Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) dedicates his life to education. Not only does he teach at a prep school, but he lives there too. His life is confined to the campus grounds. Every day he teaches privileged boys who come from rich families.
You know the type.
I mean the private school-paying, vacation-going, helicopter-flying type families. And, unfortunately, this privilege often translates into the way that these boys see the world around them and subsequently treat people. It’s clear that they see Mr. Hunham as just another dull and rude teacher that they are forced to spend time with.
This coming of age story largely focuses on Mr. Hunjam and his relationship with Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a smart and angsty teen who is unexpectedly left at the school over the holidays. Angus and a handful of other “forgotten” boys are forced to spend time with Mr. Hunham while everyone else goes home to their families. While others get to vacation, this motley crew are forced to maintain a strict schedule at the hand of Mr. Hunham.
Though Mr. Hunham and Angus are incredibly different, as we weave through this story we start to uncover many similarities between them. It’s clear that a lack of close family and friends wears on them. They both struggle with that loneliness. Their mental health is affected. And though they consistently butt heads, it becomes clear that they are exactly what each other needs in that season of their lives.
Juxtaposing the group of rich and entitled boys is a modest kitchen worker, Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Alone, and grieving the loss of her son, Mary also lives on campus and is going through the motions day by day. With nowhere to go herself, she stays and feeds the group over the holidays. Although not the centre of this story, Mary is the perfect addition, and it wouldn’t be the same without her.
The Holdovers was an unexpectedly heartwarming film that certainly puts things into perspective. The subtle brilliance of its cinematography and score bring this piece together as one to watch out for.
The Holdovers is playing at TIFF ’23. For more information, click here.
