The Holdovers Footage Reaction: Paul Giamatti and Alexander Payne Will Shake Your Tears [CinemaCon 2023]

The sequence begins with Paul Giamatti's teacher character handing out grades before winter break, with a student lamenting his poor grades. As stated above, this school is a preparatory academy, so not all students will be able to go home for the holidays, much to the dismay of the teacher. At least he won't be alone taking care of these kids, because the school cook and teacher's friend (Randolph) is also sticking around.

Unfortunately, it looks like he's not off to a good start with this temporary gig. After having a slight argument with one of the titular children, he angrily exclaims that he wishes the child's father would pick him up from school. There's one problem with that, however, and that's that the child's father is dead, something he passes on to Giamatti's character. After being reprimanded by the cook for his behavior, he decides to give this guardianship another chance. Maybe now he and his troublesome student can find some common ground.

Given it's a Christmas comedy-drama, it probably is, but we won't know for sure until "The Holdovers" opens in limited theaters on November 10, 2023. Don't worry, though, as it will open nationwide shortly after November 22.