The Holdovers Warms Hearts at the Toronto International Film Festival

When Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers screened at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, it “earned a rapturous ovation,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. In the film, a cranky teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a distinguished New England prep school forges a powerful bond with the cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), whose son recently died in the Vietnam War, and a troublemaking student (Dominic Sessa) when the three are left behind during the holiday season.

Audiences loved the performances, writing, music, but, most of all, how Payne’s unique blend of heart and humor makes the film feel like a cozy classic.

Here are just a few of the reactions on social media coming out of Toronto for The Holdovers—in select theaters October 27, everywhere November 10.