Stuck at boarding school over the holidays? 'The Holdovers', the latest gem in the Movie/TV Series/Book category, transforms potential holiday blues into heartwarming cinematic gold. Paul Giamatti shines as the curmudgeonly classics professor Paul Hunham, tasked with babysitting the students unable to go home for Christmas.

What unfolds is a surprisingly tender story of connection between three unlikely souls: Paul, the troubled student Angus, and the grieving cafeteria manager Mary. Director Alexander Payne masterfully blends humor and pathos, creating a film that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly genuine. 'The Holdovers' is more than just a feel-good holiday flick; it's a nuanced exploration of loneliness, loss, and the unexpected bonds that can emerge in the most isolating of circumstances. Definitely one to add to your watchlist this season (and beyond!).