Why The Holdovers is a Masterpiece | Telluride 2023

[@darsoma95]

This movie feels like a return to form for the movie industry. A believable and relatable story with everything you need and nothing you don’t. I can only hope the rest of the industry follows suit

Yes , not super power

[@dickeymckay8289]

I do agree, definitely a return to form. But what if everyone made a "return to form". I love these simple dramedys or dramas that have no outstanding moments really, it's just a solid story with great acting and not a trillion dollars spent on effects or wild exteriors etc... Things like the greats of Lumet or Straight Time with Hoffman and Harry Dean (one of my favorites ever). But just like anything else in the realm of art, cinema progresses. Even in the world of simple stories without climactic shocks or mindbending twist or experimental cinematography, we still get some. For instance 'Fremont' or '20th Century Women'. Alexander Payne is certainly a filmmaker of the old school, but that school is closed, therefor the return to form is a stale saltine. Is it watchable and enjoyable - yes. But is it doing anything new? Absolutely not. In my opinion it's a regression. A mildly enjoyable one. Payne's most up to date feeling film to date would probably be Downsizing, and it didn't really work out all that great for him. Possibly his worst film. And his best - definitely going with Nebraska. Holdovers falls somewhere in the middle. I admire Payne sticking to these throwback guns, but I'd really love to see him dip his toes in something a little more modern and gnarly. Bottom line is I enjoyed it, but let Payne be Payne and I pray that the rest of the industry does NOT follow suit, as we'd have a rehashing of old stuff. Rather than a retro-nod to the classic lowkey dramadies of the 70s 80s and early to mid 90s.

[@brian_of_farce]

Saw this film with my teenage son over the weekend. Amazing experience, not just the film but the conversation it sparked between us afterward. It's one of those film experiences I'll never forget.

[@nowbandnyc]

That’s a beautiful story. I watched it with my dad (38 and 76 years old) last night, and we both were quite moved.

[@angelorossowrites]

Paul Giamatti is sorely underrated and does not get enough love. Yes, he is excellent in Sideways but more recently just as good in Barney's Version and Private Lives, the man shines. Give him an Oscar please.

[@maryclaremayo6157]

Dominic Sessa is an outstanding young actor. I was wracking my brain trying to think who he reminded me of, with his 70s teenage look in this film, and it's Brad Dourif.

[@jb8280]

I knew I was going to love The Holdovers the second the opening wintery chill shots projected on the screen hand in hand with absolutely perfect music choices. The story. The cinematography. The acting. The director. This is instantly my new Christmas watch(as soon as I get the blu ray). It’s so my type of film. The Paper Chase meets Rushmore with a whole lotta Payne. Can’t wait to see it again. A true cinematic pleasure. A master class in all facets of filmmaking.

[@michellebermingham2350]

Christopher Nolan take note!

[@victorfranca3057]

This movie tricked me a lot. I was expecting an ordinary comedy, but actually watched one of the best dramas of 2023. Huge piece of work 👏👏

[@tbam73]

Finally watched it. Brilliant. Thank you Payne for writing such a beautiful character that is Mary Swan. Fully realized, not 1 dimensional, doesnt suddenly disappeared in the movie, and has an actual story.

[@D-RayMovieReviews]

First off I have to say this is one of Paul Giamatti’s greatest performances in his entire career. And the rest of the cast is perfection as well. Everyone involved in this movie is Oscar Worthy. The Holdovers really reminded me of the film style and comedy/drama tone of classic 1970’s era classic movies from the great Hal Ashby, such as The Landlord, Harold And Maude, The Last Detail and Being There. Also it reminded me of classic 70’s movies from Bob Rafelson like Five Easy Pieces and The King Of Marvin Gardens. You could make a case that this movie is right up there with these great classics from that era. It feels like an all time great lost gem directly from the 70’s

[@oliverarceo2004]

Great actor the teacher

[@mindbodyhome102]

Saw The Holdoverslast weekend and was blown away. Thanks for the shout out to Dominic Sessa.....I also thought he was just brillliant and to find out Payne found him at Deerfield Academy after Dominic had just wrapped up his senior play is quite the story. I grew up in this time period and my brother went to a prep school and believe me, Payne nailed the time and setting. I literally thought I back at my brother's school! And the references to the events of the time also added to the film, particularly in Mary's storyline. Oscar worthy all around! May go see it again this weekend :)

[@niccage6375]

The holdovers might win screenplay because when an alexander payne movie is not filmed in nebraska, it wins the screenplay oscar

[@AbbeBuck]

Yes, yes it does!

