"The Holdovers": Alexander Payne's Controversial Take on a Holiday Classic

Director Alexander Payne discusses the label of "cozy" being applied to his film "The Holdovers," expressing surprise and a slight aversion to the term. He questions what elements of the film evoke a cozy feeling and emphasizes the exploration of human relationships and the discovery of common humanity. Payne also clarifies that while the story takes place during Christmas, he does not see it as a Christmas movie but rather a film with a melancholic backdrop. He appreciates the emotional impact the film has on viewers without resorting to sentimentality.