Letterboxd 250: The Holdovers (2023)

About this episode

In this final episode of The Reel Lovers, Marley Silverbrand and guest Drake discuss the film The Holdovers and reflect on their favorite cinematic moments of the year.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re wrapping up the year with a trip back to Barton Academy. On this final episode of The Reel Lovers, host Marley Silverbrand continues the journey through the Letterboxd Top 250 Narrative Films by diving into Alexander Payne’s 2023 masterpiece, The Holdovers. To help navigate this modern Christmas classic, we are thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Drake from The First Watch Podcast. Together, Marley and Drake break down the film’s soulful 1970s aesthetic, the incredible chemistry between the lead trio, and why this story of "misfit toys" has already cemented itself as a holiday essential. Beyond the snowy grounds of the film, we also take a moment to look back at our favorite cinematic moments of 2025 and share our aspirations and goals for the upcoming 2026 movie season. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper wrap-up without our signature segment, where we dive deep into our recent activity on Letterboxd for a special year-end edition of Last Four Watched. Since this is the final episode of 2025, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has tuned in this year. Your support means everything to us, and we are so grateful to have you…

People in this episode

Host: Marley Silverbrand

Guest: Drake

Topics covered

• film analysis
• holiday films
• Letterboxd Top 250
• cinematic moments
• New Year reflections

Keywords

• The Holdovers
• Marley Silverbrand
• Drake
• Letterboxd
• holiday films
• film analysis
• 2025
• New Year

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The First Watch Podcast

Books & works: The Holdovers