It’s the heartfelt and funny dialogue that really makes The Holdovers special.
Director: Alexander Payne
Rating: 8.5/10
"The Holdovers" is a movie that makes you think and laugh, and feels like it's from an older, simpler time. It's full of great conversations and has an old-school style that pulls you in. The movie is good at giving you scenes that make you feel warm inside, make you laugh out loud, and even make you feel a bit emotional. Instead of using big, shocking moments in the story to keep things interesting, the movie focuses on showing us more about the characters' lives and how they change and learn from each other.
In a particularly poignant moment, we find the curmudgeonly yet endearing Paul (played by Paul Giamatti) in a late-night conversation with his counterpart, the effervescent and wise Mary (portrayed by Da'Vine Joy Randolph). As they decorate a forgotten corner of the school with Christmas ornaments, they exchange stories of past Christmases—Mary's filled with warmth and family, Paul's tinged with melancholic solitude. The scene is a delicate dance of humor and sorrow, as their laughter over shared jokes gives way to a silence that speaks volumes of their inner loneliness.
Alexander Payne's direction shines in "The Holdovers," a film that deftly balances the whimsical nature of a Christmas fable with the raw, coming-of-age storylines that unravel in increasingly strange, emotional, and profound ways. The movie doesn't shy away from the melancholy that often accompanies the holiday season, serving it up alongside a generous helping of dramatic comedy that captivates with its authentic reproduction of the 1970s.
Paul Giamatti delivers what could be considered his finest performance yet. He embodies his character with such nuance and understanding that it's impossible not to be drawn into the emotional depth of his journey. Equally impressive is Da'Vine Joy Randolph, whose portrayal of Mary is as captivating as Giamatti's, delivering a performance that stands toe-to-toe with her co-stars.
Despite its strengths, "The Holdovers" occasionally succumbs to the pitfalls of hallmark Christmas tropes, with certain scenes feeling overextended and character development sometimes crossing into the realm of the overwhelming. These moments can feel dragging, pulling the film into stretches that seem unnecessarily long and threaten to dilute the otherwise rich characterization.
Nevertheless, "The Holdovers" is a cinematic gift to those yearning for a dose of nostalgia. It has the power to pluck at the heartstrings, perfect for the holiday season. The script, penned by David Hemingson, offers up twists that inject a subtle edge while preserving the film's overarching warmth. The characters' journeys may start with seemingly predictable circumstances, but as the story unfolds, we are treated to unexpected developments that reveal the true complexity of these 'holdovers' from another era, each finding their way through the Christmas season and life itself.
