for boys. He has no use for excuses and any excuses made by a student, should not be met with any kind mercy. And in his eyes the principal is a rookie, who he himself taught.

The parents of the rich students have no need for their sons and let them stay during the Christmas holiday. Paul is forced to stay behind with these students, which eventually is only the one student named Angus and the school’s cook Mary.

Set in 1970, “The Holdovers” features the usual story arc of two opposites who eventually come to appreciate each other’s company. It is primarily the performances of Giamatti and young antagonist Dominic Sessa that provide an uneasy but ultimately engaging chemistry that floors any kind of predictability. Giamatti plays a multi-layered character who harbors an undeniable tragedy beneath the comedic exterior of an old-fashioned teacher. Da’Vine Joy Randall plays Mary, a cook at the boarding school who is still grieving her son’s untimely death. She is the perfect addition to the two opposites.

Payne also masterfully manages to capture the timescape. The snowy New England region of the United States fits seamlessly with the emotions and developments of the characters. It is desolate, but also hopefully familiar. And the most impressive thing about “The Holdovers” is that it doesn’t bring anything new, yet manages to deliver a unique film. This is mainly in the unique dynamic between the three characters and the way layers of their personalities are slowly peeled away.

I absolutely loved every minute of Alexander Payne’s newest film, that transcends the period of the year in which it is set and is a true gem when it comes to layered characters. Definitely a favorite for 2024.

Rating: 5/ 5