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It’s a busy few weeks at the theater, with a lot of new wide and limited releases. Below is a look at all the films coming to end the year that I’ve seen so far. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

The Choral (Limited Release)
Starring: Ralph Fiennes
Synopsis: During times of great difficulty, music can lift our spirits. Pouring ourselves into creative outlets can find a distraction and a sense of comfort during difficult periods. That’s an idea that is explored in the new film The Choral, which comes out in limited release this Christmas. The film focuses on a small town in England that is committed to putting on a performance from the town choral. It’s the midst of war, with many struggling or about to depart, but the music brings them together. And it provides a sense of hope. The film is set in 1916, during the midst of World War I. England is in the thick of the fight, with many young men at the front. Others living in the town of Ramsden in Yorkshire are preparing to ship out to the front. The rest of the town, on edge, is looking forward to the performance of the town choral. But when their choirmaster joins the army, it throws plans into flux. In his stead, the board decide to appoint Dr. Henry Guthrie (Fiennes) as choirmaster. This comes despite the persistent rumors about his lifestyle and questions about his connections to Germany, with whom England is engaged in a brutal war. But it’s Guthrie’s talent and vision that draw them to offer him the post. In turn, Guthrie sets about recruiting new voices to improve the choral. He also challenges the group with a new musical number, “The Dream of Gerontius.” He offers a bold, new take that gives the town a chance to reflect and heal from the costly war. We have seen these kind of stories before. While this has all the trappings of a real story of the period, instead it’s a fictional story, set in a fictional town. But the ideas and the grief of the period, along with the healing power of music, all feel very real. That makes for a compelling addition to the Christimas cinematic landscape. Director Nicholas Hytner does a nice jog of building the world and drawing you into the action of the plot and these characters. It has a beautiful look, and the blending of the musical numbers works quite well. The film moves at a nice pace and captures the mood and story well. I also enjoyed Fiennes in the lead role. He does a nice job of inhabiting this character and serving as the focal point for the story. The rest of the cast is fine, though no performances or characters stand out. In the end, this is an engaging watch and a decent period piece. There are some good emotional moments and a beautiful style to the production. It feels similar to stories of the era we’ve seen before, but it’s a satisfying watch. It doesn’t feel special or stand out, but it will make for a nice viewing option with family this holiday season. The Choral opens in limited release on Christmas Day.
Rating: Rated R for some language and sexual content.
Verdict: Three stars out of five

David (Theaters)
Starring: Brandon Engman and Phil Wickham
Synopsis: Once upon a time, there were a series of epic films based on the stories contained in Scriptures. While we don’t get a lot of those stories on the big screen now, it’s still a source of inspiration for plenty of content. The filmmakers behind David, a new animated film that opened on December 19, understand that appeal. The film is a big, animated production. It follows the life of David from the Bible through his younger years and into the adult years that saw him become King of Israel. It packs in a great animated style and rousing musical numbers to provide a holiday season treat for moviegoers. The film picks up with young David (Engman) a simple shepherd caring for his flock. All that changes with the Prophet Samuel (Brian Stivale) visits his family home. God has told Samuel to anoint a new king, that will come from the House of Jesse. And despite being the youngest, David is the chosen one. It isn’t long before a newly anointed David is called before King Saul (Adam Michael Gold). A talented musician, David uses his skills to soothe King Saul. He later uses his skills, and faith, to stand tall for Israel and face down the giant Goliath (Kamran Nikhad). He earns a reputation and becomes a key figure in the Kingdom. But as David (Wickham) reaches adulthood, his relationship with Saul fractures. Despite a deep friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan (Mark Jacobson), he’s forced to go on the run. David—and the prophecy regarding him becoming King—makes him a target of an increasingly angry and paranoid King Saul. If you’ve grown up in the church, you’re well versed in the story of David. It takes up a big swath of the Old Testament, and it’s a big story with marquee moments. This new film captures those moments, but also does plenty to capture the bulk of David’s story. Even if you’re not familiar with the Biblical narrative, you’ve likely heard of David and Goliath. The film does a great job of capturing that moment, but also builds on that and does so much more to capture David’s story. Engman brings a lot of joy and life to the first half of the film as David. The musical numbers and performance are captivating. He previously played the role in the Young David mini-series, and you can feel the passion and commitment to bringing the role to life. It’s also a fairly seamless handoff to Wickham in the second half of the film. And no matter who plays the key role, the film moves at a good pace, buoyed by a strong animated style and some great musical numbers. Directors Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes do a nice job telling the story. It moves at a good pace, capturing the key moments with some captivating animation. The musical numbers will have you singing along, too. It’s great fun for the whole family and one of the better animated films I’ve seen in 2025. If you’re a fan of the story, or just a fan of a good screen story, David is worth seeking out.