[@106andie]

Watched the movie last Saturday and loved it, to my surprise I know one of the actors, Naheem who plays The Groundskeeper who is interested in Mary, Da’vine Joy Randolph’s love interest. He was a Playwright workshop instructor of mine!

[@wellingtonsc75]

9:09 same here. A movie to savor. A classic. Dominic Sessa’s performance - wow!!

[@jonathandooley5872]

We might be seeing the 2023 Best Picture, after all the Barbieheimer brouhaha. Academy likes small pictures lately, and this does not disappoint. I was a new movie-geek in 1970, and they nailed it. Yes, a masterpiece!

[@benbergin538]

The Holdovers was amazing. Hilarious, heartwarming and strong 1970s vibes. Masterpiece. Instant classic

[@ninaklein8154]

I also really loved The Holdovers. Like Brian, I love a movie set in the early 70s as well as in an academic place. The three main characters were well drawn and complex. Great soundtrack. A.Payne told a terrific story before my showing about the casting of the liquor store clerk. The audience burst into applause after he said his one line. It was a fantastic viewing experience which one doesn't get streaming at home.

[@dylanchapman6017]

I loved this movie so much I laughed almost the entire film at the witty school humor and have been looking forward to seeing the movie since the trailer dropped back around the spring/summer I for one can say the movie is a must see and if it doesn’t even get in consideration for film of the year it’s a outrage

[@guerdynerodriguez2845]

I’m rooting for this movie ! They filmed in my state and I got an email to be background for it so I can’t wait to see how it ends up

[@danielee8104]

Yup. A great film. Very human. Very touching. Saw it twice. Could see it again! So appreciative of their work.

[@samuelbarber6177]

The film just got its UK release today and I loved it. They really do not make films like this anymore. The kind of films that Hal Ashby or Sidney Lumet would make. The screenplay and direction is fantastic. The acting is brilliant (Dominic Sessa ought to become a new star for his work). It was a wonderful and quite touching film.

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

Greetings from Texas, and agreed. They certainly don't make them like this anymore. Down here "the holdovers" was only in theaters for about 2 weeks. Wish I had seen it then and not by streaming.

[@tbam73]

Randolph is a phenomenal actress.

[@singstreetcar5881]

Devine is on fire right now. She was good in dolomites is my name. She is good in only murders in the building. Shes a tony nominated actress also. Let's pretend she was not in that awful the idol.

[@futurecanadian]

saw it this morning with a friend who loves seeing movies in a theatre. We both agree it didn't feel long. Could have gone another 30 minutes IMO. It's a 'talky' film meaning if you like a film with a ton of dialogue, this is it. The one thing the end of the film reminds me of is the great Mike Nichols' film, the Graduate. Because, in both films, a decision has be way and uncertainly awaits. I definitely see an Oscar nod for Paul but Cillian will win (another underrated actor). Not even on 800 screens but finished #6 in this weekend's box office.

[@moby1017]

Just watched and there is so much good in this movie amongst all the crap out there, this is a treasure that I will enjoy over and over. It has the feel of a 70's movie and scenes are terrifically written, shot, and acted. Heartbreaking performances and Payne knows exactly where to lighten it up with genuine laugh out loud moments. 10/10! The Oscars are hit and miss. More miss as of late. This movie will live long after a Union awards pay for play show.

[@canonrivette]

Just watched this movie (and by movie I mean "film") in a theatre yesterday. Greatly admire Alexander Payne's previous work and loved "The Holdovers." The depth and detail of the story were engaging, and one thought I had as it ended was, "My God, I've just watched an adult, intelligent, emotionally satisfying and complicated story! Hoo-ray!" Your review was excellent. Thanks for making it. Cheers!

[@JanetBuhlmann]

I saw it yesterday and really enjoyed it. I've been looking forward to it ever since I saw the first preview and it lived up to and maybe exceeded my hopes and expectations for it. A really good, entertaining film, totally worth the price of admission

[@josiepkat]

I first say Da'Vine Joy Randolph in Dolemite is My Name in 2019 and I KNEW she was special. I was so disappointed that she didn't get a nomination - I was sure she would. Here she's wonderful again - in a masterfully understated performance. I loved this film so much - and maybe because it FEELS like a REAL MOVIE. I just wanted to thank Payne for giving us a genuine movie to experience in a theater again. In lesser hands this would've been cliche. Somehow it isn't. I hope people don't balk at the 2 hour 13 minute run time. I honestly didn't really want to say goodbye to these characters. I've tried to put out the word - I hope people go out to see this one.

