50 Facts About The Movie The Holdovers (2023)

The Holdovers (2023): A Winter Tale Unfolds

The Holdovers is a film that has captured the hearts of many with its poignant storytelling and rich character development. Directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, this movie takes us back to the winter of 1973 at an elite New England prep school. Here are 50 fascinating facts about this cinematic gem.

1. Release Date: The Holdovers premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and hit U.S. theaters on October 27, 2023.

2. Director and Writer: Directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, the film draws from Hemingson’s personal experiences, including his parents' 1969 divorce and challenging school years.

3. Inspiration: The movie is inspired by the 1935 French comedy "Merlusse" by Marcel Pagnol. Payne enjoyed the story and asked Hemingson to craft a screenplay based on it.

4. Setting: Set in an elite New England prep school during the 1973 winter break, the film explores the lives of those who stay behind.

5. Characters: Main characters include Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a classics teacher; Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a rebellious student; and Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), the cafeteria manager.

Exploring the Plot and Characters

The narrative of The Holdovers delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring themes of isolation, connection, and redemption.

6. Plot Summary: Paul Hunham watches over students who stay at the school during winter break. Among them are Angus, a rebellious youth, and Mary, a grieving cook. Their interactions reveal their emotional landscapes.

7. Angus's Background: Angus stays behind because his mother cancels their holiday for a honeymoon with her new husband, leading to a transformative period for him and Paul.

8. Mary's Grief: Mary mourns her son Curtis, a former Barton student killed in Vietnam. She stays to feed Paul, Angus, and the janitor, Danny.

9. Paul Hunham’s Character: Paul, an imperious instructor with a lazy eye, initially clashes with students but shows a softer side as he connects with the holdovers.

10. Holdovers: The term "holdovers" refers to students left at the school during the break, including Angus and Mary.

Unfolding Relationships and Emotional Journeys

The film masterfully captures the evolving relationships among its characters, highlighting their emotional growth.

11. Angus’s Father: Angus’s father, Thomas Tully, is institutionalized, adding to Angus’s emotional struggles.

12. Relationships: Paul and Angus develop a complex relationship, moving from authority clashes to empathy and understanding.

13. Lydia Crane: Lydia Crane (Carrie Preston), assistant to the headmaster, invites Paul and Angus to her Christmas Eve party, deepening their emotional journeys.

14. Christmas Celebration: Paul arranges a small Christmas celebration for the holdovers, marking a turning point in their relationships.

15. Field Trip: Mary persuades Paul to take Angus on a "field trip" to Boston, where they ice skate and visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

Moments of Transformation and Revelation

Key moments in the film lead to significant transformations and revelations for the characters.

16. Harvard Connection: At the Museum of Fine Arts, it’s revealed Paul was expelled from Harvard after a plagiarism accusation and a semi-deliberate car accident.

17. Movie Night: Paul and Angus see a movie, but Angus sneaks away to visit his father in a psychiatric hospital.

18. Angus’s Future: Angus worries about his future mirroring his father’s, but Paul reassures him he is different.

19. New Year’s Eve Celebration: Paul, Angus, Mary, and Danny celebrate New Year’s Eve together, marking a significant moment in their healing journey.

20. School Resumes: When school resumes, Paul is fired after defending Angus’s visit to his father, despite a violent outburst.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

The Holdovers has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, reflecting its impact on audiences and critics alike.

21. Farewell: Mary gives Paul a notebook for his monograph. Paul and Angus share a farewell, and Paul drives away after spitting out expensive cognac.

22. Critical Acclaim: The film received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and several award nominations, including Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

23. Cast and Crew: The talented cast includes Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Andrew Garman, and Tate Donovan.

24. Music and Soundtrack: Mark Orton composed the original music, adding emotional depth and historical context to the film.

25. Production Design: Jeremy Woolsey’s production design captures the essence of a 1970s New England prep school.

Cinematic Craftsmanship

The Holdovers showcases exceptional craftsmanship in its cinematography, editing, and costume design.

26. Cinematography: Eigil Bryld’s cinematography beautifully captures snowy landscapes and emotional journeys.

27. Editing: Kevin Tent’s editing ensures a smooth narrative flow, enhancing the story’s emotional impact.

28. Costume Design: Wendy Chuck’s costume design accurately depicts 1970s attire, adding historical authenticity.

29. Casting: Susan Shopmaker’s casting brought together actors who delivered emotionally complex performances.

30. Themes: The film explores themes of isolation, connection, grief, and redemption, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Emotional Truths and Real-Life Inspirations

Though fictional, The Holdovers draws from real-life experiences, adding depth and authenticity to its narrative.

31. Emotional Truths: David Hemingson’s personal emotional truths create a compelling story with depth and authenticity.

32. No True Story Basis: The Holdovers is not based on a true story but is inspired by Hemingson’s real-life experiences.

33. No Major Controversy: The film has been well-received by critics, with no significant disputes or issues.

34. Awards and Nominations: The film received several award nominations, including Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

35. Box Office Performance: The Holdovers grossed over $45 million at the box office, indicating its commercial success.

Audience Reception and Legacy

The Holdovers has left a lasting impact on audiences and critics, ensuring its place in contemporary cinema.

36. IMDb Rating: The film has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10, reflecting positive reception from audiences and critics.

37. Rotten Tomatoes Score: The film earned a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread critical acclaim.

38. Alexander Payne’s Direction: Payne’s direction is notable for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and their emotional journeys.

39. David Hemingson’s Screenwriting Debut: Hemingson’s feature screenwriting debut showcases his ability to craft emotionally complex narratives.

40. Paul Giamatti’s Performance: Giamatti’s performance as Paul Hunham is particularly noteworthy for its depth and nuance.

41. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Performance: Randolph’s performance as Mary Lamb captures the grief and resilience of a character who has lost a child.

42. Dominic Sessa’s Performance: Sessa’s portrayal of Angus Tully brings to life a rebellious and emotionally vulnerable character.

43. Carrie Preston’s Performance: Preston’s performance as Lydia Crane adds complexity to the narrative, deepening the emotional journeys of the main characters.

44. Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, including Brady Hepner, Ian Dolley, Jim Kaplan, and Michael Provost, deliver solid performances that enhance the overall narrative.

Themes and Historical Context

The Holdovers explores themes of isolation and connection within the historical context of the 1970s.

45. Themes of Isolation and Connection: The film explores themes of isolation and connection through its characters’ evolving relationships.

46. Historical Context: Set in 1973, the film’s historical context adds authenticity and depth to its narrative.

47. Emotional Landscapes: The snowy, deserted school backdrop serves as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional landscapes.

48. Character Development: Meticulous character development allows viewers to understand the complexities of each character.

49. Real-Life Inspirations: Though fictional, the characters and events draw inspiration from real-life experiences, adding depth to the story.

50. Legacy and Impact: The Holdovers has left a lasting impact on audiences and critics, ensuring its legacy as a poignant and thought-provoking film.

Final Thoughts on The Holdovers (2023)

The Holdovers (2023) stands out as a poignant film that delves into themes of isolation, connection, grief, and redemption. Directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, the movie captures the essence of an elite New England prep school during the winter break of 1973. With stellar performances from Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa, the characters' emotional journeys resonate deeply. The film's critical acclaim, including a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and several award nominations, speaks volumes about its impact. The snowy, deserted backdrop of the school serves as a metaphor for the characters' inner struggles, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. The Holdovers is not just a film; it's an exploration of human connections and the healing power of empathy. Its legacy in contemporary cinema is assured, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.