The Holdovers is newly streaming (just not on Netflix)

Critics and viewers alike absolutely loved the comedy-drama film The Holdovers. It premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in August 2023 before later being released in theaters in October of that year. It's still available to watch in select theaters in the U.S., but for the people who don't have showings where you live, you can always stream it at home.

Unfortunately, Netflix isn't the chosen streaming home for the film. Instead, it's streaming exclusively on the streaming platform Peacock. But keep in mind that in order to gain access to this movie on the streamer, you'll need to have a subscription. There are two plans: Premium (with ads) and Premium Plus (ad-free). The premium plan is $5.99/month or $59.99/year plus tax while the premium plus plan is $11.99/month or $119.99/year plus tax.

You also have the option to purchase the movie digitally through Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, or the Microsoft Store for $19.99.

More about The Holdovers

Written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne, The Holdovers takes place in the '70s and follows a grumpy professor at a New England prep school who is forced to stay on campus during Christmas break to supervise a handful of students with nowhere to go. After a few days, only one student is left, and it's 17-year-old troublemaker Angus Tully. Also, staying behind is the head cook of the school who is grieving the loss of her son. Eventually, the three of them grow closer and form an unlikely bond as they spend the Christmas holiday together.

Emmy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti stars as the bad-tempered professor, Paul Hunham. In addition, Tony nominee Da'Vine Joy Randolph plays the role of the head cook, Mary Lamb, and newcomer Dominic Sessa portrays the troubled teen Angus Tully. More of the cast includes Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner, Ian Dolley, Andrew Garman, Gillian Vigman, and Tate Donovan.

Here's what critics had to say about the movie via Rotten Tomatoes:

"The Holdovers might be the most perfect Giamatti-delivery vehicle we've gotten in a long time, one that understands that he's best when his talents for yelling are mixed with deep pathos."

- Esther Zuckerman from GQ

"In Payne’s work, one individual’s foibles and failings can open another’s perception; his humans lead not by example, but through their flaws. This is one of the director’s greatest films."

- Bilge Ebiri from NY Mag/Vulture

"
Hunham’s hero Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Give thyself leisure to learn some good thing.” Take his advice and see this film."

- Nick De Semlyen from Empire Magazine

Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek!

Will you be watching The Holdovers?