Warning! This article contains spoilers for Black Mirror Season 7’s Episode 5, “Eulogy.“Paul Giamatti’s 2-year-old award-winning movie, which boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%, is a must-watch after his heart-breakingBlack Mirrorepisode. For a while, it seemed like Netflix’sBlack Mirrorhad lost its old luster. While its recent seasons had a few memorable episodes, the series seemed to have drifted a little too far from its initial identity and experimental approach. However, after playing it safe for a while,Black Mirrorseemingly found its feet again.
While season 6 paved the way for theNetflix sci-fi showto return to form with episodes like “Loch Henry” and “Joan is Awful,” season 7 showed the series' true potential with episodes like “Common People,” “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” and “Eulogy.” Speaking of “Eulogy,” it is one of the simplest episodes in season 7 from a storytelling and concept standpoint. It adopts a straightforward idea where a character is able to relive pictures from his past and reminisce about some of his worst and best days. However, Paul Giamatti’s performance, which reminds a viewer of his role in another film, is what makes the episode worthwhile.
The Holdovers Is Another Emotionally Compelling Dramatic Paul Giamatti Performance Like Black Mirror’s “Eulogy”
Like Eulogy, The Holdovers Shows How A Man Gradually Comes To Terms With His Past
UnlikeBlack Mirror’s “Eulogy,“The Holdoversis not set in the future and does not adopt advanced technologies as a narrative device. It is more of a feel-good drama that unfolds against the backdrop of Christmas. However, even thoughThe Holdoverscan be best described as a warm cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s afternoon, the film does not shy away from delving into some darker themes. Paul Giamatti’s character in the film, likeBlack Mirror’s Philip,is a bad-tempered man who often finds solace in his own company.
In both the show and the movie, the Paul Giamatti characters are given the opportunity to turn things around and redeem themselves by making a genuine connection with a younger character and ultimately taking a dire decision.
Like the main character in “Eulogy,“The Holdovers' Philip goes through a rite of passage throughout the film’s runtime and is forced to address many underlying issues from his past before coming to terms with the harsh realities of his present. BothEulogy’s Paul andThe Holdover’s Philip are emotionally conflicted men whohave not completely lost their sense of empathy towards those around them but struggle to establish meaningful relationships because of being deeply hurt in the past.
In both the show and the movie, the Paul Giamatti characters are given the opportunity to turn things around and redeem themselves by making a genuine connection with a younger character and ultimately taking a dire decision. Despite having a lot on the line, both characters end up doing the right thing, which ends their narrative on a bittersweet but high note. Paul Giamatti does an incredible job of capturing both characters' vulnerabilities, conflicting emotions, and innate desire to do the right thing.
“Eulogy” Deserves To Continue Paul Giamatti’s Awards Success After The Holdovers
Giamatti Deserves An Emmy Nod For His Black Mirror Performance
The Holdoversnot only received immense critical acclaim but also paved the way for Paul Giamatti to land many award nominations and wins.From a Golden Globe win to Academy Award, BAFTA, and SAG Award for Best Actor nominations, Giamatti earned it all for his poignant portrayal of the main character inThe Holdovers. Considering how Giamatti delivers an equally brilliant performance inBlack Mirror’s “Eulogy"as well, it is hard not to hope that the Netflix series will help him continue his impressive award streak in the television landscape.
It was great to see him get the appreciation and recognition he deserved for his performance inThe Holdovers. Hopefully, even though he only appears in just oneBlack Mirrorepisode, his compelling portrayal of his character should be enough to get him an Emmy nod. If not anything else, theBlack Mirrorepisode should certainly set the stage for him to land more emotionally resonant and layered roles in other television shows.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.
The Holdovers
Cast
The Holdovers is a comedy-drama film starring Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a prep academy professor hated by peers and students alike. Stuck at the academy for the holidays with no family or friends to visit, he finds himself in the company of a bright-but-troublemaking young student named Angus and the school’s head cook, Mary. Together, the three will create a makeshift family as they bond during the holiday season.
