Movie: The Holdovers
Production Company: Miramax
Director: Alexander Payne
Producers: David Hemingson, Bill Block, Mark Johnson
Scriptwriters: David Hemingson
Main Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Release Date: 19th January 2024
Running Time: 132 minutes
Certificate: 15
Introduction: This story, not too dissimilar to that of ‘Good Will Hunting’ or ‘Dead Poets Society’, is a gentle and thought provoking drama tailor – made to tug at your heart strings.
Synopsis: Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a grinch like History professor at a prestigious school who must stay on the campus over the Christmas holidays with a dysfunctional and troublesome student and the school cook.
Analysis: It is always difficult going into a film you know has received critical acclaim and awards success. ‘The Holdovers’ took home 2 Golden Globes: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Giamatti and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a supporting role in any Motion Picture for Da’Vine Joy Randolph. It is understandable then, because of this, that I went into this film with a degree of trepidation; how lovely it is to say that ‘The Holdovers’ is a nice and gentle film with a good hearted demeanour. Whilst I do not think it is as good as the titles I have mentioned, that does not deter it from having an emotionally engaging story with likeable characters. Let’s just say the Oscar race for Best Leading Actor just got very interesting with a phenomenal performance from Giamatti. Looks like it could be him vs Cillian Murphy.
Alexander Payne’s filmography include films that delve into troubled families who have undergone traumas or loses; take for instance the 6 time Oscar Nominated drama ‘Nebraska’; about a son trying to reconnect with his alcoholic father; and the Oscar Winning ‘The Descendants’; starring George Clooney as father attempting to do the same thing with his two daughters. ‘The Holdovers’ deals with similar dilemmas and does so in a way that is, on the one hand, delicately and carefully subtle but, on the other, powerful and striking. As I have previously stated, the film’s atmosphere is soothing in the most perfect fashion, it knows the type of story it is dealing with and knows exactly how to balance and execute it; nothing fancy or flashy. There is no reliance on any big set piece to evoke laughter and when the comedy does happen, it’s laugh out loud hilarious. Sharply written and genuinely funny.
Of course, all of this would not have the same effect had it not been for the performances, each one shining in their own sense, sharing great on – screen chemistry. Our three central protagonists seem to be battling demons of their own, no one is perfect and, more importantly, they all need each other whether they like it or not. The fact that this is the debut of Dominic Sessa, who is the student called Angus Tully, is almost incomprehensible to grasp. His performance tricks you into thinking he has been doing this his entire life, he’s really quite remarkable in this. This is the best I’ve ever seen from Giamatti but I’m ashamed to say that I’m not familiar with Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s work. I will be on the lookout from now on as she is equally fantastic.
‘The Holdovers’ is one of the simplest yet profoundly emotional films I’ve seen in a long time with a straightforward but effective message and is a film with a nice little mix of everything. This is aided by the fact that our main characters are so likeable and perfectly portrayed, as well as sharing a precious connection that will win you over entirely.
In cinemas now.
Overall Rating: 10 / 10 – Perfect
Target Audience: 15+
Content Warning: strong language, brief nudity
Recommendation: Yes