[@mauriboquitas]

Quite unexpectedly since it's such a male-centric film, but I love Wonder Boys. Something about setting a film on a wintry campus is just so appealing to me, so The Holdovers sounds right up my alley. Sideways is one of my favorite films of the 2000s. Alexander Payne gets a lot of leeway from me for that Virginia Madsen monologue alone, so I'm really excited to watch this as soon as I can.

[@R-ej7yu]

first 5 -10 mins gave me a "Catcher in the Rye" vibes. excellent film.

[@stemikger]

This movie and Paul Giamatti were so incredible I have to see it again and maybe again after that. I can't say enough amazing things about the entire experience and if you are an actor and want to see a master doing his craft watch Paul Giamatti it is like a master class in acting. Incredible

[@okay5045]

Excellent movie. Paul Giamati deserves an Oscar

[@JoJoJoker]

This film has a connection with In Bruges, another dark Christmas classic, A few great lines: “Christ on a Crutch! What kind of a fascist hash foundry are you running here?“ “There was a time when the fire in my loins burned white hot. The details would curl your toes.” Da’Vine Joy was great in The Holdovers (and the best part of that terrible HBO show The Idol).

[@DavidS-rr7cx]

I just saw this movie and loved it. Decided to look up reviews on KZbin and yours popped up. Great review Brian! And btw, you introduced me to Sideways and it’s still one of my favorite movies. Glad to see this pairing again.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Hi David! Great hearing from you 😀 Glad you loved The Holdovers, and yes, Sideways is one of my faves too. Hope you’re doing amazing. Feel free to reach out to me on the socials, would love to reconnect ❤️

[@marcellusfinch6366]

Don’t forget Straight outta Compton! Paul was snubbed for that too

[@bethd1480]

I think there are some actors who just find that director who can make them shine incredibly in a film. Such John Wayne with John Ford and Cary Grant with Alfred Hitchcock. They just know how to get the best performance out of them. As the year is going on more and more great performances are showing up, makes me think that when Oscar time gets here, "Barbie" may be in trouble with nominations, except for technical ones and Best Song. I can hardly wait for you to do an early prediction on Oscars, now that more and more movies have come out, and you've actually seen the performances, I'm still having a hard time with Best Supporting Actress and would like to see who you've picked so far.

[@brianvaira486]

I just saw this movie yesterday and I loved it. Oddly enough, the movie it reminded me the most of was Groundhog's Day, with a little bit of The Breakfast Club.

[@patrarus6097]

Thanks so much, Brian, for another excellent review. I, too, love Paul G. and "Sideways" is one of my favorite movies. I also own it as you do. I am looking forward to "The Holdovers" in late November. Keep up the great work. You are the best online movie reviewer I have found on KZbin. You are knowledgeable, professional, detailed and always on point. You speak correct grammar; you exude enthusiasm without ever gong "over the top."

[@cesarsuira3200]

Cant forget Payne did an excellent job on The Descendants and Nebraska... He is one of my favorite directors. Im just waiting to see The Holdovers!!

[@singstreetcar5881]

Nebraska is so good. Election is such a great film. I dont think resse winterspoon is a good actress but she was mind blowing in this film. Deserved to win an oscar for this film

[@radiantlight2361]

This film made me cry😢 at the end

[@007nadineL]

I was blown away by this movie. A treat

[@cowetascore8476]

Fantastic movie. I wish more scripts in Hollywood looked like this. I've seen 2 movies since COVID-19. Top Gun and this and I wasn't disappointed at all. Paul Giamatti is phenomenal.

[@conservativeneurologyb4999]

Character driven films include also 'Mr. Church' (starring Eddie Murphy). Great review....thanks so much for posting it. I am looking forward to this film and I agree, a film starring Paul Giamatti is a 'must see'.

[@JoRN1222]

Eddie was so good in Mr Church.

[@mondantarigan5579]

Finally Payne comeback!!

[@Jadewizard]

Can’t wait!!! I love love love Alexander Payne!

[@RandomForestGump]

Thanks for reviewing it! Is a sin nobody reviews it

[@alisdairmckenzie]

I too am a big fan of Giamatti and he was inexplicably overlooked for a nomination for Sideways. Another performance I think he deserved a nomination for, was Barney's Version which I thought he was excellent in. He won the Globe for it but no Oscar nomination. I think the film itself didn't do that well, but he was brilliant in it. A difficult and complex character which he is so good at playing. Here's hoping he gets the recognition for The Holdovers which I've yet to see.

[@angelorossowrites]

Paul Giamatti is sorely underrated and does not get enough love. Yes, he is excellent in Sideways but more recently just as good in Barney's Version and Private Lives, the man shines. Give him an Oscar please.

