Film & Television

John Maguire on film: The Holdovers shows they really do make movies like they used to

Alexander Payne’s evocative portrait of 1970s America is a post-Christmas treat, while Mean Girls the musical is a barely worthwhile reboot of a cult classic

Dominic Sessa and Paul Giamatti make nostalgia respectable in The Holdovers. Picture: Focus Features

The Holdovers

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Nationwide, 15A

Rating: *****

An unfortunate consequence of the global rollout of American studio films means one of the best Christmas films in decades, and certainly one of the films of 2024, arrives with us after the tinsel and fairy lights have been returned to the attic.

If Alexander Payne’s delightfully funny and moving comedy The Holdovers brings with it unfortunate reminders of the season just endured, the film ...