Remy_Azhary

When I found out on YouTube that that Hulu, in collaboration with National Geographic, is going to feature a new documentary I was really excited about it even if it still tells everything else we'd already knew from other documentaries.

But I was glad that this Hulu-NatGeo documentary series is more focused primarily on what happened at Jonestown in the days before and after the massacre. Shown in three half-an-hour episodes, these series highlighted not only new footages of the events but also some new key players in the events like journalists and former army witness that provided their firsthand account at Jonestown.

I'm not a particular fan of Alexander Payne but oh wow. This was an incredibly sweet movie about people finding the best traits in others.

The Holdovers is comparable to With Honors, Scent of A Woman and Good Will Hunting. I see this movie as an accidental family story whereby the relationship between a teacher (Paul Giamatti) and one of his students (Dominic Sessa) evolved into father and son relationship. So too with Da'Vine Joy Randolph. She somewhat became the mother in the trio. I could definitely feel her pain as she suffered the lost of a loved one. Yet she was resilient enough not to allow us see her as being weak.

Set in the early 70s, Payne actually made it feel authentic to how films were made in those days complete with old school title cards.

I must say that while both Paul Giamtti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph deserve the Golden Globes nominations respectively, I'd say that Dominic Sessa should also be recognized for Supporting Actor since his performance was a standout for me. I just wish the Academy would notice him for that category.

All in all, I love The Holdovers.

I was wondering what the fuss was about. But then again, they obviously had not seen The Talented Mr Ripley. Basically the same premise. A nobody weaving himself into the lives of the wealthy.

While Barry Keoghan is a gifted actor his only shines in showcasing the erotic thriller aspect of his character. But that's actually a good thing.

It's just that he probably could very well do some other movies to showcase that range of his but not this one.

As for the cast, they could very well be done by unknowns. Speaking of which, with an actor like Carey Mulligan she deserves more screen time. Yet her role was in just a few scenes then she's gone. Jacob Elordi, too, could do something bigger especially with his name on the rise.

Like I said, the movie is not something that had not been done before. It's just flashy and posh.

Before watching this, I was hoping that there could be something actually happening between the Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. But all we get were male nude scenes.