Directed by the underrated Alexander Payne, The Holdovers follows grumpy old history teacher, Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) as he is tasked to chaperone a handful of students with nowhere to go over Christmas break. During this time, he finds himself connecting the most with troublemaker student, Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) and cafeteria worker, Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).

This film has made one of my most anticipated movies of the year since its inception. Alexander Payne has made a formidable impression on me when I first saw The Descendants. After seeing Nebraska, his name became one that I closely paid attention to for any upcoming films. Then, there was Downsizing, which was fine. I didn’t view it as badly as others, but it didn’t leave an impression on me compared to his earlier work. Now, I haven’t seen all of his films, even though I’d love to, but for a filmmaker to come out with a new movie after 6 years was certainly on my radar. I am thrilled to announce that this is one of the best movies of the year.

Many will say that this is a Christmas movie. Alexander Payne will say the opposite. I can see both sides. Alexander Payne utilizes the Christmas season as the backdrop for the film’s themes. When we think of Christmas, many may associate that with staying with family and not being alone. However, Payne brings three lonely people – Giamatti as the grumpy old teacher, Sessa as the troublemaking student, and Randolph as the bereaved mother/cafeteria worker – together during a time when they shouldn’t be alone. Through this, they have to find a way to overcome their odd, as well as their own issues, to be together. What I love about this theme is how these three people try to keep their composure, but as the layers start to unfold for these characters, you realize that they want to not be alone. I would even go as far as to say that Payne chose this story because of the loneliness many felt during the pandemic. The Christmas backdrop just happens to be the perfect way to show that these people shouldn’t be alone.

To bring these characters to life is much more than just Payne’s direction, but the talent that he chose. Paul Giamatti, just as much as Payne, is underrated in his own right. He brings out a tremendous performance as this teacher. What makes this character so appealing is that you can understand him from an outsider’s perspective, as well as on a personal level. He appears grumpy on the outside, but on the inside, he has to build a fortress around him to not get hurt. He will surely get awards recognition. Then, there is Dominic Sessa. I really felt like I have seen him before, but this is actually his acting debut! It’s incredible how effective his acting is. Lastly, Da’Vine Joy Randolph is perhaps my favorite performance as a mother & wife, who has lost both her son & husband. Together, these three have all lost something in their life in their own way that makes them who they are, representing that there is always much more to the surface. It goes to show that there is always more to someone’s darkness and that we should do our best to be there for others. Afterall, hurt people hurt people. It’s best to break the cycle.

The themes mentioned is what Payne is best at. It’s one of the reasons why I have enjoyed his work so much over the years. He brings realistic characters to life through realistic situations. I’d even go as far as saying that this is Payne’s signature as a director. The one thing I really enjoyed here that I hadn’t seen him do before is he presents the film as though it was made during the time that the film takes place in. The cinematography & sound is of this time, but a familiar one. Using that aspect effectively makes the character feel real for its time. It also shows that not much as happened. The fact that if these outsiders can come together to build a family, it’s possible for that to happen for as long as time. I do love a film where outsiders become a family.

The only small issues I had with the film is how it utilizes some of its side characters into the plot, as well as the love interest of Angus Tully. Outside of the main trio of characters, I don’t think everyone else is used as effectively. Even though they are still great in their own right, I can see a film without them. One that I probably would have given a perfect score. When all of the students get stuck there over break, I honestly thought it was only going to be Sessa’s character. At the beginning, there is actually a total of 5 characters including Sessa’s. It’s short-lived as these other characters end up leaving due to a certain situation. I feel like this was only added to give Sessa’ character more characterization. That even if he can be a troublemaker, he can also be a good person. I don’t know if this was totally necessary as the rest of the film already tackles that. There is also the small love interest that Sessa’s character has. She briefly comes in, they kiss, and then she is never seen or mentioned again, even though the two clearly had chemistry. Once again, I feel like this was only added to give Sessa’s character more of a soft side. There was so much more potential there. Honestly, I see these two particular plot points not being in the movie and it would already help out with the pacing of the film for one that is already pretty long.

Overall, The Holdovers is not only Alexander Payne’s return to form, but is also the perfect feel-good movie of the year. Payne’s brings his ability to bring out real human emotions & conflicts to solidify his core signature. The performances are great and provide realistic emotions to make the film effective.

VERDICT: Amazing