The Holdovers

During a bitter New England Christmas break, a stubborn, world weary teacher at a private prep school finds himself left behind with a handful of students who have nowhere else to go. The days stretch into quiet, stubborn routines and tense humor as he guards the campus from weather and boredom alike. Over time, a wary bond grows with one exceptionally bright but troubled student, and he also forms a tentative connection with the school's head cook who is grieving the loss of her son in Vietnam. What begins as a tense standoff turns into a fragile, stubborn kinship that reshapes everyone involved without erasing their flaws. The film keeps its promise to stay grounded without slipping into overreach.

Directed by Alexander Payne with a script by David Hemingson, The Holdovers is an original story set in a New England prep school. The cast features Paul Giamatti in the lead with Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, and Carrie Preston in prominent support and reflects on the era's academic culture.

Box office figures are not provided here and the available data does not include gross totals; what is known is that the film appeared in limited release and drew attention mainly for its performances and tonal balance.

Critics have praised the film for balancing dry wit with emotional honesty. It explores themes of obligation, loneliness, mentorship, and the ways people build family when traditional bonds falter. Audiences on the available platform rate it around 7.65 out of 10, based on 2,307 votes, suggesting steady appeal.

As a late 2023 release from a renowned director known for sharp character studies, The Holdovers adds to a catalog of holiday films that hinge on misfits, moral choice, and quiet resilience. While not a breakout cultural moment, it may find a devoted audience among viewers who appreciate film as a conversation starter about responsibility, aging, and community. As conversations about holiday films evolve, The Holdovers may be cited as a quietly humane example of grown up storytelling.