Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

nuxvomica

(12,910 posts)
Sun Dec 31, 2023, 10:49 PM Dec 2023

"The Holdovers" on Peacock

Paul Giamatti (Billions) plays a stern, uptight boarding school teacher at an elite New England prep school who's charged with wrangling the "holdovers", students with no place to go for the holidays, when the school breaks for the last two weeks of 1970. It's his punishment for failing the idiot son of one of the school's benefactors. Among his companions is a troubled youth (Dominic Sessa) with family problems and the school's head cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph of Only Murders in the Building) who is mourning the loss of her only son in the Vietnam War. Over the holiday, the three of them awkwardly connect with each other in sometimes comical ways, revealing truths about themselves and healing their wounds.

The movie is funny and poignant, but mostly well written and acted, with Sessa a standout in his professional debut. It's set at the ass end of 1970, when I was in high school, so it was also very nostalgic for me. Highly recommended!

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

NewHendoLib

(60,531 posts)
4. Loved it! This is the kind of movie my wife and I love....
Sun Jan 7, 2024, 10:53 PM
Jan 2024

such a relief after the disappointment of May December, Oppenheimer and Maestro.

Great acting, character development, pacing - and you could actually hear the dialog!

chia

(2,383 posts)
5. What an absolute gem of a movie. Alternately wryly comical and sweetly endearing - heart-tugging and heart-breaking.
Thu Feb 8, 2024, 05:30 PM
Feb 2024

Authentic 70s vibe throughout, memorable quotes, loved the soundtrack. The acting was so genuine... unforgettable... how could you not root for Hunham, Tully and Mary as they grew together, with their pasts and their futures...

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Netflix, Streaming Videos & DVDs »"The Holdovers" on Peacoc...