20 Films to See in December
The final month of 2022 brings the first sequel to the highest-grossing movie in history, potential Oscar contenders from Damien Chazelle, Sarah Polley, Sam Mendes, Darren Aronofsky, and Antoine Fuqua, arthouse fare from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Joanna Hogg, and Jafar Panahi, and more. In the gallery on this page our editors have selected the most interesting films debuting in North American theaters this month, listed in alphabetical order.
Additional content by Jason Dietz.
Drama | Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Opens in theaters December 9
Watch trailer
With his follow-up to mother!, Darren Aronofsky has directed another film that will generate plenty of conversation. Written by Samuel D. Hunter (adapting his own play), The Whale stars Brendan Fraser (in a much lauded performance) as a severely obese English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter (Stranger Things' Sadie Sink) as his health continues to deteriorate. While praise has been nearly universal for Fraser and Hong Chau as his friend/nurse, critics disagree on whether the film is a damaging reinforcement of stereotypes or a successfully compassionate fable.
| Stream On |
|
| Stream On |
|
| Stream On |
|
| Stream On |
|
| Stream On |
|
| Stream On |
|