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“The Holdovers” is a film by Alexander Payne based on a screenplay by David Hemingson. It was made in 2023 and opened in German cinemas on January 25, 2024. Paul Giamatti plays the teacher Paul Hunham, Dominic Sessa the student Angus Tully. Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the role of the cook Mary Lamb. Step by step, the story leads to the Law of Sacrifice: those who want to achieve something for others must give up something of their own.
Authority without relationship
Situation
December 1970, Barton Academy in New England. Hunham teaches strictly and is unpopular with students and colleagues. He has to supervise the students who cannot go home for the holidays. Even then he prescribes study and exercise.
Link to the law
Hunham holds on to everything: to rules, routines and being in the right. His position gives him control, but no influence. Leadership that gives nothing of itself achieves obedience and little else.
The first sacrifice is small
Situation
Soon only Angus is left, along with Mary Lamb, whose son was killed in Vietnam. Angus dislocates his shoulder in the gym, and Hunham drives him to the hospital. After Mary criticizes his coldness, Hunham organizes a trip to Boston. They go ice skating, to the museum and to the movies.
Link to the law
Sacrifice rarely begins with the great offering. First Hunham gives up comfort, habit and being right. Leaders practice this in small things: giving time, listening, accepting criticism. Those who never do so will not sacrifice when it really matters either.
Adding value through closeness
Situation
In Boston, Angus slips away in secret. He visits his father in a psychiatric clinic, although his mother has forbidden it. Hunham accompanies him. Angus fears becoming like his father. Hunham disagrees and makes it clear to him that he is his own person.
Link to the law
Here the secondary link becomes visible, the Law of Addition. Hunham is of use to Angus not through course material or grades, but through encouragement at the right moment. For that he takes a risk. Adding value to people almost always has a personal price.
The job for the student
Situation
In January 1971, Angus’s mother and his stepfather complain to headmaster Woodrup. They threaten to send Angus to a military school. Hunham takes full responsibility and declares that the visit was his idea. He is dismissed; Angus is allowed to stay. The two say goodbye with a handshake.
Link to the law
Hunham trades his security for the future of a younger person. He asks for neither thanks nor recognition in return. The Law of Sacrifice asks every leader: What am I willing to give up so that others can get ahead? The greater the responsibility, the higher the price.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Check what you are holding on to even though it does not serve others.
- Practice sacrifice in small things: time, attention and the last word.
- Stand in front of your people when it becomes uncomfortable for you.
- Do not expect applause for a sacrifice.
- Measure your position by what you do with it for others.
Summary
Paul Hunham starts out as a teacher who defends nothing but his rules. In two weeks he learns to give away time, pride and finally his job. The film does not show sacrifice as a defeat. Hunham loses his post and, for the first time, gains real influence on a student.