With the festive season in full swing, many of us are keen to snuggle up indoors with a good Christmas film, but a highly recommended option may have slipped under your radar. The film landed on Netflix earlier this month and has been hailed as a completely “underrated” movie that some people just don’t know about.

If you’re on the hunt for a new film to watch, but fancy something different from the usual Christmas classics, it might be worth giving it a whirl, as viewers have labelled it a “masterpiece”, despite it often being overlooked. It was highlighted on Reddit when a user posed the question: “What are some underrated Christmas movies? Movies that most people haven’t heard of, but that are better than Hallmark?”

People quickly began offering all sorts of suggestions, but one seems to have captured a lot of people’s interest. For many, it’s a festive film that seems to tick all the boxes.

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One person responded, simply stating: “The Holdovers.” Another concurred, adding: “Just watched that last night and totally agree.”

Many considered it a “great film” and, elsewhere on social media, several others echoed the sentiment. People believe the film is one of the best available at Christmas.

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What are people saying?

One viewer didn’t mince their words, declaring: “The Holdovers is a masterpiece. Absolutely loved the movie from start to finish, and it’s one of my favourites among Alexander Payne’s rich filmography. Production design, cinematography, costumes and music were all perfect for the film as it really captures the spirit of the holiday season.”

Someone else chipped in: “I can definitely see it joining the ranks of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ as a Christmas classic in years to come.”

A third person responded: “A movie I’m sure to rewatch every Christmas from now on.” Meanwhile, another fan gushed: “This is in my top five movies. I’ve watched it three times this month. There is not a single part of this film I would change.

“I feel like I am watching a beautiful book, to the point it shocks me this was an original screenplay, because it feels like an American classic.”

Yet another enthusiast weighed in with: “Absolutely a must-see. I was waiting all year to watch it again during holiday break and I think it will be maybe the only movie I really make sure I watch every year now.”

What’s the plot?

For those who’ve missed it, The Holdovers is an American festive comedy-drama helmed by director Alexander Payne from a script penned by David Hemingson. The film stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa.

Set in 1970, the story follows a stern classics teacher at a New England boarding school who finds himself supervising a handful of pupils with nowhere to go over the Christmas holidays. Whilst Netflix didn’t produce the film, it’s landed on the streaming service just in time for the festive season.

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People have fallen in love with The Holdovers(Image: 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC)

Though some have labelled it “underrated”, the film garnered significant critical praise, earning a spot on the National Board of Review and American Film Institute’s top 10 films of 2023.

The movie secured two victories at both the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Awards, with Randolph claiming Best Supporting Actress at each ceremony. It also received five nods at the 96th Academy Awards.

Among its nominations were Best Picture and Best Actor for Giamatti, whilst Randolph took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Put simply, this sounds like essential viewing for your watchlist.