‘Tis the season to be looking for something to relax and get through the (often stressful) holiday season with. As you wait for winter break and exam season to end, here are our picks for new releases you should watch this December.
Wonka – In theaters December 17th
Wonka, directed by Paul King, takes us on a magical journey back to the enchanting world of Willy Wonka, serving as a prequel to the beloved Roald Dahl tale we all know and love. We follow a young Willy Wonka, played by the talented Timothée Chalamet. The story delves into Wonka’s past, exploring his upbringing and the events that shaped him into the eccentric chocolatier we met not long ago in the original story. Chalamet isn’t the only familiar face you will see, as the film features a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael Key, and more. The film features a series of colorful and imaginative set pieces, showcasing Wonka’s creative genius and passion for bringing joy to people’s lives through his confectionery delights, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of imagination. This movie will leave audiences of all ages with a sweet taste of nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the magic of Willy Wonka’s world.
The Boy and the Heron – In theaters December 8th
The Boy and the Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki from Studio Ghibli, takes us on a captivating journey into a lush, mystical world filled with wonder and magic revolving around a young boy named Hiro, who lives in a small village nestled deep in the mountains. One day, while exploring the nearby forest, he encounters a majestic heron with shimmering feathers, leading him to discover that this heron is no ordinary bird but a guardian spirit of nature. When the heron reveals to Hiro that their village is facing a grave threat from an encroaching darkness that seeks to destroy the balance of nature and protect his home, Hiro embarks on a courageous quest, guided by the heron’s wisdom and the lessons of the forest. Miyazaki’s masterful direction brings this enchanting tale to life with breathtaking animation, a hallmark of the studio’s films, and a captivating score that helps it beautifully explore themes of environmentalism, friendship, and the power of the human spirit.
Anyone But You – In theaters December 22nd
Anyone But You, directed by Will Gluck, is a heartwarming romantic comedy that follows the story of Bea and Ben, who turned enemies even after a successful first date. The film follows the pair as they find themselves at a wedding together, but one small problem: their exes seem to be at the same wedding. In hopes of solving each other’s relationship problems, they team up on fake dates, but does fake dating ever go the way it’s supposed to? They navigate through adulthood, questioning their feelings for each other as the lines blur, and they find themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions. With its charming cast, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this romantic comedy will leave you rooting for Bea and Bento to find their happily ever after, whether together or apart. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and plenty of laughs in this vibrant, fiery romance.
The Iron Claw – In theaters December 22nd
The Iron Claw, directed by Sean Durkin, is based on the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and his family, starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Lily James, and more. This drama displays the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers hailing from Texas that had tremendous success in the wrestling industry starting in the 1960s and continuing for many years. The brothers battle in and out of the ring, fighting the string of unbearable tragedies that continue to follow them throughout the years. This resulted in the colloquial use of the term “Von Erich Curse,” which refers to the chain of events spanning multiple years that has left only 1 of the 5 Von Erich children alive today. The Iron Claw is a raw, electric tale of brotherhood and tragedy that allows the story of the famed family to thrive today and is sure to catch anyone’s attention, wrestling fan or not, with its thrilling pace and masterful attention to detail.
The Color Purple – In theaters December 25th
The Color Purple, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a powerful and emotionally charged musical drama that follows the life of Celie, a young African-American woman living in rural Georgia in the early 20th century. Celie endures a life filled with hardship, abuse, and discrimination, but she finds solace in her deep bond with her sister, Nettie. As the story unfolds, we witness Celie’s transformation through her relationships with other strong and inspiring women. Through their support and friendship, Celie can begin to challenge the restrictive societal norms of the time and find her path to self-empowerment and liberation. The Color Purple is a profoundly moving and poignant exploration of love, resilience, and the power of sisterhood, done with heartfelt performances by Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Ciara, and more, as well as breathtaking cinematography and a soul-stirring soundtrack.
Aquaman – In theaters December 22nd
In Aquaman, directed by James Wan, we dive back into the underwater world of Arthur Curry, more known as Aquaman, after the previous film’s events. Arthur faces a new threat that could bring chaos to both the surface world and Atlantis, where he must confront his own doubts and insecurities while dealing with a powerful and enigmatic villain who seeks to unleash ancient and dangerous forces upon his people. Filled with stunning visual effects, heart-pounding action sequences, and performances by our familiar favorites, Jason Mamoa, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, and more, this DC superhero film promises to be an exhilarating and visually spectacular cinematic experience. Get ready to be immersed in the awe-inspiring world of Atlantis once again!
