“I want to go to Boston. Boston. Why? I want a real christmas. I wanna go ice skating…”
The Holdovers, the 2023 Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, follows a cranky professor at a New England prep school who stays on campus to watch students who have nowhere to go for winter break. Throughout his time at the desolate school, the professor forms an unlikely bond with a troubled student, and the school’s head cook. The cook and professor decide to celebrate Christmas by bringing the student to Boston, for the climax of the movie. The movie reveals some unseen but beautiful spots in Boston, and here’s how to find them.
Brattle Book Shop:
Right in Downtown Crossing, Brattle Book Shop features an indoor selection of three floors full of vintage books, while their outdoor section full of $5-$1 clearance books is what they are most known for. I recently visited Brattle Book Shop, and loved their selection of vintage magazines, and the adorable space outside full of books.
Pleasant Cafe:
Found in Roslindale, Pleasant Cafe is a historical family run cafe most known for their neon signs and leather booth seats. My roommate (who grew up in Boston) has always loved this cafe and was so excited to see it in the movie. She instantly recognized it, and personally recommended their pizza.
Orpheum Theatre:
The Orpheum Theatre (previously the Boston Music Hall) is one of the oldest theaters in the United States, built in 1852. Old taxis were delivered outside the hall just for the movie, attempting to recreate the 1970s. The theater is still actively used today, and open to the public.
The Holdovers is just one of many movies set in Massachusetts, which showcases some otherwise unseen beautiful places to visit in Boston. I recommend watching some other Boston based movies and seeing what locations you can pick out!
