The Holdovers

Director: Alexander Payne

Writer: David Hemingson

In 1970 New England the boys of Barton school, an elite boarding school, are getting ready for Christmas break. But some boys can’t go home for Christmas and stay at school as the holdovers. This year there are five boys and the teacher tasked to look after them is Mr. Hunham (Paul Giamatti), helped by school head of catering, Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Hunham is not popular amongst the students, or the students with them, with his resentment towards their entitlement and privilege. But as the holiday passes and numbers dwindle, Hunham and Mary are left with just Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) and between them they go on a journey of discovery of themselves and each other in ways that will change all of their lives.

The problem with small reviews is you can’t always do wonderful films justice. This is one of those times. So if I can only tell you one thing it is that The Holdovers is a wonderful treat. Effortlessly beautiful from first minute to last. Like a favourite dish the more you have, the more you realise you love it.

It is a perfect balance between grief and happiness, potential and disappointment. Delivered by three excellent central performances. Giamatti’s frustrated and embittered teacher, Joy Randolph’s grief stricken Mary and in debutant Sessa, a portrayal of a youngster at war with the world. Each is wonderfully layered, their depth giving you characters to truly care for and relate to. It is not just the main characters, there is not a performance that is anything other than perfectly judged.

It is also laugh out loud funny. A comedy interspersed with emotional warmth, all perfectly judged. Funny and poignant, no joke missing its mark. And even when it takes its predictable final steps you don’t care as it has earned the sweetness of its ending

The Holdovers is a wonderful film. Fabulously made and performed and doesn’t miss a step. It portrays life, for its humour and grief, frustration and hope. Pitch perfect from start to finish and I can’t recommend it enough.