The Holdovers

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⭐ 9.0/10

(Originally written by Beans)

This is a Christmas movie that I would argue is equal parts coming of age and I think those themes go wonderfully together!

This movie is quite the roller coaster and I never knew where it was going or what to expect. It starts off at a boys rich private school the day before Christmas break, and some boys are holding over at the school because they can’t go home for one reason or another. However, it turns into something completely different! It sees 3 wildly different characters, all with their own grief and sadness and baggage come together and befriend one another. It has a lot to say about class and privilege and race in a really great way that isn’t pushy but still very clear.

It is a bit meandering at times, but very engrossing that it never bothered me. Paul Giamatti was amazing in this and very funny. It’s over two hours long, but I highly recommend this over the holiday season! It will make you laugh and cry and appreciate your relationships over Christmas.

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