Rating: Rated PG for action/violence and some scary images
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Goodbye June (Netflix)
Starring: Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, and Andrea Riseborough
Synopsis: Families can be hard, especially when a tragic event strikes. If you couple that with the holidays—an already stressful time—you can quickly get overwhelmed. But, sometimes, there is beauty in the struggle. Goodbye June, which streams on Christmas Eve, throws all those elements together. The script comes from Joe Anders, his first, and is directed by his mother, Winslet, who makes her feature directing debut. That makes it a family story on screen and off. The film focuses on June (Mirren), who collapses at home while making tea. Her son, Connor (Johnny Flynn), and husband, Bernie (Timothy Spall), set out for the hospital. While there, awaiting word, Connor sets about contacting his family—sisters Julia (Winslet), Helen (Collette), and Molly (Riseborough). Once gathered, the family gets the news. June’s cancer has spread. There is no hope of treatment. Her time is running out, quickly. Though it’s just two weeks to Christmas, she’s not expected to see the holiday. Devastated, her husband and children begin to adjust to the news. While June remains in the hospital, her family rallies around her. But their old tensions and mistrust bubble to the surface. Can they come together in a new way before it’s too late? This is an all-star cast assembled in service of a story idea with plenty of potential. It’s amazing to see these actors together and playing off one-another. And yet, it doesn’t all quite come together as you might hope and expect. It’s been a busy Fall season for Netflix, with major releases dotting the calendar since the end of September. I was curious about this because I am a fan of Winslet and because of the sterling cast. It felt like it got lost in the marketing shuffle in December, and I think that’s in part because it’s not a film that stands out in any compelling way. It’s a Christmas film, but there’s not a lot of Christmassy things in it. It’s a deep family drama, and there are some good moments—like a scene where Winslet and Riseborough air their grievances and come together as sisters—but the characters and the story feel a bit thinly drawn. There is a lot of potential and some good moments, but it lacks the depth to create emotional heft. I liked Winslet’s direction. Many of the scenes had a good flow and she does a nice job teasing out some of the bigger emotional moments. There just wasn’t quite enough connective tissue to help them hit as they should. In the end, Goodbye June is an easy enough watch during the holiday break. It’s not always easy but it’s a well-crafted tale. Goodbye June streams December 24 on Netflix.
Rating: Rated R for language.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

Is This Thing On? (Limited)
Starring: Will Arnett and Laura Dern
Synopsis: Comedy is hard, and so is divorce. Sometimes putting the two together, however, can be a cathartic experience. That’s especially true if you’re able to channel your pain into comedy. It can be a way to move through it all. That’s the idea at the heart of Is This Thing On?, a new film directed by Bradley Cooper that opens in limited release this Friday. The film has been a hit at festivals and finds Arnett as a man channeling his pain into comedy. It helps give him and outlet and might just be the key to getting his life back on track. As we begin, Alex (Arnett) and his wife Tess (Dern) aren’t in a good space. They still live together, but it feels like they’re going through the motions. She suggests their marriage is over, and he can’t disagree. While Alex and Tess keep up appearances for their friends, they begin living apart. That leaves Alex at a loss, until one night he stumbles into a comedy club. He signs up for a set to avoid the cover charge and, as he takes the stage, he begins sharing about his life. As the laughs come, he gets more confident. It’s something of a release. Though he doesn’t share his new outlet with Tess, his friends, or his kids, Alex finds the stage a place he can grow and reflect. And, ultimately, this new outlet leads to healing. It also might be the key to making the changes needed to reclaim his life. Arnett is a gifted performer. He has a certainly off-beat, relatable style that works great for comedy. And that helps his character, Alex, come alive on stage in this film. Arnett worked on the script with Cooper and Mark Chappell, and you can feel how personal the story is to him in his performance. He finds a great partner in Dern. She gives a beautiful performance in the film, too. Tess has her own journey and Dern brings it to life in a great way. They play off each other beautifully, leading to a wonderful third act that really nails the conclusion. The rest of the film is solid, too. There’s a wonderful supporting cast with some fun beats. Cooper himself takes a funny supporting role as Alex’s friend Balls, and he has some great lines and deliveries. It helps build a world that’s a lot of fun. Ciaran Hinds also kills it as Alex’s father, especially in a third act exchange that is heart-warming. I really enjoyed the sequences on the stage for Alex. Most of them are funny, but there’s also a really emotional sequence that is a great turning point. The concluding arc to the film is powerful, especially the final musical number and sequence. It’s funny, poignant, and a great time at the movies. Is This Thing On? is a fun film that’s worth checking out. It opens in limited release on Friday, December 19 and goes wide in January.
