At this time in the semester, many students are getting ready to pack their suitcases for their trip back home this winter break. However, not every student will be going home. For those who will be sticking around campus, or for anyone who is settling into the holiday spirit, consider watching “The Holdovers.”
The film is set in Massachusetts during the 1970s and follows a group of high school students and two school faculty members who are staying at their school over winter break. In a shocking turn of events, all but one of the students gets to leave the school via helicopter. The single student who was left behind, Angus, is now faced with the bitter reality of spending Christmas with his infamously disliked history teacher and the kind cafeteria worker.
A majority of the story is spent focusing on the story of this triangle, but an even greater emphasis is placed on the relationship between Angus and his teacher Mr. Hunham. The unlikely companionship that develops between these two characters drives the plot. It allows the audience to see a sense of comradery and compassion that comes out during the holiday season.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The cinematography was beautiful, it was well-written and I felt very satisfied leaving the theater. Does it compete with other more iconic Christmas movies? No. As I see it, this film would be very hit-or-miss depending on the audience.
One aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the acting. Paul Giamatti, who played history teacher Mr. Hunham, did a fantastic job at portraying a dislikable teacher who is also genuine and caring. The student Angus was played by Dominic Sessa; this was Sessa’s first role in a film and he acted incredibly. I would not be surprised to see him in future films based on this performance.
Last but not least, Mary Lamb (the cafeteria worker) was played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Randolph played the role of a grieving mother who recently lost her son, experiencing this while she is taking care of the two boys stuck at the school with her. She did an excellent job with this role and acted as a comfort character that I enjoyed watching.
Overall, I’d give “The Holdovers” three and a half out of five stars (on top of a Christmas tree). Watching the film made me feel more connected to the holiday spirit, and I am grateful for a new holiday movie.