Well, ready or not, December is here. People are putting up their Christmas trees and celebrating Hanukkah with holiday cheer. However, looking at the lineup of films this week, we’re in for a very dark start to the holiday season and I am totally here for it! Let’s take a look.
Benedetta (Theaters)
Writers: David Birke & Paul Verhoven, Judith C. Brown (book)
Directed by: Paul Verhoven
Starring: Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, and Daphne Patakia
If you’re looking for something incredibly weird and intense to get you in the holiday spirit, Paul Verhoven is here to deliver the goods. Set in the 17th century, an Italian nun is tormented by carnal religious visions as she strikes up a relationship with a female companion. I’m anticipating blasphemy of the highest order and I’m fine with that. I don’t know anyone in the cast besides Charlotte Rampling, but I trust Verhoven to push the envelope.
Wolf (Theaters)
Written & Directed by: Nathalie Biancheri
Starring: George MacKay, Lily-Rose Depp, and Paddy Considine
Not to be confused with Mike Nichols’ 1994 werewolf noir of the same name, Nathalie Biancheri’s sophomore feature is about a young man who believes he’s a wolf trapped in a human body. The early word hasn’t been positive and that might explain why it wasn’t screened for critics at the Toronto International Film Festival. I appreciate the artistry I’ve seen in the trailer and it looks like it’s really an allegory about not feeling at home in your body and the larger world as a result. George MacKay had a breakout performance in 1917 so I’m curious to see what he does with the role and how it comes together.
The Scary of Sixty-First (Theaters)
Writers: Dasha Nekrasova and Madeline Quinn | Directed by: Dasha Nekrasova
Starring: Dasha Nekrasova, Madeline Quinn, and Betsey Brown
I love these types of projects where the filmmakers are all-in. Dasha Nekrasova co-wrote, directed, and stars in the film along with Madeline Quinn who co-wrote the screenplay. That tells me a lot of passion and love went into making this and that goes a long way. It’s Nekrasova’s directorial debut and there’s always something special about those too. The title may not be the best selling point but the trailer shows a lot of energy and the positive stuff I’ve read reinforces my desire to watch this one.
Silent Night (Theaters and AMC+)
Written & Directed by: Camille Griffin
Starring: Annabelle Wallis, Keira Knightley, and Matthew Goode
Camille Griffin’s feature directorial debut dark comedy doesn’t appear to hold back. It’s the last Christmas before the end of the world so, better make it memorable. The cast is good and it’s oddly the second movie featuring Lily-Rose Depp this weekend. The Apocalypse and Christmas spirit are typically on opposite ends of the spectrum, but the holiday season can feel like a black cloud sometimes. I’m definitely intrigued by the premise and the trailer does a good job giving off ominous vibes.
Citizen Ashe (Theaters + VOD)
Writer: T.J. Volgare | Directors: Rex Miller, Sam Pollard
Starring: Johnnie Ashe, Stephanie Cookie Carson, Donald Dell, Arthur Ashe (archival)
A deep look at more than just the legendary tennis career of Arthur Ashe. This documentary highlights his impact on the game, his activism in the Black community, and his fight against HIV, both personally and socially. He was one of the sporting world’s biggest stars of his generation and this movie focuses on how he used that in the service of others.
What Else Is New
Flee (Theaters)
Writers: Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Amin Nawabi | Director: Jonas Poher Rasmussen
Starring: Daniel Karimyar, Fardin Mijdzadeh, and Milad Eskandari
This Danish film by Jonas Poher Rasmussen is an animated documentary that examines the burden of a secret past life. Amin is about to get married but, first, he must confront his personal history in order to allow himself to have a future. I’ve heard good things and this looks like it could be a contender for Best Animated and/or Best Foreign Language film. It is, however, in very limited release for the time being.
Try Harder! (Theaters)
Writer: Spencer Nakasako (story consultant) | Director: Debbie Lum
Starring: Alvan Cai, Shealand Fairchild, and Rachael Schmidt
This documentary follows kids around the country as they struggle with the pressure of senior year coupled with the application process for prestigious colleges. On the surface, I’m not particularly interested but the trailer made it look pretty good and most people remember some version of what it was like looking into the future as high school came to a close.
Listening to Kenny G (HBO Max)
Director: Penny Lane
Starring: Kenny G, and James Gardiner
There have been a number of excellent music documentaries so far in 2021 and HBO Max is going in an unexpected direction with this one. Kenny G isn’t a controversial figure in the traditional sense, but he is polarizing in the music world despite being an undeniable success. It is also, most likely, his overwhelming commercial success that makes his story interesting. Penny Lane’s documentary looks at those angles and more in trying to understand why some people are so divided over Kenny G.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Disney+)
Writer: Jeff Kinney (screenplay) | Director: Swinton O. Scott III
Starring: Cyrus Arnold, Braxton Baxter, and Erica Cerra
Diary of a Wimpy Kid gets a #D animation makeover for Disney+. There have been many versions of this property produced in live-action that have clearly done well enough to spawn sequels, and going the animated route opens the door to even more possibilities. I won’t be watching this but it’s likely a solid option to stream this weekend if you have kids.
The Power of the Dog (Netflix Debut Dec. 3rd)
Written & Directed by: Jane Campion | Based on the Novel by: Thomas Savage
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, & Jesse Plemons
I highlighted this one a couple of weeks ago when it began its limited theatrical run and now it comes home to Netflix for your viewing convenience.
I still believe word of mouth is the best way to help, so if you enjoy what I’m doing, please tell somebody. Liking, subscribing, and sharing go a long way too. As usual, be well, be safe, and have fun no matter how you get your movies!