The film industry welcomed 2023 with the release of Alexander Payne's latest offering, The Holdovers, which has taken audiences by storm with its captivating narrative and rich, heartfelt performances. The film features the extraordinarily talented Paul Giamatti as cranky professor Paul Hunham, who finds himself marooned at his New England boarding school over the Christmas holidays. Along for the ride are two equally compelling characters: troublesome student Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa, and the school's cook Mary Lamb, portrayed by Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Mary is grappling with the sorrow of losing her son to the Vietnam War, providing depth to the touchstone themes of loss and reunion explored within the story.
Set against the backdrop of 1970, The Holdovers beautifully intertwines humor with poignant moments, offering audiences both laughs and tears. The screenplay captures the unlikely yet impactful friendship developed between the three main characters, as they navigate the emotional nuances of their experiences. Throughout their comical misadventures, they help each other heal, propelling them toward newfound hope.
Upon its release, The Holdovers was met with staggering popularity, boasting impressive approval ratings. With critics giving it an astounding 97% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences weighing in with a remarkable 92%, the film quickly solidified its position as one of the standout films of the year. It has not only become synonymous with the holiday season but has also achieved notable accolades, including Da'Vine Joy Randolph's Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, as well as numerous other awards such as the BAFTA and Golden Globe.
Renowned film critic Jacob Stolworthy recognized the film's charm, stating, “The comedy-drama is the latest from Alexander Payne, and if you love his other films, like Sideways, then you'll love this tale of a teacher caring for the children who have nowhere else to go for Christmas. It’s a sweet, funny story—catch it now to get yourself in the festive spirit.”
Even though it was only released earlier this year, audiences have quickly dubbed The Holdovers as the ultimate holiday movie. One enthusiastic social media user shared their sentiments after viewing: "Finally got around to watching The Holdovers... instant classic. So cozy. So honest. Loved it." With heartfelt expressions such as this, it’s no wonder the film is garnering such widespread admiration.
Further praise followed when another fan remarked, “The phrase ‘instant classic’ gets thrown around so often, but god damn The Holdovers really did it.” Another satisfied viewer expressed similar enthusiasm, stating, “I’m a year late to the party but The Holdovers is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a While.” Such affirmations reflect the film's growing reputation as the holiday favorite to seek out, with even the harshest critics surrendering to its charm.
Notably, as the accolades continue to pour in, many believe Alexander Payne is significantly underrated as a filmmaker. With films like Sideways and The Descendants earning adoration from cinephiles, Payne may have outdone himself this time with The Holdovers. "Alexander Payne is a massively underrated filmmaker. The Holdovers is phenomenal," enthused another viewer, encapsulating the sentiments of many who recognize his significant contributions to contemporary cinema.
For those interested, The Holdovers is available for streaming on Now, and can also be purchased through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sky Store, making it accessible to audiences eager to take part in its joy this festive season. You can sign up to Now for just £6.99 per month and start enjoying this holiday film right away, without missing the spirit of Christmas.
With affectionate portrayals, humorous interludes, and heartfelt sentiments swirling throughout, it is no surprise The Holdovers has evolved from mere cinematic release to a staple of the Christmas season. Its ability to resonate with people from various walks of life inspires warmth, making it deserving of its blossoming legacy. Be it for the enchanting performances, tender moments, or the captivating storyline, The Holdovers proves itself to be not just another holiday flick but rather enduring art, capturing the essence of human connection amid the backdrop of holiday traditions.
