As the year begins to come to a close and the awards chatter begins to pick up speed, the need to be in constant catch-up mode is inescapable. There are too many quality movies worth keeping track of. December is no different, with a few major releases, such as “Marty Supreme” and “The Testament of Ann Lee,” that have been teased for months now.
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Elsewhere, there are some other festival favorites, such as the highly anticipated “Resurrection” from filmmaker Bi Gan and the Bradley Cooper-directed “Is This Thing On?” Beyond the pre-existing critical darlings, there’s also the latest in the Avatar franchise for those looking for epic-scale spectacle in theaters. There are also several documentaries, ranging from informative to devastating, as well as some horror films and musicals, to help make for an eclectic lineup to close out the year.
“The Chronology of Water”
Kristen Stewart makes her feature-length directorial debut in the biographical “The Chronology of Water.” Imogen Poots stars as a woman who, after enduring an abusive upbringing, becomes a competitive swimmer. Based on the life and story by Lidia Yuknavitch, the film stars Thora Birch, Susannah Flood, Tom Sturridge, Kim Gordon, Michael Epp, and more.
Release Date: In theaters December 5 via The Forge.
“100 Nights A Hero”
Inter-personal mayhem is at the center of director Julia Jackman’s (“Bonus Track”) latest, the historical fantasy “100 Nights A Hero.” With a sprawling cast that includes Emma Corrin, Nicholas Galitzine, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones, the film follows a young woman who is left by her husband as a test of fidelity, becoming entangled in an unlikely love triangle. The film is based on the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg.
Release Date: In theaters December 5 via Independent Film Company.
“Ella McCay”
Blending political drama with comedy, “Ella McCay” stars Emma Mackey as a young woman who has recently become the governor of her home state. As she grapples with this new responsibility, she must also balance her work and home life, most specifically her relationships with her father, brother, and husband. Directed by James L. Brooks in his first film in 15 years, the film stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Julie Kavner, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson.
Release Date: In theaters December 12 via 20th Century Studios.
“Resurrection”
Following his hypnotic previous feature, “A Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” director Bi Gan returns with the equally haunting “Resurrection.” Split into six chapters, the film takes place in a future when humans have lost the ability to dream in exchange for immortality. Shu Qi stars as a woman who discovers that an inhuman creature, played by Jackson Yee, is still experiencing them and seeks to enter the monster’s dreams.
Release Date: In theaters December 12 via Janus Films.
“Dead Man’s Wire”
Director Gus Van Sant returns for his first film since the 2018 “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.” Written by Austin Kolodney, the film follows Tony Kiritsis and the crimes he committed in the 1970s, including his kidnapping of his bank mortgage holder, whom he takes hostage. Bill Skarsgård plays Kiritsis alongside Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino.
Release Date: In theaters December 12 via Row K Entertainment.
