Christmas-set drama, The Holdovers, has had to wait until mid-January to arrive in UK cinemas. It is a strange move on the part of the distributor as the film would have surely benefited from a more seasonal release. However, the awards buzz will hopefully help generate some footfall as the reunion of Sideways director Alexander Payne and star Paul Giamatti is well worth the investment.
Set in the 1970s at an exclusive all boy’s boarding school, The Holdovers follows the escapades of strict teacher, Paul Hunham (Giamatti), and those left in his charge over winter break. From its opening, The Holdovers asserts itself as a familiar friend. The story beats within are well-worn, but Payne side-steps the anticipated boredom thanks to the infectious chemistry of his core cast. It is quickly easy to understand where the awards love is coming from as this cast is exceptional. Giamatti is note-perfect as the strictest teacher in school who slowly begins to thaw; his character’s journey is not too dissimilar to that of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dominic Sess is superb as the lone student stuck in academic isolation, and Da-Vine Joy Randolph provides the emotional core, despite only appearing in a handful of scenes.
The Holdovers compares favourably to the likes of Dead Poet’s Society and will likely be viewed by a new generation of film fans in a similar way. Giamatti’s Hunham isn’t quite as inspiring as Robin Williams’ teacher, but his evolution is beautiful to see unfold. His awakening and softening is exactly the sort of journey that works well within Christmas movies, and is fitting given its time setting of the Christmas break. Quite how well it will play these few weeks removed from the holiday remains to be seen, though it is worth noting that although The Holdovers has the feel of Christmas, it does not have the appearance of it. This is not a holiday film covered in red and green glitter, or festive decorations. It is far plainer and drab, mirroring Hunham’s ability to suck the joy out of life.
Despite its cold and sterile setting, The Holdovers is a wonderfully rich and warm film. Watching The Holdovers is like settling down with a nice mug of mulled wine and a box of chocolates. Though a film perhaps best paired with the festive season, there is still plenty about The Holdovers to enjoy and connect with all year round.
The Holdovers is now available to buy or rent on digital platforms now.
The Holdovers
Summary
A film worthy of its awards acclaim, the release date in the UK might not be perfect, but The Holdovers manages to charm regardless.
The Holdovers is in UK cinemas now.
