In a surprise move just in time for the festive season, Netflix has delivered an early Christmas present to its subscribers: the award-winning film The Holdovers, which is already being celebrated as an instant classic.
The platform quietly added the movie, which is set in the 1970s and has already secured an Academy Award, making it a perfect, if poignant, addition to your holiday watchlist.
A Critically Acclaimed Journey
Since its initial cinema release, The Holdovers has been on a remarkable journey, culminating in critical acclaim and an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress for Da'Vine Joy Randolph.
Directed by Alexander Payne, the film boasts a stellar cast including Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Brady Hepner. Its arrival on streaming has sparked a fresh wave of enthusiastic reactions online, proving its emotional depth and nostalgic charm are resonating with a brand-new audience.
What Makes It a Modern Classic?
The story is set in the early 1970s and centres on a grumpy classics teacher who is forced to remain at a boarding school over the Christmas break to supervise a small group of students with nowhere else to go.
What begins as a bleak and miserable situation for all involved slowly transforms into something unexpectedly tender and moving.
The film masterfully blends humour, a strong sense of nostalgia, and genuine emotional punches to tell a story about friendship, grief, and the unusual ways people find solace during their most isolated moments.
Viewers have been particularly drawn to the film's authentic feel. It doesn't just recreate the look of the seventies; many say it genuinely feels like a film made during that era.
The movie has earned an impressive 82 rating on IMDb, with fans and critics alike heaping praise. One user, @aharamas, gave it a perfect 10/10, calling it a "strong and warm-hearted piece" that stands out for its rich dialogue and lack of reliance on flashy effects.
Another reviewer, @johndesando, succinctly declared it "one of the best movies of the year," while @jjconzales went a step further, labelling it "a new cult classic."
A Different Kind of Christmas Film
The timing of its Netflix release is perfect, given the film's quiet, wintry setting. While it's not a traditional festive movie filled with cheer and happy endings, it powerfully captures the bittersweet side of the holidays—the loneliness, unresolved emotions, and the deep-seated need for belonging.
In a streaming landscape dominated by big-budget blockbusters and special effects, audiences have found it refreshing to watch a thoughtful, character-driven story.
The characters don't find neat, perfect solutions to their problems. Instead, they fumble towards understanding and comfort, much like people do in real life.
With its heartfelt narrative and acclaimed performances, The Holdovers is poised to become a staple for viewers seeking a more profound cinematic experience during the festive period. You can stream it on Netflix now.
