31.12.23
What a pleasure it was to watch my first official film of 2024, on the last day of 2023 with my family during the extended Christmas break. Ideally, The Holdovers really should have been released in the UK before the 25th, although due to the awards recognition it’s getting, it makes sense to delay it a bit more in the UK schedule. I found it to be thoroughly heartwarming but also bittersweet in relation to how it’s portrays the vulnerabilities of its characters. I don’t think its premature to recognise it’s potential as a future Christmas classic as I think it will have massive replay value due to the universal message, as well as the fantastic performances of the main trio of actors.
Again we see director Alexander Payne rely on the services of Paul Giamatti to do the heavy comedic lifting in the main role, as he did 20 years ago with his brilliant anti-Merlot comedy Sideways. Giamatti brings his signature melancholic humour to the part, prompting laughs with ease while revealing the humanity of a man lost in life’s disappointments. Meanwhile, Da’Vine Joy Randolph turns in an emotional, affecting performance as head cook of the school Mary, a saddened mother navigating her own undesired holiday obligations. Her nuanced acting gifts the film most of its heart, although Giamatti and the actors playing the younger students also do a fair bit of that, although I did find some of the themes on depression and mental illness a bit ‘on the nose’.
Where the film falters slightly is in it’s own trappings. For example, it sets up a group of privileged young male students together and sets up discussions about wealth and privilege, but very quickly those themes get ignored as we focus on the main trio of characters. Whilst I loved spending time with them, it felt like an opportunity lost, as the focus in the film simply shifts to the main storyline regarding togetherness despite the people you find yourself with.
Overall, the chemistry and performances of the main trio makes the film so enjoyable. As the characters demonstrate, finding moments of connection and joy with those around us can lead to delightful, memorable outcomes. More simply, we cannot always choose how or with whom we spend Christmas. Complicated family relationships during the holidays are part of what makes the season so important to those who take part in it. With its sparkling cast and smart balance of wit and wisdom, The Holdovers should easily prove to be a Christmas film with staying power, just like Alexander Payne’s works before.