The Holdovers
★★★★★
The Holdovers opens up with a blatant homage to '70s films and as someone who has always considered that decade as the best for films, I thought that director Alexander Payne was setting quite a high standard for himself. Lucky for him and the audience, he completely nails the introspective tone and feel that those '70s films are known for.
The Holdovers is patient, but not slow. It's funny but doesn't go for the easy gag. It's heartbreaking, but not overly sentimental. Payne leans heavily into his characters and achieves something extremely difficult to pull off. He asks us to believe that his three main characters have a tremendous development in their personalities in a short amount of time. Not only do you buy into it, but you feel like such change is possible. No scene is ever wasted and whether humorous or touching, you understand where everyone is coming from. You leave this film inspired that people can change for the better, but Payne still keeps everyone grounded enough that you know that they will all still have a lot to overcome.
The Holdovers is not the least bit flashy and that's what I loved about it. It's smart and philosophical in its approach but draws you in with a warm hug so you never feel like you are spoken down to. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph are such an unlikely trio, but the three of them are perfect together. When you force yourself to lean on those around you in your darkest times, despite vast differences, there is a camaraderie that can't ever be broken. There is a lot to learn from these characters and the world of The Holdovers, and it's good to know that the auteur spirit of the '70s isn't quite dead yet.
