Directed by Alexander Payne(Nebraska, The Descendants), Winter Break(The Holdovers) is a melancholy comedy-drama about loneliness, friendship and introspection.
The story takes place in the winter of 1970, at a prestigious private high school in New England. Mr. Hunham(Paul Giamatti), anancient history teacher, is a gruff, pedantic man, disliked by students and colleagues alike. Forced to stay on to supervise students with nowhere else to go for the holidays, he finds himself with Angus, a bright but rebellious teenager, and Mary, the cook bereaved by the loss of her son in Vietnam.
This unlikely, solitary trio will get to know each other, sharing moving and sometimes funny moments, between sarcasm, tension and unexpected complicity.
With its 70s-inspired cinematography, nostalgic tone and chiseled dialogue, Winter Break promises to be both funny and poignant, buoyed by a remarkable performance from Paul Giamatti.
Winter Break will be available on Netflix from March 13, 2025.
Synopsis: Winter 1970: Mr. Hunham is an ancient history teacher at a prestigious New England private high school for boys. Pedantic and gruff, he is disliked by students and colleagues alike. As Christmas approaches, Mr. Hunham is asked to remain on campus to supervise the handful of boarders consigned to the premises. Soon, only one will remain: Angus, a 1st grader as gifted as he is insubordinate. Too recently bereaved by the death of her son in Vietnam, Mary, the school cook, prefers to stay away from the festivities. She completes this unlikely trio.
Winter Break is aimed at viewers who appreciate auteur films and human stories imbued with nostalgia. Following in the footsteps of Monsieur Schmidt, The Dead Poets Society and À couteaux tirésit blends touching drama with fine, humorous dialogue.
Fans of independent cinema, meticulous period re-enactments and complex characters may find this film as introspective as it is warm-hearted, with a mise-en-scène reminiscent of 70s cinema.
On the other hand, those looking for a fast-paced, spectacular narrative may find that the film takes its time and relies primarily on its characters and dialogue.
With its solid casting, subtle direction and homage to 70s cinema, Winter Break stands out as a touching, nostalgicdrama, perfect for a wintry evening. A nugget not to be missed
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