“The Whale”
Marketed as the welcome return of actor Brendan Fraiser, “The Whale” is the latest from director Darren Aronofsky since his divisive film “mother!” starring Jennifer Lawrence. “The Whale,” adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from his stage play in 2012, follows a reclusive English teacher who tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter after having left her and his family for another. Sadie Sink and Hong Chau also star, with Aronofsky regular Matthew Libatique on board as cinematographer. Our critic who saw the film at Venice praised it, comparing it to “Manchester by the Sea” for its “… depiction of an endless web of trauma and regret, blame coursing under old, festering scabs aching to be ripped open, right up until they are.”
Release Date: December 9 in theaters via A24.
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
One of the last remaining question marks of 2022 in terms of theatrical releases and following multiple delays, the anticipated sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” arrives this month, over a decade since its predecessor. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver return, joined by Kate Winslet and other newcomers to the cast. Directed by James Cameron, the film will undoubtedly be a cinematic spectacle and technical marvel. Set a decade after the events of the first film, the sequel picks up with the Sully family as they’re once again facing threats to their family and world.
Release Date: December 16 in theaters via 20th Century Studios.
“Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths“
Something of a feverish autobiographical dream, Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s ‘Bardo’ vaguely mimics his own life. The ambitious Fellini-esque “8 1/2” reverie chronicles an acclaimed journalist-turned-documentarian who goes on an oneiric introspective journey to reconcile with the past, the present, and his Mexican identity. Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ximena Lamadrid, and Griselda Siciliani star Darius Khondji do the cinematography, and Bryce Dessner from the National does the music along with Iñárritu.
Release Date: December 16 on Netflix.
“Babylon”
Four years since his last film, “Babylon” marks the return of Damien Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director of “Whiplash,” “La La Land” and “First Man,” with a period piece action-comedy-epic set during the end of the silent film era in Hollywood. Loaded with an all-star cast topped by Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt and featuring Tobey Maguire, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, Li Jin Li, and the debut lead performance of Diego Calva, the film looks to make a splash on screens as a way to end the year.
Release Date: December 23 in theaters via Paramount Pictures.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
The iconic singer Whitney Houston gets the biopic treatment in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” directed by Kasi Clemmons (“Harriet,” “Eve’s Bayou.”) The film follows the star’s rise to international fame throughout the 1980s to become one of the greatest singers of her generation. Naomi Ackie leads a cast that includes Ashton Sanders, Stanley Tucci, Tamara Tunie, and Nafessa Williams, with Clive Davis serving as executive producer.
Release Date: December 23 in theaters via Sony Pictures Releasing.
