The Holdovers is a Christmas Movie – sort of – that was released towards the end of 2023. It was directed by Alexander Payne, and stars Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

The film was shot in an aspect ration of 1.66 : 1 – which is not the most common. This fact, combined with the set design and cinematography, succeeded in giving the film a “cozy” feel, even if the story was not exactly the happiest.

The plot revolved around a school teacher who is required to stay at the boarding school over Christmas to supervise a student who is unable to make it home. Neither of them are terribly happy about this situation, but they do begin to form a sort of friendship over time.

Although a comedy, it wasn’t a particularly cheerful film. But it was very well made in many ways. Certain parts of it were also reminiscent of a film like Dead Poets Society.

Watch my full review here: