The Holdovers Breakout Dominic Sessa Reveals How Paul Giamatti Helped Find His Confidence

Alexander Payne's return to the director's chair for The Holdovers reunites the filmmaker with leading man Paul Giamatti in a role that's already receiving widespread acclaim. This holiday period drama was written with Giamatti in mind, and features a stunning performance from co-star Da'Vine Joy Randolph, as well, but there was one-third of the central trio that required auditions to find.

Set in the '70s at a private New England prep school, The Holdovers takes place during the holiday break when most Barton Academy students leave campus to spend time with their families. Those left behind are Giamatti's grouchy Ancient Civilization teacher, Paul Hunham, tasked with staying behind to chaperone the holdover students; Randolph's Mary Lamb, who chooses to remain at the school after the death of her son in Vietnam; and 15-year-old Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa in his onscreen debut.

In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Sessa gives us a peak into what it's like as a newcomer on the set of a movie production. He talks about working alongside Giamatti and Randolph and what he learned from the two actors, finding the right headspace for heavy scenes, what point during filming he finally felt comfortable in front of a camera, and which scene was most challenging. Sessa discusses how Giamatti inspired confidence in him, what insight he was able to bring to set from his own private school life, and if he sees a career in Hollywood.

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