The Holdovers Soundtrack: It’s the Holdovers is a 2023 American comedy-drama Christmas film directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson.
The film stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Cessa. This is the story of a stubborn history teacher at a New England prep school in the 1970s who is not allowed to go anywhere during the Christmas holidays because the students are forced to babysit.
The Holdovers Soundtrack
It is directed by Alexander Payne and stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Cessa.
When the New England boarding school was founded in the middle of Christmas in 1970, its look and feel were practically a movie made at the time and featured the journey of three lost spirits stuck together while at school. Holdovers promises to be a Christmas classic with sadness, emotion, and quirky humor.
Who is the composer of The Holdovers Soundtrack?
Mark Orton: This Mark Orton is an American musician and composer. An alumnus of the Peabody Conservatory and the Hartt School of Music, he is a founding member of the San Francisco-based Tin Hat Chamber Music Ensemble and is best known for his score for the Academy Award-nominated film Nebraska.
Original Soundtrack of The Holdovers Soundtrack
- Silver Joy – Damien Jurado: “Silver Joy” is a song by Damien Jurado from his album Brothers & Sisters of the Eternal Sun. The song’s lyrics express a feeling of peace and calm, with lines like “Let me sleep / In the morning’s slumber / I’ve got nowhere to go / And my dreams are still calling / Lay your identity on the ground.”
- Venus – Shocking Blue: Venus composed Shocking Blue, and the album At Home was released in 1969.
- The Time Has Come Today – The Chambers Brothers: The song was released in 1967 on The Time Has Come album and in the genres of R&B/Soul, Funk, Pop, and Rock.
- Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying – Labi Siffre: Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying is composed by Labisifre from the album Crying Laughing Loving Lying which was released in 1972.
- In Memory of Elizabeth Reed – The Allman Brothers Band: This song was released in 1970 on the album Idlewild South.
- Knock Three Times – Tony Orlando & Dawn: Knock Three Times – Tony Orlando & Dawn was released in 1970, and the genre is Pop Music.
- Silent Night – The Temptations: This song was released in 1970 from the album The Temptations Christmas Card.
- A Calf Born in Winter – Khruangbin: A Calf Born in Winter is composed by Khruangbin and was released in 2014. It falls under the genre Alternative/Indie.
- The Wind – Cat Stevens: This song was released on Cat Stevens’ 1971 album Teaser and the Firecat.
- Jingle Bells – Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass: This song was released in 1968 on the Christmas album
The Holdovers Soundtrack also includes:
- Candlepin Bowling – Mark Orton: The composition is by artist Mark Orton, part of the track The Holdovers, released in 2023. The genre of the song includes Classical.
- Primal Architecture – Mark Orton: The composition is by artist Mark Orton, part of the track The Holdovers, released in 2023. The genre of the song includes Classical.
- When Winter Comes – Artie Shaw: The composition is by artist Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, part of the track The Big Band Legends: Artie Shaw.
- Drive to Boston – Mark Orton
- Nursing Home – Mark Orton
- Medley: Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly / What Child Is This? – The Swingle Singers
- It’s Christmas! – Mark Orton
- Carol of the Drum (Little Drummer Boy) – Trapp Family Singers
- White Christmas – The Swingle Singers
- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
- The Glove / Now He’s History / 5/4 for Constantine – Mark Orton
- A Girl in Tow / Back to Barton – Mark Orton
- Danny / The Glove / Let’s Make the Best of It – Mark Orton
- See Ya / Into the Unknown – Mark Orton
Music of The Holdovers Soundtrack
Back Lot Music released the official soundtrack album for the comedy-drama. The album features the film’s original score, composed by Mark Orton, who is also known for scoring Nebraska, The Good Girl, My Old Lady, 12 Mighty Orphans, and Love Hard.
It also includes a selection of classic songs featuring The Allman Brothers Band, The Temptations, The Swingle Singers, and others. The soundtrack will be released digitally on November 10.
Official Trailer
The original The Holdovers Soundtrack is available to play on Amazon Music and Apple Music, and if you also want to check for the additional songs of the soundtrack, check them out on Spotify.
External link: The Holdovers Soundtrack, Film Music Reported
Quick Facts
| Title | The Holdovers |
| Director | Alexander Payne |
| Writer | David Hemingson |
| Composer | Mark Orton |
| Starring | Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa |
| Genre | Comedy-Drama / Christmas |
| Premiere | August 31, 2023 (Telluride Film Festival) |
| U.S. Release | October 27, 2023 (Focus Features) |
| Soundtrack Release | November 10, 2023 (Back Lot Music) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed The Holdovers?
Alexander Payne directed The Holdovers from a screenplay by David Hemingson. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and opened in U.S. theaters via Focus Features on October 27, 2023.
Who composed The Holdovers score?
Mark Orton composed the original score. An alumnus of the Peabody Conservatory and the Hartt School, and a founding member of the San Francisco chamber group Tin Hat, Orton is also known for scoring Nebraska (2013), also directed by Alexander Payne.
Who won an Oscar for The Holdovers?
Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mary Lamb, alongside SAG, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe wins in the same category.
What songs are on The Holdovers soundtrack?
Alongside Mark Orton’s score, the soundtrack features period needle-drops such as Damien Jurado’s “Silver Joy,” Shocking Blue’s “Venus,” The Chambers Brothers’ “The Time Has Come Today,” The Allman Brothers Band’s “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” and a run of Christmas standards including The Temptations’ “Silent Night” and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’ “Jingle Bells.”
Where can I watch The Holdovers?
The Holdovers streams on Peacock in the U.S. and is also available to rent or buy digitally, including on Apple TV and Amazon Video.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks | Streaming Guides