“The Holdovers” is directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) and stars Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Billions), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Last O.G., High Fidelity), and Dominic Sessa in a film set in the 1970s where a cranky history teacher and a troubled student are forced to remain on a school campus together during the holidays.

I have been looking forward to “The Holdovers” for a very long time. Granted, I have some bias in this notion because I live not too far from where it was shot. In fact, one of the filming locations is about five minutes away from my house. More on that later. But of course, that sort of attachment should not be an indicator of whether the film is good or bad, but it is one of the reasons why I got in the door. But there are many other reasons why I got in the door as well. The film itself looked fairly wholesome and relatable. I have never attended a prep school, but I think many people regardless of where they have received education may have had a troubling connection with a teacher. And the same goes for teachers, I imagine just about every teacher had some trouble dealing with students for one reason or another, even if it is for a reason beyond their control. But even with the troubling dynamic, this just looked like a fascinating slice of life picture that would come out at a perfect time.

And that is exactly what it is.

I have said this phrase in the past, and I have heard other people say it too, but it needs to be said here. “The Holdovers” is the movie we need right now. I feel like ever since COVID-19 began I have always been finding myself in a need to go to a “happy place,” and I imagine a lot of other people reading this feel the same way. Ever since the virus began to spread, few movies have took me there like this one did. In fact, going back to the COVID-19 aspect, it sort of took me back to 2020 when the disease first got traction in the United States. This film coincidentally is set, mostly, in a singular location where our leads are basically in quarantine. Nobody’s sick, nobody’s spreading any infections, there’s not much on that front to worry about. But a good portion of the movie, specifically the first half, is set at this one prep school. When we get to the second half of the movie where our characters start venturing out, there is a feeling of joy and excitement in the air. It reminded me of when June 2020 rolled around and restaurants near me started opening up for outdoor dining. There was a sudden liberation in my veins when that opportunity arose.

But that does not mean the first half is uncomfortable. Although one of the lower points of the movie just so happens to be the relationships between the students. That said, it is not like the students have a ton of screen time. They ultimately serve their purpose. But when it comes to our three leads, we spend a ton of time with all them to the point where each one is adequately established. It also helps that I like all of them and when it comes to our core duo, specifically Paul Hunham and Angus Tully in a divided teacher/student relationship, their time dominating the screen makes for some incredible moments together. The movie brilliantly displays their strengths and weaknesses and uses them to make each one all the more likable. All the characters have phenomenal chemistry together, and I cannot imagine another soul in their shoes.

Sticking with the idea of isolation, this helped me appreciate the Angus Tully character. Because as someone who had to deal with the outside world closing off at the age of 20, I felt like any semblance of my life getting started was out of reach. As this movie progressed, I was watching this character deal with his personal issues and I could not help but feel bad for him partially because he was stuck somewhere he clearly did not want to be for an extended period of time. I understand that feeling because I lived through it. And much like me staying home in 2020, Tully stayed where he needed to stay for a reason, but I understood how agonizing it can get the longer you’re there.

I have not reviewed many Christmas or holiday movies on Scene Before, partially because I have not had much time to visit classics, and I feel like there is a shortage of them nowadays. Or at least a shortage of Christmas flicks that tend to stand out. Although I somehow managed to tackle a couple Christmas movies last year between “Violent Night” and “The Mean One.” “The Holdovers” is probably one of the best Christmas movies I have watched in the past number of years. And it is not exactly preachy to the point where everything is Christmas central. It is one those movies that takes place at Christmas but it can probably be an appropriate watch at any other point of the year. All due respect because the movie is entertaining, but I cannot remember the last time I wanted to watch “Elf” in the spring. It’s just not that kind of movie for me. “The Holdovers” is perfect for any time of year, and when it comes to 2023’s calendar, it is a standout of all the films I have seen this year.

One of the reasons why “The Holdovers” is as I describe in the title of this review, hearty and homey, is because of the progression we see with Paul Hunham. I am not going to spoil much for you, but the teacher does not emit the most pleasing vibe when it comes to dealing with his students. Part of that comes into play regarding the relationship between him and the main student in the film, Angus Tully. You have these two people who do not really see eye to eye on everything, but the more they are forced to deal with each other, the more they tend to find themselves having good times with each other. Both individuals, in their own ways, make the best of a bad situation. But they do so realizing maybe they could share a bond if they opened their eyes. Of course, when it comes to Hunham, it also helps that an actor with the caliber of Paul Giamatti just so happens to be portraying him, and it brings forth one of the best performances of the year. The character reminds me of, and I know this analogy may not be the most prominent because not a lot of people saw this movie, Alice from the 2020 movie “Summerland.” By the way, watch “Summerland.” It’s fantastic. But I use this as a comparison because both films have a main character who appears all tough and mean, but when she is placed together with someone younger with her for a period of time, we see more and more that she kind of has a heart.

The film does a great job at showcasing the flaws of these characters and having them come into play throughout the runtime. And when it comes to Hunham as a character, we see his flaws from the beginning, how they are adjusted to some degree, but his positives and negatives as an individual make him one of the most compelling characters of the year.

On a little sidenote, much like the George Clooney-directed “The Tender Bar,” which came out at the tail end of 2021, this film features my local candlepin bowling alley, Wakefield Bowladrome in a couple minutes of screentime. And unlike “The Tender Bar,” which is set in New York, it actually makes sense that it is in here because the film is set in Massachusetts, where candlepin bowling just so happens to exist. I think what they’ve done with the place is rather impressive and adds to the throwback feel of the movie itself. Though if I have one nitpick, there are occasional moments where I hear pins falling down, but the sound effects match the sound the pins would make in tenpin. But of course, this is why I put the “moron” in Movie Reviewing Moron.

In the end, “The Holdovers” is an utter delight of a film. Its main trio make the story worthwhile. The film is a sensational throwback to the 1970s that is as charming as it is inviting. The film is rated R, so I would not recommend watching it with younger viewers, but if you are with loved ones this holiday season, this could be a good watch. The characters are spectacular. The locations are beautiful. The set design is very well done. And I think Paul Giamatti could be in the running for an Oscar nomination. Also, one more thing, there is a particular scene in the film that includes “The Newlywed Game” where I was in a trance until the moment it was over. I have not watched that show a ton, but I have often watched clips of it on YouTube, and it is legendary. Bob Eubanks is a treasure. I am going to give “The Holdovers” an 8/10.

“The Holdovers” is now playing in theaters everywhere. It is also available to buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for the brand new historical epic, “Napoleon.” Also coming soon, I will have my thoughts on “Godzilla Minus One,” “Ferrari,” “The Boy and the Heron,” and “Dream Scenario.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Holdovers?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Christmas movie? Yes, “Die Hard” counts. Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!