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In a world where authenticity is the name of the game, the lines between reality and storytelling can become beautifully intertwined. Alexander Payne’s 2023 film,The Holdovers, taps into this notion, inviting audiences to reflect on the bonds that shape us. As the saying goes, “Art imitates life”, but sometimes it’s the life experiences woven into fiction that leaves the most lasting impact.
Set in a New England prep school during the early 1970s,The Holdoversfollows a grumpy teacher who, rather than enjoying a holiday break, finds himself supervising a handful of students with nowhere to go. With standout performances from Paul Giamatti, and Dominic Sessa, this story delves into themes of connection, loss, and resilience. Penned by David Hemingson, the flick offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of its characters, making viewers wonder: is it based on true events? The answer might surprise you.
What IsThe HoldoversAbout?
At its core,The Holdoversrevolves around a curmudgeonly teacher, Paul Hunham (played byPaul Giamatti) of a prestigious boys’ boarding school in Massachusetts who, during the holiday season, remains on campus to supervise the few students without a place to go for Christmas. Among these students is a bright but rebellious pupil, played by Dominic Sessa.
The Holdovers Facing Plagiarism Accusation Is a Devastating Blow Before Oscars…Until You Actually Read The Evidence
As the story unfolds, we witness an unlikely bond form between the teacher, the student, and the school’s cook, each dealing with their own struggles and losses.
The film shows outstanding performances from Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa, each breathing life and authenticity into their characters. Critics have heaped praise on their heartfelt performances, which have significantly contributed to the film’s phenomenal 97% rating onRotten Tomatoes, as well as several prestigious nominations, including a nod for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
IsThe HoldoversBased on a True Story?
While the film resonates with an air of authenticity, it is essential to clarify thatThe Holdoversis not technically based on a true story. Screenwriter David Hemingson, who has a background in television writing, penned the script drawing on his own life experiences (seeVanity Fair). He attended prep school in New England, but the characters and events depicted in the film are largely fictionalized.
Though many characters and events inThe Holdoversare products of Hemingson’s imagination, there are threads of truth woven throughout. ForTime, he also wrote an article detailing the real-life individuals who inspired various aspects of the story, shedding light on the connections between his life and the film’s characters. In 1969, when his“parents’ marriage ended”, it had a profound impact on him, setting the stage for the emotional landscape of the film. Hemingson explained:
School was a challenge. I was an awkward, scattered, bookish kid with ADHD, so the social dynamics were tough for me in the best of times and just got more challenging in the wake of the marital meltdown.
He reflected on how this experience altered the course of his life and inspired the narrative. And the character of Angus Tully appears to be inspired by Hemingson himself:
Angus would become a version of me—a little older but no less of an outsider, hungry for guidance and connection—loving a brilliant and mysterious father from a distance.
Hemingson also shared that his uncle, Earl Cahail, emerged as an essential father figure, guiding him through his formative years. The latter ultimately became the inspiration for Paul Giamatti’s character inThe Holdovers.
What MakesThe HoldoversUnique?
Movies are a stairway to the past, and inThe Holdovers, director Alexander Payne created a cinematic time machine that transports viewers to the early 1970s. With retro title cards, intentional film scratches, and vintage audio pops, this film isn’t just set in a bygone era—it feels as if it’s been plucked directly from it. As Payne himself puts it (The LA Times):
Payne, now in his sixties, carries a deep affection for the 1970s, a decade that not only shaped his formative years but also fostered a unique filmmaking ethos. The director further reflected on this period with nostalgia, recalling how films fromFive Easy PiecestoBreaking Awayprioritized authentic narratives over sensationalism.“Good, human, character-based stories”, he contended, echoing the spirit of a time when cinema was a mirror reflecting the complexities of life.
HasThe HoldoversFaced Plagiarism Claims?
As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity,”but in this case, the stakes are incredibly high. Screenwriter Simon Stephenson, known for his work on the animated filmLuca, claimed thatThe Holdoversis essentially a copy of his own screenplay titledFrisco. He alleged that the film, which stars Paul Giamatti, lifts not just ideas but entire sequences, characters, and dialogues directly from his work.
To back up his claims (viaVariety), Stephenson submitted a 33-page document filled with evidence, presenting what he argued is a compelling case. He asserted that
The meaningful entirety of the screenplay for The Holdovers has been copied from the Frisco screenplay by transposition.
His detailed allegations cover everything from story structure to character arcs, insisting that many unique elements fromFriscowere“readily and unequivocally identifiable” inThe Holdovers.
The Holdovers BFI London Film Festival Review – A New Christmas Classic is Born
While Stephenson’s accusations have sparked conversations across the film industry, the validity of his claims remains a topic of heated debate.
Moreover,The Holdovershas made waves, racking up five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, including nods for Best Picture and Best Actor for Giamatti. To top it off, Da’Vine Joy Randolph snagged the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
The Holdoversis currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
