Living Out My New England Prep School Dreams Through The Holdovers: A Review

“You can’t even dream a whole dream, can you?” Da’Vine Joy Randolph asks in 2023's The Holdovers.

The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, features Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph at their best, along with an incredible debut from Dominic Sessa. It features Giamatti’s character Paul Hunham, a New England prep school teacher who is tasked with taking care of students who have nowhere to go for Christmas. Among these students is troublesome student Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa, who is dealing with a loss within his family. Joining them is the school’s cook Mary Lamb, played by Randolph. Across the two weeks of winter break that they spend together, these three form an unlikely bond that will tug at your heartstrings and make you wonder why your parents never sent you to boarding school as Tully races through the halls and the trio makes a trip to Boston.

The true standout of this film is the underrated Sessa, who shines in his acting debut.

Throughout the film, you can see his talent and potential through his portrayal of Tulley. You dislike his rude comments and unnecessary attitude at the beginning of the film, but by the end, you understand him and develop a fondness for the teenager, both of which would be impossible without Sessa’s astounding portrayal of the complicated boy. Sessa gives the viewer an inside look into Tulley’s mind, showing his grapples with his family and his past playing into each action he takes.

David Hemingson also demonstrates his screenwriting talent.

Although he has written the odd episode for television in the past, The Holdovers is Hemingson’s full-length film debut. To say he exceeded expectations would be an understatement. The characterization of Hunham and Tulley is spectacular; as they change and evolve, so do your feelings toward them. He addresses both fear and grief in a tear-jerking way; when Hunham reached for that air freshener before the Christmas party, I think everyone’s hearts broke a little. It makes you want to cry and laugh, sometimes simultaneously, truly putting Hemingson in the ‘ones to watch’ category.

However, some editing choices were not my favorites.

The number of fades seemed excessive, due to a lack of any other transition. I understand it was going for a '70s feel, but it got boring when every other scene change was a fade. The unexpected zoom-ins of the camera were unsettling, taking away from the severity of the moment. However, in contrast to this, the montages took my breath away. They truly made the characters feel human, as we could see them grappling with their inner struggles through these beautifully crafted montages. The music choices felt odd at times, mainly most of the first 30 minutes, however, at other points, it was spot on. Watching Tulley explore the school with the calming and heartfelt music playing over his adventure truly gives the viewer a warm and fuzzy feeling as he finally feels satisfied with his school.

Overall, The Holdovers is a must-see.

It’s “uplifting in a teary way” as you watch these three characters come into themselves over two hours. The remarkable directing, writing and acting make this film unmissable, and you will find yourself drawn into the snowy world of this New England prep school and its three winter break residents as they work through loss and hope for the future.