The Holdovers

 

The Holdovers-Prime

There must be a special place in hell for people who make deceptive trailer ads. The trailer makes the film appear humorous and warm hearted. For the most part, it is not. The Holdovers is not humorous. There are sad stories and the road to redemption is bumpy and painful.

 Paul Giamatti is Paul Hunham a curmudgeon ancient history teacher whom his students and peers dislike.  He cycles through various levels of curmudgeonhood in the film. Sympathy for him is gained after tales of his misery. He is a sad and lonely person.

Dominic Sessa is Angus Tully the holdover student Giamatti has to babysit. He has a sad backstory that would make Tiny Tim cry. In this formula plot, they deeply dislike each other and over the course of the film they defrost. Eventually, Giamatti and Sessa form a friendship/ allegiance to fend off their adversaries. The bond they achieve traverses rocky terrain.

Da’ Vine Joy Randolph is the head cook Mary. She has a deeply sad story herself that has nothing to do with Hunham and Tully. Sadness is their bond. Her main role is to humanize Hunham.

The acting is well done and they portray their characters well. For all the sadness you would expect more happiness and joy. It is a Christmas movie after all.