[@heymistercarter.]

I just watched SIDEWAYS last night, and I agree, it's baffling how Giamatti wasn't nominated for that. Not to knock Thomas Haden Church (which, what happened to THAT guy?) or Virginia Madsen, but I'd argue if there was any performance from that movie that should've been nominated, it was Giamatti. Like, he WAS that movie, and the fact that he didn't make the final list is insane to me. Hopefully he'll make up for it by getting in for Holdovers.

[@bev9708]

Has PG ever given a bad performance ??? I don’t think so, not even a so so performance !!

[@brianvaira486]

The Amazing Spiderman 2. I also didn't care for his vocal performance in Ratchet and Clank, but outside of that, he's a fantastic actor.

[@alpe1987]

I think THE HOLDOVERS might get into Best Picture, actor, supporting actress, original screenplay, director and maybe supporting actor. Anything can happen

[@Amoschp524]

It deserves it, first movie I saw this year and thought this should win awards.

[@katwil89]

I loved everything about this movie. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. And the music - fantastic! This will be going on my Christmas rotation from now on.

[@Nae395]

Stunning Screenplay. Best movie e since Sideways. The music score, WOW. 😊

[@RobLavery]

can't believe you went on for 15 mins and didn't mention Carrie Preston - a real breath of fresh air in this movie.

[@ML-xh6rd]

Love Carrie Preston. She brings so much life to her characters.

[@psygolf7120]

Nice modern day Harold & Maude that falls apart a little at the end when he decides to fall on the sword for the kid…probably just kicked military school down the road a month.

[@LisaMurphy]

I really loved the movie too. And I also really enjoyed watching your review. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie a few more times.

[@evilroy6568]

Man, so many movies I can’t wait to see!

[@JoRN1222]

I loved Nebraska and the Holdovers. 😊❤

[@kevinmcsweeney4156]

And Paul Giamatti was in Saving Private Ryan.

[@thegoatgav2479]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The most refreshing movie that I have seen in quite some time.

[@marcdeckard7064]

Loved Sideways, I'll give this one a try.

[@franklesser5655]

Loved seeing this!

[@singstreetcar5881]

Paul giamordie is so underrated. Barney's version is so funny. He waa good in 12 years a slave. I hope he can win an oscar someday

[@pauljarman4433]

For me, this should have won best actor, best film and best director. I also loved the score.

[@omachinancy]

I live on an island and it didn't come here. Waiting for streaming so I can watch it!

[@sapienproductions]

I fully agree, glad i watched this after watching the movie though.

[@HarryClipzFilmz]

I didn’t know Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) was in another flix, going to have to check this out

[@jayr3053]

Looking forward to seeing this film! I was surprised to hear you say you love movies about writers because so do I! Movies & TV shows about writers! I’ve never heard anyone else say that before.

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Great review , totes agree. Thanks .

[@CameronBrooks]

I had one of the last speaking roles in The Descendants - and my scene got friggin cut from the theatrical version!!😅

[@jackiepike1466]

😢 would you appear in the DVD's extra scenes?

[@jwbjpb1338]

I saw the movie the other day and it is a GREAT movie.

[@LAZERMAC87]

Bro, you are forgetting the unforgettable performance Mr. G gave in Amazing SpiderMan 2 as Rhino! Hahahahahaha

[@carljcreighton]

I am soooooooo excited to see this movie!

[@Anastasiabeaverhausen275]

I love his films the descendants is one of my all-time favorite films It rips your heart out

[@jonnnyg511]

Loved this film loved it cried multiple times lol

[@rozembergbarbosa24]

I adore a good review ❤

[@sailingsam3815]

So good❤

[@judyannkiwi]

this is an awesome movie excellent acting

[@mathieuleader8601]

this movie is 100% cosy

[@felixcat4346]

Yes but why the goofy eye ball special effect?

[@charleswind8298]

You just told me the whole damn movie !!!

[@525Lines]

The 70s style is such a Payne style.

[@FiestaTX17]

Giamatti vs Cillian Murphy for best actor please. Oppenheimer was incredible and I can’t wait for this film

[@megamoviez]

Giamatti should win. He’s a legend in the business and never won. Cillian will have his time eventually.

[@khoohockleong7585]

This movie reminds me of aixture of Ehiplash and the Ticardod - afult and student teationships. If Ail Giomsnni can juggle yhese well )beyter if these two layers of story can inyertwine,l), the ergormance can be vompelingly hood with a deep characterisation being dhowcased.