Rating: Rated R for language throughout, sexual references and some drug use.
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Marty Supreme (Theaters)
Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Odessa A’zion, and Gwyneth Paltrow
Synopsis: We all have dreams. But how do we pursue those dreams? Are we going to be fiercely driven, overcoming all obstacles? If not, the question becomes how we achieve those dreams. If nothing else, you could say Marty Mauser (Chalamet) is a dreamer. And he pursue that dream as if nothing else matters. You could also say Marty is a hustler. While it’s in pursuit of that dream, he’s certainly out there pushing the limits with every person he knows, damaging relationships in pursuit of his dream. Is it worth it? That is ultimately a question for viewers who watch his pursuit in the new film Marty Supreme. The film comes from writer/director Josh Safdie, who co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein. It’s an ambitious story that’s fueled by an incredible lead performance. But it isn’t an easy story, nor is it an easy watch. And it certainly might not be the kind of story you want to see on Christmas. The film is set in the 1950s. Marty is working odd jobs and doing whatever he can to earn a little money. His passion and his calling is table tennis. He knows he’s going to be a champion; he just has to make it to the tournament. After hustling enough money, he heads to a tournament where he does well—until the end. It’s an epic meltdown that puts him on the map for the wrong reasons. Back home, Marty burns through every person he knows, even new connections he makes along the way, as he’s singularly focused on making enough to get into the next tournament. When he finally gets his shot, it doesn’t turn out as expected. This film is loosely based on the life of Marty Reisman, a real-life table tennis champ and hustler. While his life and career serve as the inspiration, this isn’t a docudrama. It’s a fictional story based on that idea that allows the film to singularly tell the story of Marty Mauser. And it’s a big story with big ambition that figures to be a player in the year-end awards. But your mileage might vary on this film. I’ll start by praising the craft. This film does a great job of setting it in the time period and has some very good sequences, particularly when Marty is playing in the big tournaments. It has a good look, a solid score, and a great craft that transports you into the world. It’s also buoyed by some good performances. Chalamet is rightly on the short list for Best Actor. He pours his whole heart into the role, and while it’s not my favorite of his performances, he’s quite good. He carries the film and creates a character that, if nothing else, is memorable. Supporting players like A’zion and Paltrow are also good. They play well off Chalamet in creating this world and the conflict in the story. But it’s the story itself that will be the make-or-break for you. I’d wager we’ve all known a Marty in our life at one point or another. If you haven’t, maybe you’re the Marty. But I certainly recognized a few people in that character, and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. He’s a hustler, yes, but he’s also an asshole who uses anyone and everyone for his own ends. If that’s a personality that has caused you strife in the past, buckle up because this is going to be a long two and a half hours. As for me, I was completely turned off by the character. That significantly dampened my interest in the film. I had a similar struggle with the protagonist in another Safdie Brothers film, Uncut Gems. As a result, Marty Supreme was decidedly not for me. I respect the craft, but I despised most of my viewing experience. So, be warned before you wade in. Marty Supreme opened in limited release on Friday, December 19 and goes wide on Christmas Day.
