Photo Credit: Focus Features
Here's why you shouldn't miss “The Holdovers”: it’s hands down the best film of 2023.
At this stage of my career as a sleep-deprived freelance movie reviewer, I've hit a point where endorsing carefully curated films can feel somewhat futile—since not everyone's palate aligns. But “The Holdovers” breaks that mold. It’s a universally appealing movie that can resonate deeply with anyone who possesses a beating human heart.
Directed by Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers” features Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), an unpopular instructor at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus over the holidays, with a grieving cook named Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), to supervise five students “held over” during Christmas break. Among these students is Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a troublemaker whose mother canceled a family trip to honeymoon with her new husband.
“The Holdovers” is the kind of film where you can't wait to see where it will take you, especially if you’re becoming increasingly impatient with slower-paced films as you get older. However, once the storytelling fully fleshes out its characters, it’ll allow you to rediscover your appreciation for movies with simple premises that are elevated by exceptional character development.
I'm absolutely blown away by the film's cinematography. Every element of the mise en scène effortlessly whisks me away to the '70s, despite my not having been born during that era. And its cozy, heartwarming vibe is like getting wrapped up in a big, warm hug, especially against the wintery setting.
“The Holdovers” boasts some of the most outstanding performances of 2023. Giamatti's portrayal of Hunham was a stroke of genius casting, while Randolph's performance was so calculated that it breathed depth into a character that might have otherwise been underestimated. And let's not forget Sessa's contribution, which stands out as one of the most overlooked film debuts of last year.
These well-written characters eventually form an unlikely bond among three individuals with many differences but one shared reality: they all seem to have nowhere else to go. Hunham, a prickly teacher who struggles with compliments, has intentionally secluded himself in the boarding school. Lamb, whose son Curtis attended the same school and tragically perished in the Vietnam War, finds herself unable to leave as it's the last place she shared with her son. Then there's Tully, a teenager yearning for his mother's presence. Together, their stories demonstrate how the desire for companionship and connection can motivate us to create a sense of family even in unexpected circumstances.
I'm confident that “The Holdovers” is the standout film of 2023. However, history often teaches us that the finest don't always walk away with the top prize.
As of this writing, “Oppenheimer” has amassed an impressive 289 wins across various award ceremonies, positioning it as the frontrunner for the esteemed Best Picture trophy at the Oscars. There's this poignant moment in that film where Ernest Lawrence tells the titular character: “You're not just self-important, you're actually important.” It perfectly captures my thoughts on the acclaimed Christopher Nolan masterpiece—it may come off a bit full of itself, but its significance as a historical film shines through, flaws and all.
Here's my prediction for the top category: “Oppenheimer” will snag the Best Picture Oscar next month, while “The Holdovers” may find itself echoing the fate of another exceptional film, “Whiplash,” which, despite its brilliance, fell short of the highest accolade. Nonetheless, I'm happy to be proven wrong.