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The holiday season is also prime movie season because studios premier their most anticipated films of the year. Here are some of this holiday season’s most-anticipated releases.
Spoiler Alert (Dec. 2): The tragic romantic comedy stars Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge. Based on Michael Ausiello’s memoir, it follows his real-life romance with his boyfriend Kit. It chronicles how their relationship changes over time, including when one of them becomes ill. Promising to be a true tear-jerker, remember to bring some tissues.
Women Talking (Dec. 2): A star-filled cast of Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and Frances McDormand, Women Talking is an adaptation of Miriam Toews’ 2018 best-selling novel. Directed by actor and director Sarah Polley, the film is a conversation between women in a highly religious community.
Emancipation (Dec. 2): This historical drama is Will Smith’s first film since King Richard (2021) and the infamous Oscar incident. Smith produced and stars in the film about an enslaved man on a Louisiana plantation who escapes and heads north on a perilous journey. The film will be available on Apple TV+ on Dec. 9.
Empire of Light (Dec. 9): Director of Sky Fall (2012) and 1917 (2019) Sam Mendes decides to focus on a budding relationship in a British seaside town. The story takes place primarily in the town’s movie house and stars Olivia Colman, Colin Firth and Toby Jones.
The Whale (Dec. 9): One of the year’s most-anticipated movies, The Whale is already critically acclaimed. It received a six-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The film follows the story of a 600-lb father who attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter. Starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink.
Avatar: Way of Water (Dec. 16): The highly anticipated sequel to the highest-grossing film in history, James Cameron’s creation promises to be a visual masterpiece. Way of Water is the second in a series of four Avatar sequels. Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, and Sigourney Weaver return to Pandora accompanied by new cast members Michelle Yeoh, Kate Winslet, and Jemaine Clement.
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (Dec. 16): What could potentially be the end of the Shrek cinematic universe, The Last Wish is the third and final installment of the “Puss in Boots” series. The famous furred adventurer, voiced by Antonio Banderas, learns that he is on the last of his nine lives and goes on a journey to restore them.
Babylon (Dec. 23): Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie lead a full ensemble in a film set in 1920s Hollywood as it transitions from silent film to talkies. Directed by La La Land (2016)’s Damien Chazelle, it looks at the romanticized and rambunctious era of filmmaking.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Dec. 23): British actress Naomi Ackie plays the late R&B great Whitney Houston in what promises to be a biopic for the ages. The film also stars Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, and the magic of Houston’s vocals.