Rating: Rated R for language throughout, sexual content, some violent content/bloody images and nudity.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

No Other Choice (Theaters)
Starring: Lee Byung-hun
Synopsis: We all have dreams. Sometimes, when we work hard, we’re able to make our dream come true. But what if that dream, once achieved, is threatened? How far would you go to protect that dream for yourself and your family? That’s one of the hard questions asked in No Other Choice, a new film from director Park Chan-wook. The film opens in limited release on Christmas Day and figures to be a player in the Oscar field. It tells a quirky and engaging story of a man who feels pushed to the brink as he tries to protect the idyllic life he’s created for his family. In the film we meet Man-su (Lee Byung-hun). He is a dedicated family man living with his wife, two kids, and two dogs. They live in his family home, which he’s worked tirelessly to restore and refurbish to provide his family with a comfortable life. They are at peace and seem to have it all. And it’s all possible thanks to his long career at the same paper company, where he’s risen to the rank of manager. But all that comes crashing down as his company is acquired and he’s made redundant. Along with other workers, he’s cut loose. Now, Man-su has to find a way to continue to provide for his family. But he’s sure he’ll land another good position in now time. Flash-forward months later, and he’s still looking for a permanent position. He’s working menial odd jobs, but it doesn’t bring in the amount needed to maintain his lifestyle. Even his wife, Miri (Son Ye-jin), has gone back to work. She’s also moved to help the family tighten their belts, but Man-su sees the life he’s built slipping away. He's desperate as he applies for a new position. He’s also looking for a way to ensure he’s the top target. So, in desperation, he begins targeting the other candidates and taking them off the board. But will he accomplish his plan—and land a new position—before it’s too late? This is an engaging and different kind of film. It’s based on the Donald Westlake novel The Ax. This was a long-gestating project from Park, who began work on the script more than a decade ago. In the meantime, he’s delivered a number of high-profile projects like the excellent 2022 film Decision to Leave and the HBO mini-series The Sympathizer.  In this film, he does a great job of bringing the narrative to life. It’s a somewhat dark story, but there is a level of humor and, at times, whimsy to the way the story is constructed. All that works to build something that’s engaging and entertaining, taking twists you don’t expect along the way. He finds a great collaborator in Lee, who does an excellent job in the role as Man-su. He brings a lot to the role, carrying some difficult sequences to create an engaging character you can’t help but root for despite what he’s doing. All of it ends up being compelling in a film that’s one of the more unique to arrive in 2025. The film has already earned recognition from Critics’ associations and the Golden Globes, and I suspect it will be a player for the Academy Awards as well. If you’ve been a fan of Park’s work in the past, this is worth checking out. No Other Choice opens in limited release on Christmas Day.
Rating: Rated R for violence, language and some sexual content.
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Song Sung Blue (Theaters)
Starring: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson
Synopsis: Life can be hard, especially if you don’t have the right connection and the right outlet for your passion. But when you find someone that helps you do those things, it can be magical. That was certainly the case with Mike and Claire Sardina, who found each other on and off the stage. Their story was captured in the 2008 documentary Song Sung Blue from director Greg Kohs. Now, that same story is being adapted into a musical biopic of the same name by Craig Brewer just in time for the holidays. And for those who are fans of a good love story—and a lot of Neil Diamond—this will be the ticket for the holidays. The film follows Mike (Jackman) and Claire (Hudson) as they meet. They both love to perform and are trying to find a way to make money with that passion. Both of them have kids and are both looking for a place to belong. But they have that passion for being on stage. Soon, they come together and decide to form a Neil Diamond tribute act—Lightning and Thunder. They get a band together and start to form a calling. It even leads to a couple notable appearances in their hometown as the opening act for big bands. But it isn’t long before more obstacles arise. Despite struggles away from the stage, Mike and Claire lean on each other, and lean on their music. As they build their family, they move forward the pair find their footing on stage. We see music biopics as part of the cinematic landscape every year. They rise and fall based on the music—and musical sequences—along with the story. This is a true story, but it’s one I wasn’t familiar with before watching the film. I didn’t catch the documentary, so I came into this story cold. There is plenty to like about the story of Mike and Claire. They are endearing figures who found each other and found their passion come alive on stage. The music, mostly classic Diamond songs, is also familiar and comforting to audiences. And Jackman and Hudson do a nice job of bringing these people to life on screen. Brewer has experience with music on screen. He served as the director for Hustle & Flow, the re-make of Footloose, and episodes of the TV series Empire. And this film is at its best during the concert sequences. It trades on the nostalgia of the songs and the charisma of its two leads and transports you to these shows. While the ad campaign is built on those performance pieces, much of the movie takes place off stage. There is a hard turn near the mid-point owing to a traumatic event in their lives. That slows the pace quite a bit and pulls it away from the place where I think it soars the most. Then, in the Third Act, the ending will certainly leave some people with questions. If you’ve seen the documentary, you’re prepared for where the story goes. If you’re coming into it cold, this is a somewhat different experience as a film than the story in the trailer. It’s still got its moments, but it doesn’t totally come together for me. Song Sung Blue opens nationwide on Christmas Day.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic material, some strong language, some sexual material and brief drug use.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

