Alexander Payne

The Holdovers

A cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a student who has no family plans.

Director: Alexander Payne
Main Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Carrie Preston
Soundtrack: Mark Orton
Cinematography: Eigil Bryld
Screenplay: David Hemingson

Cinema Premiere: January 19, 2024

Reviews by critics from other countries

Foreign Reviews

14 foreign reviews of The Holdovers (2023)

1. Aftonbladet

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: An immediate Christmas classic
- Stefan Hedmark
Swedish: aftonbladet.se »
2. Dagens Nyheter

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: An utterly irresistible blend of feel-good and melancholy at the intersection of tears and laughter.
- Helena Lindblad
Swedish: dn.se »
3. SVT

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: The deeper meaning of the title about moving forward despite traumas works especially well when an unemotional humor is contrasted against a backdrop of enforced Christmas cheer. I'm already looking forward to seeing if the next Christmas will be the same.
- Kristoffer Viita
Swedish: svt.se »
4. Sveriges Radio

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: This year's best film may already be here!
- Björn Jansson
Swedish: sverigesradio.se »
5. Russin

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: Paul Giamatti once again demonstrates why he is one of the best living and working actors in the world.
- Johan Lindahl
Swedish: russin.nu »
6. Sydsvenskan

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: Melancholy and gallows humor in a brilliant comeback
- Oscar Westerholm
Swedish: sydsvenskan.se »
7. Filmtopp

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" perhaps its greatest triumph lies in how our characters at the end of the film have not reached any external solution to their problems, but it still feels like a victory. When adversity and tragedy no longer feel like the end of the world, we feel different inside and better prepared to face them.
- Oskar Pettersson
Swedish: filmtopp.se »
8. Moviezine

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Thin handling but a lot of charm, nostalgia and thought-provoking points
- Annika Andersson
Swedish: moviezine.se »
9. Göteborgs-Posten

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" is the perfect Christmas movie: with razor-sharp dialogue, feel-good vibes, well-balanced humor, and excellent acting.
- Mats Johnson
Swedish: gp.se »
10. Uppsala Nya Tidning

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" is a warm embrace
- Johannes Hagman
Swedish: unt.se »
11. Cinetaste

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" is so well narrated and all the actors portray the roles in such a natural way that one becomes invested all the way in what is about to happen.
- Linus Andersen
Swedish: cinetaste.se »
12. Kulturbloggen

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" may not be the most original that has been done, but it is remarkably family-friendly and safe. It is a ride that is excellent from beginning to end and one of Alexander Payne's best films.
- Elis Holmström
Swedish: kulturbloggen.com »
13. Västerbottenskuriren

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: A charming little film about some people who have their reasons to be disappointed. Additionally, the Danish photographer Eigil Bryld has given the film a nice 1970s feel that frames the story.
- Lars Böhlin
Swedish: vk.se »
14. Svenska Dagbladet

5 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Holdovers" is specially written for Paul Giamatti, who once again gets to showcase his virtuoso ability to bring out a subtle, sadistic humor in the role of the dreaded teacher Paul Hunham.
- Jan Söderqvist
Swedish: svd.se »