Paul Giamatti stars as an uptight and highly unpopular school teacher who has to babysit a bunch of misfit students over Christmas in 1970. One of the students in particular has major personality issues which leads to a very curious dynamic between pupil and teacher.
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This is a very delightful story that unfolds slowly but is always interesting. Giamatti gives a stunning performance as an embittered middle aged man and his fellow cast mates Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa are equally strong.
The story is never predictable and while there are palpable dramatic and emotional moments, these are never overdone or needlessly manipulative.
There is plenty of gentle humour, and a very sensitive exploration of mental illness, family dysfunction, and loneliness.
The Holdovers is a brilliantly made film about.
So how did I score it?
Acting 8 /10
Story/Script 8 /10
Cinematography 8 /10
Set/Costumes 8 /10
Entertainment value 8 /10
That gives Holdovers an average score of 8 / 10
HOLDOVERS
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Duration: 133 Minutes
Open in New Zealand – 11th January 2024