Winter Break (The Holdovers) is an American comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. Starring Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph—who won an Oscar for this role—and Dominic Sessa, the film will be available in France on HBO Max from December 14, 2025.
The plot takes place during the winter of 1970. Mr. Hunham, a professorof ancient history at a prestigious New England high school, is forced to stay on campus during the holidays to supervise students who cannot return home. Among them is Angus, a brilliant but troubled teenager. Alongside them is Mary, the school cook, still reeling from the loss of her son in Vietnam. Three lonely souls who, in a winter setting, will learn to understand each other.
With its 1970s-inspired cinematography, desaturated colors, and finely crafted dialogue, the film is reminiscent of the styleof Alexander Payne (Nebraska, The Descendants). It blends bittersweet humor, melancholy, and humanity in an intimate story about wounded but deeply endearing characters.
Winter Break will appeal to fans of arthouse cinema, sensitive dramas, and films focused on the evolution of human relationships. Its blend of nostalgia, tenderness, and irony is reminiscent of Dead Poets Society and Mr. Schmidt.
Winter Break
Film | 2023
On HBO Max December 14, 2025
Comedy, Drama | Running time: 2h14
By Alexander Payne | Starring Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Original title: The Holdovers
Nationality: United States
Combining humor, loneliness, and human warmth, Winter Break offers a touching story in which three characters, forced to spend Christmas together, find an unexpected form of comfort in this winter retreat.
To learn more, check out HBO Max's new releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and our selection of What to Watch Today on Streaming.
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