The Holdovers (2023) is a warm, funny, and emotional holiday-season dramedy set at a New England boarding school in 1970. A strict, unpopular teacher is forced to stay on campus over Christmas break with the students who can’t go home—until only one troubled boy is left, together with the school’s grieving head cook. Stuck together through snow, arguments and long quiet days, the three slowly form an unexpected bond that changes all of them.
- Original Title: The Holdovers
- Year: 2023
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 133 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Director: Alexander Payne
- Main Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston
The Holdovers (2023) Movie Overview
Directed by Alexander Payne, The Holdovers feels like a classic 1970s character movie: funny, rough around the edges, and quietly emotional. The film follows a strict history teacher, a lonely teenage student and the school’s cook as they are “left behind” on campus during the winter holidays. What starts as a miserable situation slowly turns into a story about empathy, regret and second chances.
On this page you’ll find everything about The Holdovers watch online options: story summary, cast details, runtime and safe legal platforms to enjoy it in HD.
The Holdovers (2023) Story & Plot Summary
At Barton Academy, a prestigious New England boarding school, most students leave for Christmas. A handful of “holdovers” stay behind under the supervision of Paul Hunham, a grumpy and unpopular classics teacher known for his harsh grading and old-fashioned attitude.
When family plans change, only one student remains: Angus Tully, smart but angry, dealing with problems at home that nobody at school fully understands. Along with Mary Lamb, the school’s cook still mourning a deep personal loss, the three are trapped together on a quiet, snow-covered campus.
Through tense arguments, small acts of kindness and unexpected moments of humor, they slowly begin to see each other differently. The film turns this simple setup into a heartfelt story about loneliness, responsibility and the way strangers can become a kind of temporary family.
The Holdovers (2023) Cast & Production Details
- Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb
- Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully
- Carrie Preston in a supporting role
Director: Alexander Payne
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Setting: 1970s New England boarding school, winter holidays
The Holdovers (2023) Movie Information
- Title: The Holdovers
- Year: 2023
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 133 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Director: Alexander Payne
- Distributor: Focus Features
How to Watch The Holdovers (2023) Online in HD
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Holdovers (2023)
It’s set during Christmas break and has a winter holiday atmosphere, but it’s more of an emotional school drama-comedy than a traditional Christmas movie.
It’s better for teens and adults. The film includes mature themes and some strong language.
Check licensed digital stores and official streaming platforms in your region. Availability changes over time as rights move between services.
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