The Holdovers (2023)

Set in 1970 at an upper class boarding school during the Christmas holidays in New England. An unpopular curmudgeon of a teacher (Paul Giamatti) is assigned to spend the holidays restricted to the campus to supervise a handful of students who have nowhere to go during the holiday season. Directed by Alexander Payne (SIDEWAYS), this is one of the most acclaimed movies of 2023 and I must say that for the most part, I found it a terrific movie. While the narrative is often predictable, its journey is so well done that you don't mind and I didn't expect the poignant bittersweet ending. The three central performances are excellent and both Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as the school's cafeteria manager deserve the numerous accolades they're receiving this awards season. The third lead is Dominic Sessa in his film debut as a troubled student. A moving and heartfelt film and while it may occasionally feel contrived, it's heart is in the right place. With Carrie Preston and Stephen Thorne.