The Holdovers (2023) Movie Review and Oscar Talk

🎄 This is my movie review of "The Holdovers," a 2023 film directed by Alexander Payne that promises to be an instant Christmas classic! Starring the talented Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and the remarkable newcomer Dominic Sessa, this film weaves a tale of unlikely connections and heartwarming moments set against the backdrop of a snow-covered New England Christmas.

📚 Explore the narrative centered around the seemingly unlikable teacher, Paul Hunham, played by Paul Giamatti, whose rigid demeanor earns him few admirers. Over the Christmas holiday in 1970, Paul finds himself supervising a lone holdover student, Angus (Dominic Sessa), whose rebellious behavior hides a good-hearted nature. Their company is joined by Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), the head cook with her own grief and struggles.

❄️ As the three disparate souls spend the holiday together, they form an unlikely makeshift family, navigating the snowy weeks with a blend of comic misadventures and touching moments. "The Holdovers" beautifully showcases their emotional journey, illustrating that despite their pasts, they have the power to shape their futures.

🎬 Directed by Alexander Payne, known for his poignant storytelling, this film touches upon themes of redemption, connection, and the transformative power of human relationships. I'll discuss the stellar performances, emotional depth, and how this movie captures the true essence of the holiday spirit.

🌟 "The Holdovers" offers a heartwarming, emotional, and timeless story that resonates with the warmth of Christmas. It's a tale that reminds us of the power of companionship and the hope for a brighter future, making it an instant classic for the holiday season.

🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you excited about "The Holdovers"? What elements of heartwarming Christmas movies do you enjoy the most? Let's celebrate the spirit of the season and the magic of storytelling in this heartfelt cinematic experience together!

#TheHoldoversMovie #MovieReview #ChristmasFilm #AlexanderPayne #PaulGiamatti #DaVineJoyRandolph #DominicSessa #HeartwarmingTale #CinematicExperience #HolidaySpirit #FilmDiscussion #ChristmasClassic #theholdovers

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Time Codes:
Christmas Classic - 0:00
Paul Giamatti as Paul - 1:36
Dominic Sessa as Angus - 2:52
Da'Vine Joy Randolph - 4:08
Honest and Warm - 5:00
Barton and Comedic Bits - 6:20
Feeling Every Emotion - 7:41
Ending and Aesthetic - 8:55
My Dilemma and Score - 9:57
Oscar Predictions - 11:10

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[hw]

You sold me. Had no intentions of watching this movie. No particular reason just hadn’t even thought about it, but now I will.

[rockfan]

Paul Giamatti’s acting in the last 5 minutes alone makes him worthy of the Oscar in my opinion

[leckard]

Holdovers is the movie that people will watch again and again once the dust settles from Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Barbie and a few others. I sincerely believe this will become a holiday classic. Paul Giamatti can convey so much pain in the smallest of glances. Dominic and Da'Vine Joy were also perfectly cast. The small business such as Da'Vine taking Dominic's hand, silently, were what elevated this to something really special and memorable for me.

[BUDDYCB]

Dominic Sessa is amazing in this! His very first movie and he knocks it out of the park!!!

[Anthonycheesman]

This movie felt like such a retro a time where they actually made good heartwarming movies remember I member lol.

[paradisecityable]

Almost any other year, Paul Giamatti would've walked away with a Best Actor Oscar in his hand

[macebluemoon]

I literally just saw this movie last Thursday. It was so incredible! The three main characters were fantastic! It is beyond disappointing that this film hasn't done better at the box office...even by indie standards.

[brettdavies]

Possibly my favourite film of the year. Beautiful throwback film. Great script and full of stunning performances. Giamatti better get that Oscar 🎞️

[procraftinatorz]

The rhino made me bawl my eyes out for the last 30 minutes of this movie and then for several hours afterwards. This DESERVES best picture.

[ndogg]

The Holdovers reminded me so much of The Last Detail (1973), that I can't help but think that somehow it was the inspiration for it. Some minor details like both take place in the early 70s, one filmed then, the other made to look like that era, also both follow the story of 3 flawed characters, two adults and one troubled youth. Both films will end with none of the problems resolved, they even get worse for one main character in each film.
The major thing they have in common though is learning about these characters and how 3 strangers, for a short time can find strength and friendship before going their separate ways.
The major 'difference' is that while The Last Detail ends with its characters lives back in a rut, The Holdovers ends with hope and promise that if its characters can give each other resolve to face the future, that they will press on into the unknown meeting more likeminded people.

Every story is inspired by an earlier story, that does not make it any less moving.
Its A Wonderful Life is in a sense a variation of A Christmas Carol.
I'm putting Holdovers up on my list, not of a holiday classic, but an overall great film.

[tharukaepaarachchi]

Holdovers deliver in every way. It is a genuine and heart-warming story. Dominic Sessa delivered and an incredible performance for a debut and give Paul Giamatti all the flowers.

[poker]

If Oppenheimer was not out this year, this movie would've been THE movie of the year! What a pleasant surprise, it's a reminder what cinema is about

[Keizi]

Loved this film. Gorgeous, heartwarming, and classic. Its insane that the same DOP did no hard feelings lmao. Its been a while since we've gotten a christmas classic, this gave me tears of joy! Outstanding review as always Austin, agreed with pretty much every thing as well!

[kayo]

Such a phenomenal movie and so unexpected. At this point, The Holdovers is my 2nd favorite movie of the year and PG's performance is my favorite of the year by far. I hope it wins something but awards truly don't matter. This movie is so damn special.

[trevortenentes]

I watched this the other day and I really loved it. It was wholesome and a feel good movie. Some may find it slow but it’s a really nice story and it really reminded me of those old fashioned Christmases we had in the 70s and 80s. Paul Giamatti is just a fantastic actor. I loved Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s character. It really spoke to me and she was brilliant. Newcomer Dominic Sessa who had no prior acting roles besides what he did in school, has a promising career. This has been added to my annual Christmas movie playlist.

[kadabur]

Just got home from the theater, wow what a beautiful movie. It really shows all emotional aspects of holidays and certain part with someones family member got me 😢

[Syrilian]

This movie could save Hollywood. This movie is a blueprint for the types of movies that Hollywood doesn't make anymore that they really should.

[koninginvictoria]

Just watched this on a plane. Didn't know anything about it. LOVED IT.
Everyone needs to see this film. This is what we have been missing.
Hollywood, please please give us more movies like this.

[renerodriguez]

A hug Austin, greetings from Brazil, I am Venezuelan and this movie resonates for me as Sing Street, it is a kind of mirror of what it was like to grow up in a dysfunctional environment and come out of it turned into something else.

[AsherMathias]

Been waiting for this review after i saw your letterboxd placement. Can’t wait to see this film for myself