The Holdovers Ending Explained, Cast, Release Date, Plot, Where to Watch and Trailer
by Sneha
Updated Feb 19, 2024
The Holdovers
"The Holdovers" is a 2023 American comedy film directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. It's a story set in the winter of 1970 and early 1971 at Barton Academy, a New England boarding school. The main character, Paul Giamatti, plays Paul Hunham, who is a strict classics teacher.
The movie premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and it came out in the United States on October 27, 2023, thanks to Focus Features. People really liked it, and it made $38 million. The National Board of Review and the American Film Institute thought it was one of the top 10 films of 2023. It also won two awards at the Golden Globe Awards & British Academy Film Awards, with Da'Vine Joy Randolph winning Supporting Actress. The movie got five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture.
The story happens in December 1970 at Barton Academy, where Professor Paul Hunham's strict teaching causes some issues. As a kind of punishment, he has to watch over five students during Christmas break, including Angus Tully and the cafeteria manager Mary Lamb. The movie tells us about their time together, like a trip to Boston, Angus's family problems, and a visit to Angus's father in a hospital.
At the end of the film, there's a New Year's Eve celebration. But in January 1971, Angus gets into trouble for visiting his dad without permission, risking expulsion. Even though Hunham gets fired, he takes the blame, and Angus gets to stay at Barton. The movie closes with a farewell between Hunham and Angus, showing how their time together made a big impact.
The Holdovers Ending Explained
In the end of "The Holdovers," the story wraps up with a really touching and important moment involving Angus, a troubled student, and Hunham, his strict teacher.
Throughout the film, Angus and Hunham unexpectedly become close during Christmas break. The most emotional part of the movie happens when Hunham decides to take the blame for their trip to Boston. Sadly, this choice leads to him getting fired from his job as a teacher.
Even though this decision has serious consequences for Hunham's career, it shows just how much he cares about Angus and the positive impact he's had on the troubled student. It's a powerful confirmation of the strong bond and mentorship that developed between these two characters.
The ending is called "perfect" because, even though it might not be what you'd expect, it's really emotionally powerful and satisfying. Hunham's sacrifice for Angus highlights the deep emotional connection and personal growth they've experienced together throughout the film.
In summary, the ending of "The Holdovers" is likely to leave you feeling warm and grateful for the characters and their journey. It shows that sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from unexpected connections and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.
The Holdovers Cast
Paul Giamatti
Paul Hunham
Dominic Sessa
Angus Tully
Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Mary Lamb
Carrie Preston
Miss Lydia Crane
Brady Hepner
Teddy Kountze
Ian Dolley
Alex Ollerman
Jim Kaplan
Ye-Joon Park
Michael Provost
Jason Smith
Andrew Garman
Dr. Hardy Woodrup
Naheem Garcia
Danny
Stephen Thorne
Thomas Tully
Gillian Vigman
Judy Clotfelter
Tate Donovan
Stanley Clotfelter
Darby Lily Lee-Stack
Elise
Kelly AuCoin
Hugh Cavanaugh
Dan Aid
Kenneth
Actor
Character
The Holdovers Release Date
The film had a special screening for buyers on September 11, 2022. The following day, it was reported that Focus Features had acquired distribution rights for $30 million. Originally scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 10, 2023, followed by a wide release on November 22, the release plan was adjusted.
It was moved up to a limited release on October 27, with the wide release following on November 10. The film was made available in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2024.
"The Holdovers" premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023. Subsequently, it was featured at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023, earning the runner-up position for the People's Choice Award.
The film was also part of the 28th Busan International Film Festival's 'Icon' section, with a screening on October 7, 2023. The distribution journey, starting with an early screening for buyers and culminating in its release in the United States and the United Kingdom, showcased the film's path from acquisition to its festival appearances.
The Holdovers Plot
In the late 1970s, there's a teacher named Paul Hunham at Barton Academy. He's not very popular because he grades students tough and is quite stubborn. Trouble begins when he fails a senator's son, leading to the loss of a college offer. As punishment, he has to look after five students who couldn't go home for the holidays, including a guy named Angus Tully. Angus had to cancel a family trip and stays with the cafeteria manager, Mary Lamb, whose son died in the Vietnam War.
Even though Hunham makes the students study and exercise, they don't like it. When one student's rich dad takes everyone on a trip, Angus, unable to get permission, stays behind with Hunham and Mary. Angus hurts his shoulder, but he lies about how it happened.
At a Christmas party, things get tense. Feeling bad about it all, Hunham plans a trip to Boston. During their time there, Angus and Hunham get to know each other better. Angus shares that his father has mental health issues, and Hunham tells a secret from his past.
Later, Angus wants to visit his dad, and Hunham goes along, thinking it's a cemetery visit. Turns out, Angus's dad is in a psychiatric hospital. After that, they celebrate New Year's Eve together.
In January, Angus gets in trouble for visiting his dad without permission. Hunham takes the blame, gets fired, but makes sure Angus can stay at Barton. The movie ends with emotional moments, showing how their time together made a big impact.
The Holdovers Where to Watch
For those eager to watch, the film is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Peacock subscribers can also exclusively stream "The Holdovers." Additionally, the movie is set to hit theaters in the UK on January 19, 2024, offering another opportunity for audiences to experience its charm.
"The Holdovers" is a 2023 American comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. Set in the winter of 1970 and early 1971 at Barton Academy, a New England boarding school, the film features Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a strict classics teacher. The movie premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and was later released in the United States by Focus Features on October 27, 2023.
It garnered positive reviews, grossing $38 million, and earned numerous accolades, including nominations for the 96th Academy Awards.The story unfolds as Professor Paul Hunham's strict ways at Barton Academy lead to him supervising five students over Christmas break, including Angus Tully and cafeteria manager Mary Lamb.
The narrative explores their interactions, from a Boston trip to Angus's family challenges and a visit to his father in a psychiatric hospital. The film concludes with a New Year's Eve celebration, but in January 1971, complications arise when Angus's unauthorized visit to his father jeopardizes his stay at Barton.
Despite being fired, Hunham takes responsibility, allowing Angus to remain.While the Academy Awards nominations are pending, "The Holdovers" has already received promising recognition with eight Critics Choice Awards and four Independent Spirit Awards nominations.
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The Holdovers Trailer
The Holdovers Ending Explained - FAQs
In the emotional ending, teacher Hunham sacrifices his job to take responsibility for their Boston trip, showcasing the profound impact on troubled student Angus.
The film stars Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb, among others.
The film had a special screening for buyers on September 11, 2022, and was officially released in the United States on October 27, 2023.
You can rent the film on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Peacock subscribers also have exclusive streaming access. In the UK, it hits theaters on January 19, 2024.
The film received eight Critics Choice Awards and four Independent Spirit Awards nominations, indicating strong acclaim and recognition in the industry.