Holdovers

“The Holdovers” is a 2023 comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne. The film stars Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a curmudgeonly and unpopular teacher at a prestigious prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the Christmas holidays to supervise students who have nowhere to go. Among these “holdovers” is a troublemaking student named Angus, played by Dominic Sessa, who forms an unlikely bond with Paul. Also joining them is Mary, the school’s head cook, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who is grieving the recent loss of her son. As the three characters spend time together over the holiday break, they navigate their personal struggles and form an unexpected but heartwarming connection. The film explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the power of unlikely friendships, delivered with Payne’s signature blend of humor and pathos.