Paul Hunham, played by Paul Giamatti, is a teacher at a prep school located in New England during the 1970s. He is known for being a firm, strict, and extremely cranky teacher, which has earned him the dislike of both the students and co-workers. When the school breaks up for Christmas, many students go home to spend time with their families and friends. However, there are some students who are unable to go home or may not have a welcoming home to go to, leaving only a select few to remain at school during the holidays with only a teacher and a cook to supervise them. When the teacher supposed to supervise the students during the holidays makes up a fake excuse to get out of it, the principal is forced to find a replacement. With no other choice, Paul is asked and appointed for the role. Naturally, he is not impressed, and being stuck at school to ‘babysit’ a group of students leaves him even more annoyed. With no other choice, Paul abides by what’s been asked of him. After the final term ends, a few students, including Angus (Dominic Sessa), are left at school. Angus was hoping to go home for Christmas, but his mother made a last-minute arrangement that didn't include him. The only cook who stays behind is a woman named Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), who is grieving the loss of her son. Now, this small group of frustrated, annoyed, and sad people must come together to spend Christmas at school since they have nowhere else to go. "The Holdovers" is a dramatic comedy directed by Alexander Payne, who has a history of producing movies in these two genres, including "Sideways," "Election," and "About Schmidt." The movie's humour is mainly derived from Paul Giamatti's character, who has a quick and hard temper and a witty sense of humour when interacting with students and fellow teachers. The drama in the movie is strong and enjoyable, with the three main characters, who are all going through difficult times in the present day, brought together in a room, leading to interesting conversations and moments of friction. The movie offers plenty of character development, and as the story progresses, the audience is taken on an emotional journey that is both intimate and heartfelt. Overall, "The Holdovers" is a movie that strikes a great balance between comedy and heartwarming drama. The plot revolves around three characters who are vastly different from each other. The movie is a journey of these characters as they try to overcome personal challenges from their past and present. The three leads of the movie are absolutely flawless, with Paul Giamatti delivering a surprising performance that will delight his long-term fans. The director, Alexander Payne, has done an excellent job of creating a film that captures the cinematic vibes of the 70s. The use of film grain, among other techniques, adds a touch of authenticity to the movie. The climax of the movie does not disappoint, and the audience is left feeling uplifted and impacted after a fun and dramatic journey. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com