Critics are hailing a drama film directed by Alexander Payne. Billed as “bittersweet” but a “favourite”, the 2023 American Christmas comedy drama, which was written by David Hemingson, has an impressive score of 97% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The Holdovers is set in 1970 and follows a bad-tempered instructor (Paul Giamatti) who forms a surprising bond with a brainy yet mischievous student (newcomer Dominic Sessa) – alongside the school’s head cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).

The film’s synopsis reads: “A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school remains on campus during Christmas break to babysit a handful of students with nowhere to go. He soon forms an unlikely bond with a brainy but damaged troublemaker, and with the school’s head cook, a woman who just lost a son in the Vietnam War.”

Alongside Giamatti, Sessa and Randolph, the film stars Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner, Michael Provost and Gillian Vigman.

Rotten Tomatoes critics have awarded The Holdovers with a staggering, near-perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus reads: “Beautifully bittersweet, The Holdovers marks a satisfying return to form for director Alexander Payne.”

One critic said: “The format may be unsurprising, but there is nothing unsurprising about just how good and enjoyable this is… this is the kind of bittersweet, character-dialogue driven piece they just don’t do anymore.

“One of my favourite films in recent memory. Between the memorable script, performances, and overall look of the film, I loved every bittersweet moment of this film.”

The audience is in agreement, awarding the film a 92% rating. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus states: “Cute and touching if not laugh-out-loud hilarious, The Holdovers is a thought-provoking dramedy for viewers seeking a dialogue-driven movie with a throwback feel.”

One audience reviewer said it was a “timeless classic”.

An audience reviewer said: “What a great movie to watch! Watched it with family recently, and it was such a feel-good movie. Good comedy portions and amazing acting.”

Another reviewer said: “Builds from a slow start to a masterpiece. Doesn’t promise to be good but delivers on it anyway. Quirky and fun, despite how depressing the plot may seem. Fresh caught fish.”

“Brilliant. Very touching drama about some very damaged quirky characters who bond and help each other. So very authentic with the sets and locations. My new fave Christmas movie,” added another.

The Holdovers is available to stream on Netflix.