[@terrim302]

Deep in the heart of Texas

[@marrmart7690]

ددد i was waiting to know ( the script and screenplay)... Of the holdeovers. I think the script important in this film..more the acting. Becase if story of script good and deep...will give the acting chance to be contenders in oscar. Even if they not strong. The acting clearly good...but if script weak the acting will never get the chance...to be in top five in awards season. Becase kind of this film debond on the auther more acting and dirction in the begining. I like leading role actor. And supporting role actross. She is surprise ♥💛♥ But i still asking... The film comedy or tragedy This qestion i ask ...when i watch trailer. Thank you brian💛💛💛 To review

[@linguaphile42]

Great commentary, but I think you're mistaken about Paul always staying over Christmas with the students. It's clear that this is the first time he's assigned this, even though it's another prof's turn, and it's as punishment for not having changed a grade.

[@johncarroll1307]

Just streamed this one last night. It was nice and warm-hearted -- but so traditional and predictable. It underwhelmed me in every way. All the performances were quite good, but none rose to the heights that I expected from all the buzz.

[@pophector]

Very excited to see this, the trailer looks really good and I like the Dead Poets Society vibes I see from the movie so far. I'm sure Paul Giamatti is going to give a great performance (and yes, he should have been nominated for Sideways since Thomas Haden Church & Virginia Madsen were in the Supporting categories). And yes, Davine Joy Randolph has been great in everything I've seen her in since Dolemite Is My Name (and was one of the few decent things about the unwatchable & canceled show The Idol, which would win an equivalent Razzie for Worst Show Of The Year). Thank you for another cool review, Brian 😎

[@munbok]

Why do I keep thinking of Richard Dreyfuss in this role?

[@opstainless]

Ive seen this movie twice in theaters

[@jamicarroll8942]

You’ve got to ind a way to place your prompter within your line of sight facing the camera. That, and pick up the pace a bit. Your message is interesting, but presentation is a bit dry. Otherwise, well done.

[@tonyg76]

I get the hype for Divine Joy Randolph. I do not understand how this is a feel good movie/story though. SPOILERS ahead: The loss of son, the father with challenges, losing job at the end. It is the best Oscar movie but only because it is better than Oppenheimer, Barbie, Past Lives, and Killers of the Flower Moon not because it blew me away. The Oscar movies have not been great the last two years.

[@lordhumungus3578]

Hardly! Sideways was brilliant

[@s.b.ghazalli2658]

Hot take. Alexander Payne's movies are more safisfying than Wes Andersons'.

[@jsmcguireIII]

Should be titled: The Cages We Make for Ourselves. (bit long though)

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

Randolph is third for supporting actress And I have sessa being the 5th supporting actor nom he could ride on the tail of the holdovers

[@singstreetcar5881]

Gladstone is still number 1 right?

[@jaguarkaboom8967]

its so crazy that this film is an awards success. it's an okay film... a grumpy teacher gets humanized by a flawed student and underappreciated coworker.... it's okay..... i don't get the awards hype with the film.... but it was worth a watch. nothing groundbreaking though.

[@histubeness]

Great review, but if it's a masterpiece, why didn't it get a 10?

[@Wat3rCoCk]

bruh in germany it releases at end of january

[@bigsnap5]

This movie was awesome. Go check it out.

[@jakesws934]

Idk why, but there is nothing exciting to me about this movie. However, if Brian loves it I’ll give it a chance.

[@dickeymckay8289]

I liked it. But like I said on someone else's comment, it IS a return to form of cinema's past. Throwbacks are fun, but there's so much progression made making something like this feel dull in comparison. Someone noted that they hoped that all of the industry would go in this direction, and for the sake of future cinema, I couldn't disagree more. Leave these simple story throwbacks to Payne. He does them well. Especially with Nebraska. With that said, a whole industry "returning to form" would be a disaster. What about the Noes, the Triers, the Safdies etc etc of the world. We need to make room for the new wave. There will always be a throwback to enjoy. Things that feel like prime Lumet. Holdovers would have been a "masterpiece" in 1988 perhaps. In the 2020s, it's merely a novel throwback. Appreciate anyone's love of cinema, and as much as I did enjoy watching it, I couldn't help but think of saltines. Give me Nebraska though. Just the B&W angle alone in retro is enough to give it the edge to be Payne's best film. It's like when Bogdanovich did The Last Picture Show in B&W. It wasn't necessary. but it certainly added something potent.

[@GenX4ever]

...and just when you hear them say "Movies are done"...🖕

[@singstreetcar5881]

Why do i have a feeling people are gonna turn against barbie during award season and the film would get nominated alot but wouldn't win anything.