Netflix fans hooked to ‘masterpiece’ Christmas film that gets ‘lost’ | Films | Entertainment
With the festive season in full swing, there’s nothing many of us want to do more than cosy up indoors with a good Christmas film, but an option praised by many may have slipped under your radar. The film arrived on Netflix earlier this month, and it’s been deemed a totally “underrated” movie for the festive season.
If you’re looking for a new film to watch, but want something different to the usual Christmas classics, it may be worth a go, as viewers have dubbed it a “masterpiece”, even though it gets overlooked by many. It was brought to people’s attention on Reddit, when a user asked: “What are some underrated Christmas movies? Movies that most people haven’t heard of, but that are better than Hallmark?”
People soon started making all sorts of suggestions, but one seems to have caught a lot of people’s attention. For many, it’s a festive film that appears to tick all the boxes.
One person replied, simply stating: “The Holdovers.” Another agreed, adding: “Just watched that last night and totally agree.”
Many deemed it a “great film” and, elsewhere on social media, several others say the same. People think the film is one of the best on offer at Christmas.
What are people saying?
One person made their thoughts clear, writing: “The Holdovers is a masterpiece. Absolutely loved the movie from start to finish, and it’s one of my favourites among Alexander Payne’s rich filmography. Production design, cinematography, costumes and music were all perfect for the film as it really captures the spirit of the holiday season.”
Another added: “I can definitely see it joining the ranks of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ as a Christmas classic in years to come.” A third replied: “A movie I’m sure to rewatch every Christmas from now on.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “This is in my top five movies. I’ve watched it three times this month. There is not a single part of this film I would change.
“I feel like I am watching a beautiful book, to the point it shocks me this was an original screenplay, because it feels like an American classic.”
One more also chimed in with: “Absolutely a must-see. I was waiting all year to watch it again during holiday break and I think it will be maybe the only movie I really make sure I watch every year now.”
What is it about?
If you haven’t seen it, The Holdovers is an American Christmas comedy drama film directed by by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. The cast includes Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa.
Set in 1970, it focuses on the tale of a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school who has no choice but to chaperone a group of students who have nowhere to go during the school’s Christmas break. Even though Netflix didn’t make the film, it has arrived on the platform in time for Christmas.
Despite being deemed highly “underrated” by some, the film actually received much critical acclaim, and was dubbed one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
It also bagged two wins at the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Awards, with Randolph winning the Best Supporting Actress award at both ceremonies. It also received five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards.
The film was up for gongs including Best Picture and Best Actor for Giamatti, and Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In other words, it sounds like a film you need to add to your watchlist.
