It’s the most nostalgic time of the year, where the early, pitch-dark and cold nights inspire people to snuggle and turn on some classic, heartwarming Christmas movies and TV.
One movie destined to become a modern Christmas classic is 2023’s “The Holdovers,” starring Paul Giamatti, and filmed partially in New Bedford and Fairhaven.
The movie, a comedy-drama, is set in a New England all-boys boarding school during the winter of 1970 with a curmudgeonly teacher and a misbehaving student learning to appreciate each other over the course of Christmas break.
Here’s how to watch “The Holdovers” yourself this holiday season.
HO_14575_R Da’Vine Joy Randolph stars as Mary Lamb, Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully and Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham in director Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers.”
Where can I watch ‘The Holdovers’?
It’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
You can also rent it on YouTube and AppleTV.
It’s not scheduled to air on network TV.
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What is ‘The Holdovers’ about?
Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a strict teacher at fictional Barton Academy, an all-male boarding school. Dominic Sessa is Angus Tully, a sullen student who is “held over” at the school during Christmas break when his family abandons him.
Hunham is asked to chaperone Tully over Christmas, at first forcing him to continue his studies. At first they’re adversaries, but soon start to bond, with Hunham taking Tully on a “field trip” to Boston.
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Paul Giamatti reteams with “Sideways” director Alexander Payne for “The Holdovers.”
Is ‘The Holdovers’ Christmassy enough to feel like a Christmas classic?
Sure is. Though the film often has a melancholy tone, the soundtrack features several Christmas favorites like “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams, and the spirit of the season is a key part of the story.
Where was ‘The Holdovers’ filmed locally?
The movie was filmed inside the Wamsutta Club, the James Arnold Mansion, in New Bedford and at Fairhaven High School.
What awards did ‘The Holdovers’ win?
It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won one, Best Supporting Actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: How to watch ‘The Holdovers’ movie this Christmas; shot in SouthCoast
