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The Holdovers

The Holdovers is a 2023 American Christmas comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Holdovers is a 2023 American Christmas comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. Set in 1970, it follows a strict New England boarding-school instructor who stays on campus during Christmas break and forms an unlikely bond with a student and the school’s head cook. The film was screened at the 2023 Toronto-based international festival circuit and made available to Canadian audiences through broader theatrical and home-viewing release.

Premise

The film follows a curmudgeonly instructor at Barton Academy who must stay behind to supervise students unable to go home for Christmas break. Over time, he develops a connection with one student and the school’s head cook.

Cast

The principal cast includes Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb, and Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully. Sessa made his film debut in the production.

Production and release

The Holdovers was produced by Miramax and Gran Via and distributed by Focus Features. It opened in theatres in late October and wide release followed in November 2023.

Reception

The film received positive critical attention and was described by reviewers as a melancholy, character-driven holiday drama. Source material also notes award recognition, though detailed awards coverage is not included in the provided results.

Key facts

  • The film is set during Christmas break at a New England boarding school in 1970.
  • Paul Giamatti plays the instructor Paul Hunham, with Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa in major roles.
  • The story centres on an unlikely bond among three lonely people left on campus over the holiday break.
  • It was directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson.
  • The film runs 133 minutes and is rated R for language, some drug use, and brief sexual material.
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Canadian context

The film was screened at the 2023 Toronto-based international festival circuit through broader Canadian theatrical and home-viewing availability, making it relevant to Canadian audiences as an acclaimed English-language holiday drama.[9][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is The Holdovers about?
It is about a strict teacher, a student, and the school cook who are left at a New England boarding school during Christmas break in 1970.
Who directed The Holdovers?
Alexander Payne directed the film.
Who wrote The Holdovers?
David Hemingson wrote the screenplay.
Who stars in The Holdovers?
The film stars Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa.
When was The Holdovers released?
It opened in theatres in October 2023 and received a wider release in November 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holdovers
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, writer, cast, and setting.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_holdovers
    Supports: Synopsis, director, producer, writer, distributor, runtime, rating, and release information.
  3. Miramax — https://www.miramax.com/movie/The-Holdovers/
    Supports: Official film description, principal characters, writer, director, and 2023 release year.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-holdovers
    Supports: Runtime, MPAA rating explanation, cast, and awards notes.
  5. British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/holdovers-this-high-school-heartwarmer-no-ordinary-throwback
    Supports: Festival screening and UK release context.