The Holdovers

RECOMMENDATION:

DESCRIPTION:

A comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne. The film is set in the 1970s at an elite boarding school, where students return home for the holidays, but a few of them must stay behind. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a strict and very unpopular history teacher, is assigned to supervise this group of boys. Among them is Lewis, a rebellious teenager coping with the loss of his father. In the end, he is the only one who remains at the school during the holiday break. Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the school cook, who is also spending the holidays there while mourning the recent death of her son, joins in caring for him. Over time, their relationships grow closer, and the three of them — despite initial prejudices — discover shared experiences and emotions that connect them.

GALLERY:

LET’S TALK ABOUT:

What moved you in the story of Angus, Paul, and Mary?

Paul is a terrible teacher — a source of fear among students — what drives his behavior?

The students stay at school out of necessity, Paul — as punishment. Do you remember a particular punishment you once received?

Have you ever been punished for refusing to compromise your beliefs or give in to pressure?

Paul’s boss is his former student — how do you handle criticism, especially from people younger than you?

Are you able to express your critical opinion on a topic in an appropriate way?

Can you be gentle toward others?

Mary, although she is going through a very difficult time — mourning the loss of her son — is able to radiate goodness to everyone around her — which values from the list below are especially present in her life?

Which of them are particularly important to you?

Angus, although he does not like his teacher, is aware of his own flaws, which is why after the accident in the gym he does not want to cause Paul any trouble. Do you often reflect on your strengths and weaknesses — your flaws and advantages?

Which weaknesses would you like to work on and change, and which strengths would you like to develop?

What character trait do you admire in others — would you like to have it yourself?

Angus is attentive — he quickly recognizes his teacher’s insecurity and wants to defend him during Paul’s conversation with a former colleague who has achieved success — he lies, creating a fantastic vision of the teacher’s academic achievements. Are you also attentive — do you notice what others feel, what their sensitive points are?

In the end, Paul takes the blame for Angus’s insubordination and his visit to his father in a psychiatric hospital — have you ever taken the blame for someone else, or conversely — been protected by someone in this way?

Losing his job is also an opportunity for Paul to move forward — do you also see areas in your life where you need to “move forward”?

List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Resourcefulness, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Honesty, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Fairness, Moderation, Order, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Fidelity, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life