“The Holdovers” Review

American comedy-drama “The Holdovers” was written and directed by David Hemingson in 2023. The plot, which takes place in the New England boarding school Barton Academy during the winter of 1970–1971, centers on Paul Hunham, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, a severe classics teacher.

Hunham encounters both emotional and professional difficulties when he is compelled to supervise a few pupils who have nowhere to go over the Christmas holiday. Dominic Sessa plays one of the students living on campus, Angus Tully, while Da’Vine Joy Randolph plays Mary Lamb, the manager of the school cafeteria.
The film had its first screening on August 31, 2023 at the 50th Edition of Telluride Film Festival. On the 27th of October, 2023, Focus Features opened the movie in the US.

Critics gave it favorable ratings and made $43 million in revenue globally. Giamatti and Randolph both got pretty high commendations for their role with the Oscars taking the award for Best Supporting Actress.

In the story, the famously hard taskmaster Hunham or Hunhan himself can’t help but tolerate those few pupils who either forget or, purposefully or otherwise, don’t go home over the weekend.
One individual who has experienced setbacks with his family is Angus Tully. Unexpected relationships and intimate disclosures surface as Hunham’s relationship with the pupils deteriorates, fostering times of introspection and bonding.

The film examines themes of atonement, forgiveness, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships against the setting of a New England winter.

The story explores the pasts of the protagonists, which include Mary’s sorrow over her son’s death in the Vietnam War and Hunham’s expulsion from Harvard.

Set construction, costume construction, and photography are all used in an expert way. The movie was shot on location in Massachusetts, and everything there was done just to give everyone the feel of the era. The nostalgic ambience of the movie is heightened through the soundtrack, which has a few classic Christmas tunes in addition to great hits from that time.

Even though “The Holdovers” was well received, screenwriter Simon Stephenson caused controversy by claiming that the film had copied his unproduced movie “Frisco.” Nevertheless, the movie kept receiving praise, winning the British Academy Film Awards and Golden Globes in addition to receiving several Academy Award nominations.

“The Holdovers” is acclaimed overall for its direction, performances, and realistic portrayal of a bygone age. It has received positive reviews from reviewers and viewers for its poignant storytelling and true portrayal of human connection in the face of hardship.

 Cast of the “The Holdovers”

1. Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham
2. Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully
3. Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb
4. Carrie Preston as Miss Lydia Crane
5. Brady Hepner as Teddy Kountze
6. Ian Dolley as Alex Ollerman
7. Jim Kaplan as Ye-Joon Park
8. Michael Provost as Jason Smith
9. Andrew Garman as Dr. Hardy Woodrup
10. Naheem Garcia as Danny
11. Stephen Thorne as Thomas Tully
12. Gillian Vigman as Judy Clotfelter
13. Tate Donovan as Stanley Clotfelter
14. Darby Lee-Stack as Elise
15. Bill Mootos as Mr. Endicott
16. Dustin Tucker as Mr. Rosenswieg
17. Juanita Pearl as Mary’s Sister Peggy
18. Alexander Cook as Priest / Bartender
19. Liz Bishop as Office Lady
20. Cole Tristan Murphy as Toothbrushing Student
21. Will Sussbauer as Cobb Salad Student
22. Carter Shimp as Weed Buyer Harriman
23. Michael Malvesti as Christmas Tree Guy
24. Dakota Lustick as Christmas Tree Helper
25. Melissa McMeekin as Hooker
26. Jonathan von Mering as ER Doctor
27. Rena Maliszewski as ER Nurse
28. Osmani Rodriguez as Pharmacist
29. Oscar Wahlberg as Pinball Player
30. Dan Aid as Vietnam Vet Kenneth
31. Mike Kaz as Hip Party Guest
32. Kelly AuCoin as Hugh Cavanaugh
33. Colleen Clinton as Mrs. Cavanaugh
34. Fred Robbins as Santa Claus
35. David J. Curtis as Psychiatric Orderly
36. Pamela Jayne Morgan as Waitress
37. Davis Robinson as Maître D’hôtel
38. Joe Howell as Liquor Store Cashier
39. Peter Krasinski as Choir Leader
40. Greg Chopoorian as Jason Smith’s Father
41. Ian Lyons as Miss Crane’s Boyfriend
42. Kevin Fennessy as Irritated Movie Patron

Additional cast (uncredited):
1. Tom Bletsis as Photographer
2. Jim Boyd as Bookstore Shopper
3. Howie Breslau as Fancy Restaurant Patron
4. Peter Brownlee as Barton Father
5. Nicole Cerullo as Ice Rink Patron
6. Timothy Connelly as Bowler
7. Joe Curtin as Doctor
8. Kevin Daigneault as Barton Parent
9. Jon DiVito as Pedestrian
10. Matt DiVito as Barton Student
11. Michele Egerton as Kitchen Staff
12. Adison Finkler as Barton Boy
13. Judi Finkler as Restaurant Patron
14. Jasmin Gomes as Hooker
15. Bhanu Gopal as Boston Streeter / Pedestrian
16. Elaine Victoria Grey as Lydia Crane’s Mother
17. Jane Howes as Tavern Diner
18. Ian Dylan Hunt as Academy Professor
19. Louise Mara as Subway Pedestrian
20. Kazina Maxine as Roxbury Pedestrian / Movie Theater Patron
21. Cameron Mysliwicz as Crew Team Member
22. Reb Powers as Kathy
23. Anne Reardon as Parent
24. James Solopoulos as Barton Student
25. Lily Steven as Kristy
26. Tommy Surpitski as Choir Member
27. Paul S. Warner as Professor / Angry Restaurant Patron