The award-winning Christmas film landed on Netflix earlier this month and has been hailed as completely ‘underrated’ – with viewers calling it a ‘masterpiece’ that many people just don’t know about
The Holdovers follows a curmudgeonly history teacher at a New England boarding school who remains on campus during Christmas break to supervise held over students
With the festive period now well underway, many of us are eager to curl up indoors with a cracking Christmas film, but one highly praised option may have passed you by.
The film arrived on Netflix earlier this month and has been described as a thoroughly “underrated” movie that some viewers simply aren’t aware of.
If you’re searching for a fresh film to watch, but fancy something away from the typical Christmas favourites, it might be worth giving it a go, as audiences have called it a “masterpiece”, despite it frequently being overlooked.
It gained attention on Reddit when one user asked the question: “What are some underrated Christmas movies? Movies that most people haven’t heard of, but that are better than Hallmark?”.
The film is loved by many (Image: Focus Features/Everett/REX/Shutterstock )
Users swiftly began sharing all manner of recommendations, but one appears to have captured significant interest. For many, it’s a festive film that seems to hit all the right notes.
One person replied, simply writing: “The Holdovers.”
Another agreed, commenting: “Just watched that last night and totally agree.”
Many regarded it as a “great film” and, across social media, numerous others shared the view. Viewers believe the film is amongst the finest available at Christmas, reports the Mirror.
One viewer was effusive in their praise, stating: “The Holdovers is a masterpiece. Absolutely loved the movie from start to finish, and it’s one of my favourites among Alexander Payne’s rich filmography. Production design, cinematography, costumes and music were all perfect for the film as it really captures the spirit of the holiday season.”
Another fan added: “I can definitely see it joining the ranks of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ as a Christmas classic in years to come.”
A third viewer commented: “A movie I’m sure to rewatch every Christmas from now on.”
People have fallen in love with The Holdovers(Image: 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC)
While another admirer enthused: “This is in my top five movies. I’ve watched it three times this month. There is not a single part of this film I would change.
“I feel like I am watching a beautiful book, to the point it shocks me this was an original screenplay, because it feels like an American classic.”
Another devotee shared: “Absolutely a must-see. I was waiting all year to watch it again during holiday break and I think it will be maybe the only movie I really make sure I watch every year now.”
For anyone unfamiliar with it, The Holdovers is an American festive comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne, working from a screenplay written by David Hemingson. The film stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa in leading roles.
Set in 1970, the film centres on a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school who ends up looking after a small group of students left behind during the Christmas break. Whilst Netflix wasn’t behind the production, it’s arrived on the platform perfectly timed for the festive period.
Despite some calling it “underrated”, the picture received considerable critical acclaim, securing a place on both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute’s lists of 2023’s top 10 films.
The production claimed two wins at both the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Awards, with Randolph scooping Best Supporting Actress at each event. It also received five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards.
Its nominations included Best Picture and Best Actor for Giamatti, whilst Randolph walked away with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Simply put, The Holdovers is must-watch viewing over the festive season.
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