Watching a film set during the holiday season whilst enjoying that same season creates a lovely frisson; a feeling of being more at one with the characters or story. Lots of people watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” for Halloween or make a point to go see one of the “Grinch” films when it’s re-released in theaters seasonally. A movie can get you in the mood for celebrating or elicit feelings of nostalgia as you remember watching with loved ones in times past.
Alexander Payne’s new film, “The Holdovers” has been playing for many weeks in the theaters. The setting for the film is a New England boarding school during Winter Break in the 1970’s. Payne not only captures the period perfectly; he has made the movie in a way reminiscent of films and tv shows of the period. The opening titles and credits, the typography and colors, the freeze frames and dissolves and cinematography style, they all mimic a 70’s era show.
Certainly, not everyone has had the experience of being away at school, but we’ve all had moments in life where we felt we didn’t belong. We’ve all felt bereft over a holiday plan that didn’t meet our expectations or got cancelled. “The Holdovers” is about the kids that don’t have a home to go to over the Winter Break, but also about the lonely, bitter souls who must endure the time trapped at school together. Paul Giamatti is perfectly cast as the curmudgeonly history teacher and it’s another fine performance 20 years after having an equally fitting role in Payne’s “Sideways” (2004).
We spend most of the two hours plus run time with three lonely, misunderstood people that are all dealing with grief or trauma. This is not the meet-cute holiday romance of Hallmark movies. Yet the time doesn’t drag. Payne knows we need to get to know these lost souls, and for them to reveal their pain slowly. There’s a melancholy mood in these long dreary days together.
Dominic Sessa portrays the young man who’s been left behind and his hangdog look speaks volumes. He’s more than the angry young man that he presents, and his character arc is both sad and believable. Da’Vine Joy Randolph is the director of food services who’s tasked with feeding the crew. She’s used to being unseen and unappreciated. Having recently lost her son (who also attended the school), she’s in mourning. There’s a touching scene when she places baby clothes in her sister’s nursery that left me in tears. She also played a pivotal role in “Rustin”, another notable film (now streaming on Netflix).
As these three angry, bitter people bicker and drink and settle into their time together, a bond is slowly formed. Once they’ve ventured off campus, they’ve become an odd sort of family. A family that’s endured misfortune together and proven they have each other’s backs. There’s an errant snow globe used in an improbable manner, a deux ex machina if you will, but otherwise, the story rings true. There are some dramatic reveals and a few tender moments, but ultimately, the story is about gaining understanding and perspective on other people’s pain and experiences.
“The Holdovers” has been held over for a long theatrical run and as such, has had time to find an appreciative audience through word of mouth. It’s great that it’s getting some awards buzz. It’s not a cheerful holiday film. Instead, it’s a story that acknowledges how important it is to be seen, understood and cared for—and that’s what makes life worth living.
Drinks with Films rating: 3 bottles of purloined liquor from the principal’s office (out of 5)
Drinks with films 