The Testament of Ann Lee (Limited)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried
Synopsis: You probably don’t know much about Ann Lee. I know I didn’t know much about her prior to checking out the new drama, The Testament of Ann Lee. It serves as a biopic for this woman who was an early founder of a religious movement in England and the United States. Ann Lee cut an imposing figure. She was devout in her faith and proclaimed the Gospel to many in her years. And yet, her story hasn’t been widely celebrated until now. This new film is a gorgeous exploration of her life and ministry, told through moving music and a spectacular lead performance. At the outset, we meet a young Ann at home in 18th Century England. Her faith and her approach to intimacy are formed, in part, due to what she sees and rejects in the life of her parents. It earns her a stern reproach from her father, but she won’t be swayed. Soon, we leap forward as Ann (Seyfried), now an adult, it is getting involved in the Shaker movement. The Shakers are a deeply spiritual people with a unique approach to faith, which includes singing and dancing. It captures Ann’s heart. So, too, does Abraham Standerin (Christopher Abbott). Soon, they are married despite Ann’s misgivings about physical intimacy. She conceives four times. All four die in infancy. Shattered, she has a revelation about faith, God, and her mission on Earth. Soon christened Mother Ann, she begins to teach and preach this vision, which has strict positions on violence and intimacy. It causes hiccups in her marriage, and often makes her a target in the community. Undeterred, she and a band of followers move to the American colonies. There, while her husband leaves her, she and a devout group that includes her brother (Lewis Pullman) begin their ministry anew. Despite criticism from local authorities and often brutal attacks from those who reject the movement, Ann remains faithful to her beliefs and her vision from God, spreading her movement in a new land. This film is written by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, with Fastvold directing the film. The pair worked on The Brutalist together in 2024, and now are back with another twisty and engaging tale. While the severity of the story in The Brutalist didn’t connect, I was deeply engaged and moved by this tale of Ann Lee. This film has an excellent look. The costumes and world-building take you right into her story and the time period. It’s also mixed with some engaging musical performances, including some original songs that will stick with you. It’s a unique approach to the story that I found incredibly moving and engaging. It’s also lifted by a sublime lead performance. Seyfried is a gifted actress who has delivered in a number of other roles, but this might be her best and most ambitious work to date. She’s incredible on the screen, inhabiting this role and drawing you in. And her work in the musical numbers is also incredibly moving. She’s been recognized already this awards season, and I expect that to continue when we get to the Academy Award nominations. The Testament of Ann Lee is a unique film that tells a unique story. It’s content and style might not appeal to all viewers, but it is certainly a unique achievement in the 2025 cinematic landscape. For me, it was one of the best films of the year and well worth seeking out. The Testament of Ann Lee opens in limited release on Christmas Day, going wide in January.
Rating: Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and bloody images.
Verdict: Four stars out of five

The Voice of Hind Rajab (Limited)
Synopsis: In many places in the world, things aren’t safe. The services we take for granted—like the ability to call for help when needed—aren’t available for all. In many places the fight for survival takes all that they have. And sometimes, it’s a losing battle. That’s a cost that weighs of families and those that live in those areas. But it also takes a toll on those called to stand in the gap and try to offer help. The Voice of Hind Rajab, the Official Entry from Tunisia, is one such story. And it’s one what will leave you rightly shaken. The film takes place on January 29, 2024. We go to the offices of The Red Crescent, emergency response callers who are taking calls for help from war-torn Gaza. It’s their job to take the calls, then coordinate with other agencies to try and get those on the other line help. It’s a painful and dangerous process that takes a toll on those taking calls. Omar (Motaz Malhees) is working the phones. He gets a call from a young girl, Hind Rajab, who was traveling with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. She’s trying to get home when their vehicle comes under fire. Her family is dead. Her car is disabled. She’s pinned down and in need of help. Omar does his best to keep contact and initiate the process. Though some potential rescuers are just eight minutes away, the hours pass as the machine tries to secure permission from the Israeli Army for them to safely get to Hind Rajab. Meanwhile Omar and his colleagues (Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel) try to keep her calm, learn what they can, and effect a rescue before it’s too late. This is a real story. Hind Rajab is a real girl, and this really happened. This isn’t a theoretical exercise, it’s history. And to that end, writer/director Kaouther Ben Hania incorporates the real calls from Hind Rajab. We are hearing her voice, the raw emotion, and the fear as she pleas for someone to come and rescue her. Like so many stories from this region the past few years, this isn’t a happy story. Nor is it an easy story to watch unfold. It’s only 89-minutes, but they are some tense and often fraught minutes. You’ll be moved and shaken as the story unfolds—just as those who took the call are moved and shaken by the experience. This is a powerful and unforgettable film. It’s also a door that opens to some of the struggles going on around the world that we don’t hear about every day. It’s well worth seeking out and makes for one of the Best International Features, and best films I’ve seen in 2025. The Voice of Hind Rajab opened in limited release on Wednesday, December 17.
Rating: NA
Verdict: Four stars out of five