The Holdovers

Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is a curmudgeonly teacher of ancient civilizations. Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) is a smart but sarcastic student, and Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) is the stern head of the cafeteria. These disparate individuals form a trio that bond while stranded over the Christmas holiday at a New England prep school. The chronicle is built on a formula: broken people fix each other. However, where the narrative could have easily descended into a sappy melodrama, it upends expectations with a climate of despair. I can’t say it’s uplifting, but at least it’s not predictable.

The story hints at mawkish sentimentality, but there is a distinct melancholy beneath the schmaltz. Right from the start, you suspect the prickly personalities are inherently likable. However, the viewer must be patient. Let’s celebrate the hearts of gold that will inevitably be uncovered as we get to know the background of of these gently misanthropic people. Director Alexander Payne rarely directs movies he didn’t write. The Holdovers is only his second example, with Nebraska being the first. Though the actors admirably bring these characters to life, David Hemingson’s clever screenplay shines the brightest. The conversations are intelligent, genuine, and captivating.

Director Alexander Payne has a finesse for creating lightly humorous films that mix a dark cynicism with unexpected warmth in a character-driven drama. About Schmidt, Sideways and The Descendants are his most commercially successful. If there is any justice, his latest will ultimately join their ranks. The Holdovers delivers satisfying comfort food that is a scenic throwback to the productions of the 1970s. Due to the academic environment, I thought of The Paper Chase. Payne has cited the work of director Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude, The Last Detail) as an inspiration as well. It is a tribute to the production design of Ryan Warren Smith (Green Room) and the cinematography of Eigil Bryld (In Bruges) that the picture feels like it was made in the same era. The faux scratch marks and the faded color add to the effect. Even an old MPAA rating card at the beginning gets you in the mood. The Holdovers is a touching ode to the past.

11-14-23