Winter is my favorite time for movies. Not only do I get to rewatch all my favorite holiday movies, but there are always plenty of new films to watch in theaters. Last year, I dragged my family away from our festivities to see the not-so-family-friendly film “Babygirl” on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday season is packed with films I will be journeying through the cold to see.
“Wicked: For Good”
Last year, “Wicked” hit theaters, bringing with it a mania that swept the nation. Everything was pink and green, and it was beautiful. On Nov. 21, the sequel “Wicked: For Good” comes out, and it’s already making a similar mark. Continuing the story from the first film, “For Good” covers the second act of the musical: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), now working on opposing sides, must reunite to save Oz.
I have been preparing for “Wicked: For Good” for weeks now by listening to the soundtrack, watching interviews and scrolling through many TikToks about the Glinda- and Elphaba-themed margaritas at Chili’s. I have the “Wicked” bug. Even if you don’t like musicals, being a part of this cultural phenomenon is something you can’t miss. Anyone can have fun stepping into the world of Oz for a night, especially if you’re decked out in green and pink like I’ll be.
“Eternity”
Later in our fall break comes “Eternity,” an afterlife love triangle comedy releasing Nov. 26. After dying as a couple, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller), have one week to decide where they’ll spend eternity. Things go awry when Joan’s first love, Luke (Callum Turner), who died young, shows up wishing for Joan to be with him again. With this stacked cast and silly premise, this new A24 flick is sure to be full of laughs.
“Merrily We Roll Along”
On Dec. 5, Broadway theatre comes to the silver screen with a professionally recorded version of the 2024 Tony Award-winning musical, “Merrily We Roll Along.” The film follows Franklin (Jonathan Groff) over three decades as he becomes a successful composer and leaves his fellow artist friends Mary (Lindsay Mendez) and Charley (Daniel Radcliffe) in New York for opportunities in Los Angeles. I remember seeing press for the musical’s run, and now that it’s available to see down the street, I’ll be there.
“Wake Up Dead Man”
If heading to the theatres isn’t in your budget, don’t worry: There are still films you can catch on streaming services. The new “Knives Out” film, “Wake Up Dead Man,” is coming to Netflix on Dec. 12. Having seen Rian Johnson’s previous mysteries, I am very excited for the third in the series. With Daniel Craig returning as detective Beniot Blanc and Josh O’Connor as a rakish reverend, I know the acting will be amazing, making it no mystery whether or not you should watch “Wake Up Dead Man.”
“Marty Supreme”
There is no doubt in my mind that Timothée Chalamet is one of the best actors of our generation. Last year, “A Complete Unknown” was a wonderful Christmastime debut. This year, Chalamet continues his holiday tradition with “Marty Supreme,” set to come out on Christmas Day. Directed and co-written by Josh Safdie, the film follows Marty (Chalamet), a ping pong prodigy, on his turbulent path to success.
What has really intrigued me about “Marty Supreme” is the way it’s been marketed so far. The first showings at the New York Film Festival were a surprise drop, yet tickets sold out within an hour. Then, at a public pop-up screening of the first 30 minutes of the
film, Chalamet was escorted to the theater by men with orange ping pong balls for heads. This strange rollout and publicity intrigues me and will certainly have a positive effect at the box office.
I love seeing movies, no matter the time of year, but there is something about wintertime releases that brings people together. Although it may be a little expensive or inconvenient, there is something beautiful about seeing movies surrounded by other people — I encourage everyone to find that joy with these upcoming releases.
