The holidays are here, with families coming to or leaving town, and no shortage of festive events to occupy one’s time. Fittingly, a number of film distributors are looking to the season for their latest releases.
Some of these films are heading for a traditional theatrical model, while others are forgoing the big screen in favor of home viewing from platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix.
But whether you prefer to get out and enjoy the company of strangers with snacks and drinks at a theater or you wish to invite friends or family over and make it a night from the comfort of your couch, there’s always something to watch this December.
“Emancipation”
DECEMBER 2
Inspired by the infamous 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” this historical film by director Antoine Fuqua stars Will Smith as an escaped slave who relies on his wits, faith and love for his family as he evades hunters while on the run through Louisiana’s swamps. One of the real-life photographs, “The Scourged Back,” is credited as contributing to growing public opposition to slavery. Rated R.
In theaters December 2 and streaming on Apple TV+ December 9, tv.apple.com
“Violent Night”
DECEMBER 2
Fans may debate the merits of “Die Hard” as a Christmas movie, but there’s no arguing with this action comedy, about a team of mercenaries who find themselves face to face with the formidable Santa Claus after taking hostages at a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve. Starring David Harbour as old St. Nick, “Violent Night” comes from director Tommy Wirkola (the “Dead Snow” franchise) and producers of such films as “John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde” and “Bullet Train,” to name a few. John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder and Edi Patterson co-star. Rated R.
In theaters, violentnightmovie.com
“Empire of Light”
DECEMBER 9
Set within an ’80s coastal English town, this “1917” follow-up from filmmaker Sam Mendes centers around the relationship between a cinema manager facing mental health struggles and an employee who longs to leave behind the town and daily adversity, as well as the healing power of music, cinema and community. Starring Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Crystal Clarke and Tanya Moodie. Rated R.
In theaters, searchlightpictures.com/empire-of-light
“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”
DECEMBER 9
Visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is the latest to bring to the screen the fantastical tale about a wooden puppet who comes to life. Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Tilda Swinton, Finn Wolfhard and Christoph Waltz are among those who lend their voices to this stop-motion musical adaptation of the classic children’s story. Rated PG.
Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/title/80218455
“Spoiler Alert”
DECEMBER 9
Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge star as Michael Ausiello and Kit Cowan, respectively, in this adaptation of Ausiello’s bestselling memoir of the same name. Described in its synopsis as heartwarming, funny and life affirming, it deals with the transformation and deepening of the couple’s relationship when one falls ill. Rated PG-13.
In theaters, focusfeatures.com/spoiler-alert
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
DECEMBER 16
It’s been a while, but the one and only James Cameron is back 13 years after the smash hit “Avatar.” Stars like Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang reprise their roles in this long-awaited sequel, with Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet adding on as newcomers. Taking place more than a decade after the first film, it follows new troubles, battles and tragedies for the Sully family. Rated PG-13.
In theaters, avatar.com/movies/avatar-the-way-of-water
“BARDO, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths”
DECEMBER 16
Following the one-two punch of “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” and “The Revenant,” Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu took a lengthy hiatus. Now, he’s back with “BARDO,” his first Spanish-language film since 2010. It follows the epic introspective journey of an acclaimed journalist and documentarian, played by Daniel Giménez Cacho, as he reconciles with the past, the present and his identity.
Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/title/81249430
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
DECEMBER 21
Whitney Houston hits the big screen in this musical biopic directed by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou,” “Harriet”) and starring Naomi Ackie as the icon herself. The film follows her life and journey from New Jersey choir girl to internationally celebrated powerhouse vocalist. Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters are also among the cast. Not yet rated.
In theaters, iwannadancewithsomebody.movie
“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
DECEMBER 21
The beloved swashbuckling feline returns for his first adventure in more than a decade. After eight of his nine lives are up, he embarks on a quest to find the Wishing Star and regain his lives with the help of former partner and nemesis Kitty Soft Paws. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, Anthony Mendez and Da’Vine Joy Randolph lend their voices. Rated PG.
In theaters, dreamworks.com/movies/puss-in-boots-the-last-wish
“The Whale”
DECEMBER 21
Five years after the polarizing “mother!” Darren Aronofsky returns with this adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s acclaimed play about a reclusive English teacher’s attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. The pair are played, respectively, by Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton. Rated R.
In theaters, a24films.com/films/the-whale
“Babylon”
DECEMBER 23
Wunderkind filmmaker Damien Chazelle travels back in time to 1920s Los Angeles for this Hollywood epic, about the era’s unbridled decadence and depravity. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva lead the ensemble cast of characters, whose rise and fall are followed in the film. Not yet rated.
In theaters, babylonmovie.com
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
DECEMBER 23
Three years after his hit whodunit “Knives Out,” filmmaker Rian Johnson is back with the latest Benoit Blanc mystery. Set in Greece, “Glass Onion” follows detective Blanc (with Daniel Craig reprising his role) as he investigates another mystery. This film’s stacked cast includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Jessica Henwick and Madelyn Cline. Rated PG-13.
Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/title/81458416
“White Noise”
DECEMBER 30
Based on Don DeLillo’s acclaimed postmodern novel, this adaptation by Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”) centers around life’s mundane conflicts for an American family, as well as themes like love, death and happiness. Categorizing it as offbeat and cerebral, Netflix describes it as “hilarious and horrifying, lyrical and absurd, ordinary and apocalyptic.” Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig and Don Cheadle lead the cast. Rated R.
Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/title/81317320
