Film Review #90: THE HOLDOVERS

Film Review #90: THE HOLDOVERS

*This film review may contain plot spoilers, reader discretion is advised.*

Alexander Payne did it again! This time, a large portion of props to David Hemingson the screenwriter too! While Payne pretty much directed the film so well it could come off as though he wrote it, let us celebrate the wonderful work of Hemingson as well. As we enter the awards season, both Payne and Hemingson are each getting recognition in their respective categories, speaking to the quality of this film.

Film still from The Holdovers. Credit: Universal, Miramax and Focus Features

Nearly a score after Sideways (2004), Paul Giamatti and Payne reunite in what many predict would be another iconic collaboration to be remembered, in The Holdovers (2023). Set in the early 1970s, Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a quick-witted but rigid ancient-history teacher whose students and colleagues dislike immensely. Forced to remain on campus over Christmas break to supervise students who could not travel for the holidays, a special bond forms between him and Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa in his feature film debut - an intelligent but troubled boy whose folks demand he stay in school for the holidays - and Mary Lamb, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph - head cook at the school's cafeteria who just lost her son to combat in the Vietnam War. Needless to say, the trio aced their roles.

Film still from The Holdovers. Credit: Universal, Miramax and Focus Features

If one were to name a movie this year that fully embodied the word "empathy", this would be it. As usual, Payne's style exudes throughout the film; he elevates Hemingson's screenplay and teaches us that, ultimately, kindness, patience and understanding will always triumph over an individual's sense of entitlement because, quite simply, every human being goes through their own hardships, and it never hurts to be kind(er) to one another.

The entire film was shot in existing physical spaces and no sets or soundstages were used, and this is no small feat. Payne and the film's crew created over two hours of 70's nostalgia, and every second of it was curated to perfection. The film sells on its quirkiness and brilliant humour. Giamatti's excellent performance is perhaps universally appreciated amongst devoted cinephiles by now, and he is in contention for best actor at the Oscars, but his fellow co-stars also deserve mentions.

Film still of Da’Vine Joy Randolph in The Holdovers. Credit: Universal, Miramax and Focus Features

Da'Vine Joy Randolph gave a reserved, but no less compelling, performance as the grieving mother, Mary. To not risk giving away too much, just know that she sends viewers a timeless reminder to always cherish your loved ones, be it your spouses, children, parents, or anyone else. Awards pundits are on it, and let it be clear that if and when Randolph does win Best Supporting Actress all the way till the end of this movie awards season, it shall be a richly deserving victory to remember for ages to come.