Transformed by unlikely friendships
Review of "The Holdovers" directed by Alexander Payne.
The Holdovers
Directed by Alexander Payne
Focus Features, 2023.
The Holdovers is the latest offering from Alexander Payne, a director known for satirical and often darkly comedic films (such as About Schmidt, Sideways, and Election). The film is set in an elite New England prep school in the 1970s and the story begins just before Christmas break.
Since the gruff history teacher, Paul Hunham (played by Paul Giamatti), has no family or place to go, he stays at the school over the holidays to supervise any students unable to return home for various reasons. As Christmas approaches, only one student holdover remains – 15-year-old Angus Tully (played by Dominic Sessa), a brainy but privileged troublemaker. For years, Paul has been known for his rigid and disagreeable personality. Angus is self-absorbed and unsympathetic. At first, these two prefer to live in their separate worlds. As time passes, however, a most unlikely friendship begins.
As Paul and Angus navigate their time together on the school campus, they also get to know more about the school’s head cook, Mary Lamb (played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Mary is an African American woman who is freshly grieving a son who was on a school scholarship before he died as a soldier in Vietnam. It may be hard to imagine any similarities between these three very different people. However, as they encounter unforeseen adventures and occasions to depend on each other, their perspectives on life and relationships are transformed.
The Holdovers reveals the transformative power of grace as it is manifested through interpersonal compassion. Hunham, initially portrayed as an unlikeable character, gradually reveals layers of vulnerability and complexity. This transformation is illustrated especially memorably in his evolving relationship with Angus. Their initial antagonism gives way to a mutual understanding and respect, echoing the Christian ethos of loving and understanding one’s neighbour, despite differences and even past offences.
Mary’s character adds another layer of emotional depth to the film. As an African American woman serving privileged students while mourning her son, Mary embodies strength and resilience. Her journey through grief and her interactions with Hunham highlight the Christian teachings of compassion and bearing one another’s burdens.
One detail that stands out to me in the film is the inclusion of paraphrased verses from Proverbs 28:11, “The rich think highly of themselves, but anyone poor and sensible sees right through them.” This line underscores a critical Christian perspective on wealth and humility. It challenges viewers to look beyond material wealth and status, encouraging a heart of understanding and empathy towards all, regardless of their social standing. I also find it meaningful that The Holdovers is set at Christmas, a time of reflection on the birth of Christ and the gift of salvation that parallels the characters’ journeys toward redemption and newfound understanding.
