The Holdovers (2023)
Alexander Payne's acclaimed comedy-drama about misfits, grief, and unexpected connection during a New England winter break.
The Holdovers - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Holdovers
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Alexander Payne
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 27, 2023 (Canada - 14A), November 10, 2023 (United States - R), January 19, 2024 (United Kingdom - 15), January 25, 2024 (Germany - 12), December 13, 2023 (France), January 11, 2024 (Australia - M), January 11, 2024 (Brazil - 16), January 18, 2024 (Mexico - B), January 18, 2024 (Italy), January 3, 2024 (Spain - 12), February 21, 2024 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: جاماندگان (IR), Zadržki (SI), Os Excluídos (PT), Mahajäänud (EE), მიტოვებულები (GE), ฤดูหนาวนี้ไม่ไร้ไออุ่น (TH), Os Rejeitados (BR), Barton Academy (KR)
- Production Companies: Miramax, Gran Via Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Holdovers - Plot
A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker — and with the school's head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam.
The Holdovers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this acclaimed holiday drama:
Discomfort and joy.
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The Holdovers - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alexander Payne
Main Cast
- Paul Giamatti
- Dominic Sessa
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph
- Carrie Preston
- Brady Hepner
- Ian Dolley
- Jim Kaplan
- Michael Provost
- Andrew Garman
- Naheem Garcia
Writers
- David Hemingson
Producers
- Mark Johnson
- David Hemingson
- Bill Block
The Holdovers - FAQs
What is The Holdovers about?
The Holdovers follows a cantankerous classics teacher at a New England prep school who gets stuck on campus over Christmas break supervising students who have nowhere to go. What starts as a miserable arrangement slowly becomes something warmer — a story about grief, loneliness, and the bonds that form in unexpected places.
Did Da'Vine Joy Randolph win an Oscar for The Holdovers?
Yes! Da'Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her deeply moving portrayal of Mary Lamb, a school cook grieving the loss of her son in Vietnam. It was one of the most celebrated performances of 2023, earning her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Where can you stream or watch The Holdovers?
You can rent or buy The Holdovers on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, and Spectrum On Demand. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so finding a way to watch it shouldn't be a problem.
Is The Holdovers based on a true story?
Not directly, but it draws heavily on real-world atmosphere. Writer David Hemingson was inspired by his own experiences at a New England boarding school. The film also pays homage to 1970s cinema aesthetics, giving it an authentic period feel that makes it seem like a rediscovered classic rather than a modern production.
Who are the main actors in The Holdovers?
The film centers on Paul Giamatti as the prickly teacher Paul Hunham, Dominic Sessa in a breakout role as troubled student Angus Tully, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as the school's head cook Mary Lamb. All three deliver career-highlight performances that anchor the film's emotional core.
Is The Holdovers worth watching?
Absolutely. The Holdovers earned an Oscar win, a Best Actor nomination for Paul Giamatti, and near-universal critical praise. It's a rare film that manages to be genuinely funny and deeply moving at the same time — the kind of warm, character-driven story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
What is the age rating for The Holdovers?
The Holdovers is rated R in the United States, primarily for language. It's a mature but not graphic film — the R rating reflects its frank dialogue and adult themes rather than violence or explicit content. Older teens and adults will find it very accessible.
What movies are similar to The Holdovers?
If you loved The Holdovers, Dead Poets Society is an obvious companion — another boarding school story with a transformative teacher at its heart. Cha Cha Real Smooth and Beautiful Girls offer similar warmth and character depth, while Home for the Holidays shares that bittersweet holiday spirit and sharp ensemble writing.
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