by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What will be the next great holiday classic? There are so many films that help define Christmas for so many people. Whether it is A Muppets Christmas Carol (like for me), A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, or any number of the Rankin/Bass animated specials, movies can make quite the impact on the season. They can help put you in the right mood. They can bring the family together in a special way. They can also help process our own seasonal dynamics with our loved ones, or even help us appreciate the experiences we have. The latter is perhaps the most poignant of all, and it is no surprise that director Alexander Payne just might have created the next great holiday film in fashion, The Holdovers.
What allows the film to be so impactful in taking audiences back to Christmastime of yesteryear? Set in 1970, Payne and the rest of his team create a time capsule in the best way possible. You know you are in for a treat when they created a fake retro logo for Focus Features to set the tone. The cinematography has such a classic and textured feel that gives it a bit of graininess. You feel like you are stuck in a memory and that atmosphere works perfectly for this retro story. Eigil Bryld’s photography brings out the warmness of every color to make the audience feel enveloped in a blanket of nostalgia. The score from Mark Orton is resonant in the feelings it invokes, and works well to create the specific atmosphere that Payne is going for. Even the popular music choices are an expertly chosen collection of songs that are instantly recognizable for the period, but never obvious enough to take you out of a scene. The production design, hair, makeup, and costuming… they all tie the room together.
What about the story? This is a tale of three misfits trying to navigate the world they are a part of, who find connections with each other. When a grumpy teacher, a rebellious young student, and grieving cook are stuck together at school for the holiday season, it’s a perfect group of characters for the audience to connect with. David Hemingson’s screenplay has three anchoring characters with unexpected layers, strong character work, and connective themes that allow the audience to see and hear them. Loneliness, grief, purpose, and togetherness are all present and explored in moving and nuanced ways. There is plenty of humanity to go around in this mismatched trio as well, whether they are going to holiday parties, traveling to Boston, or engaging in conflicts in an empty school. They are engaging, their experiences feel authentic, and they are a joy to watch.
Who are the real MVPs of the film? The trio of characters are only as memorable and empathetic thanks to the impressive performances of Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Giamatti was the perfect choice to return and collaborate again with Payne, 19 years after Sideways, to bring Paul Hunham to life. He might not have the looks of a traditional leading man, but he has the acting talents to anchor any film. The gruffness and acidic attitude that Giamatti must bring to Hunham makes him endlessly entertaining, but it is the depth of emotions that this actor imbues in his character that makes his arc so enthralling. By the end, we empathize with Hunham and understand, and Giamatti is a big factor in that. Sessa delivers big in his first film role as Angus Tully. A character who could have easily been annoying and unsympathetic, Angus is brought to life with such confidence and care that we are here every step of the way, even with some of the emotional twists and turns that await him. The real authentic anchor to this triumvirate, though, is Randolph who carries herself with so much poise and charisma despite being full of pain and grief. Seeing what she can do onscreen is an absolute delight to witness.
Is The Holdovers worth seeking out this holiday season? Honestly… don’t sell it that short. Payne’s film will not only make for a great journey for the family, but it is getting ready for a different and competitive season… awards season. This film is so full of warmth and humor, but plenty of emotion, making for a perfect Best Picture frontrunner. Technically impressive, acted to the maximum, and chock-full of resonance, make sure to seek out this period drama as soon as you can.
Rating: Loved It
The Holdovers is currently streaming on Peacock
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