The Holdovers
ArthouseSchmarthouse

Review by ArthouseSchmarthouse Patron

The Holdovers

2023
★★★★½ Liked

Watched 30 Jun 2024

8.5
4K Blu Ray

Yes yes I know "they don't make 'em like this anymore" is such a predictable cliche, but damn if it isn't completely on the money here. Powered by a trio of superb performances-- Giamatti has the showiest role, but it is newcomer Dominic Sessa and the relatively unknown Da'Vine Joy Randolph who impress the most-- THE HOLDOVERS also possesses a truly magnificent screenplay, full of humour, heart and gentle wisdom whilst tugging at simple, yet universal, themes, in particular that everyone, rich or poor, has shit that they have to deal with. It all unspools so beautifully from its elegant set-up, the idea of three very different people with very different life experiences being thrown together unexpected used as a way of exploring the lives, the loves, the grief, the regrets, the peculiarities, the commonalities of these deeply flawed yet loveable characters. None of it will surprise or shock you, but it doesn't need to: THE HOLDOVERS feels like spending time in a cosy, warming bath; it is simple and unpretentious, with an absolutely gorgeous, perfectly-judged ending. Bravo!

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