In Alexander Payne’s touching film The Holdovers, Paul Giamatti takes on the role of a seasoned instructor stuck at a New England prep school during the holiday break. Tasked with looking after a handful of students left behind, he discovers a special bond with one of them, a smart yet troubled troublemaker played by newcomer Dominic Sessa. As the days pass, amidst the winter chill, the grumpy teacher finds unexpected comfort and friendship in the warmth of camaraderie, particularly with the school’s head cook, portrayed by the talented Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Together, they navigate through their own personal challenges, including the cook’s heartache over losing her son to the Vietnam War. Through moments of solitude and shared understanding, they learn that compassion and connection can heal even the deepest wounds, reminding us all of the beauty of human empathy and resilience.