“Pianoforte”
Having had its premiere earlier this year at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Jakub Piatek’s latest documentary is getting a theatrical release. “Pianoforte” follows a group of young musicians from around the world as they prepare for the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. We are taken behind the scenes to see the emotional and pressure-filled highs and lows of competition, friendship, and nerves.
Release Date: December 1 via Greenwich Entertainment.
“The Zone of Interest”
Another December release from the Spring Film Festivals is “The Zone of Interest.” The war drama, written and directed by Jonathan Glazer, is based on the novel of the same name and follows the officer in charge at Auschwitz and his wife as they strive to build their dream life in a house next to the camp. The film stars Sandra Huller and Christian Friedel.
Release Date: December 8 via A24.
“Poor Things”
Lead by an all-star cast of Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, and Margaret Qualley, “Poor Things” tells the story of Bella, a young woman who is brought back to life by her guardian who is also a scientist. Bella is eager to learn about the world around her and ends up running off with Duncan Wedderburn and travels across continents. The film is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray and is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Release Date: December 8 via Searchlight Pictures.
“Leave the World Behind”
Another upcoming film with a star-studded cast is “Leave the World Behind.” When a family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by news of a mysterious blackout, two families must decide how to survive the crisis. The film stars Julia Roberts, Mahershalal Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon and is written and directed by Sam Esmail.
Release Date: December 8 via Netflix.
“Magazine Dreams”
Acclaimed upon its Sundance Film Festival debut earlier this year, filmmaker Elijah Bynum‘s “Magazine Dreams: follows aspiring bodybuilder, who struggles to find human connection in this exploration of celebrity and violence. Jonathan Majors stars alongside, Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O’Hearn, Harrison Page, and Harriet Sansom Harris.
Release Date: December 8 via Searchlight Pictures.
“Anyone But You”
A typical enemies-to-lovers-type romantic comedy follows two people who despise one another and can’t escape each other while in Sydney. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Michelle Hurd, Darren Barnet, and Dermot Mulroney. “Anyone But You” is directed and produced by Will Gluck, who also co-wrote the film, as well, alongside Ilana Wolpert.
Release Date: December 15 via Sony Pictures.
“Wonka”
Serving as a prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Wonka” follows the young chocolate maker on his adventures meeting the oompa-loompas and his journey to become the world’s greatest chocolatier. The origin story stars Timothee Chalamet, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins, Matt Lucas, and Rowan Atkinson.
Release Date: December 15 via Warner Bros.
“Maestro”
“Maestro” is a highly anticipated biopic focusing on Leonard Bernstein and his relationship with Felicia Montealegre. Martin Scorsese was initially planning to direct the film, but when he stepped down, Bradley Cooper grabbed the reigns. Cooper is a co-writer, producer and stars as the legendary composer. Alongside Cooper, the film stars Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and Miriam Shor.
Release Date: December 20 via Netflix.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom“
Directed once again by James Wan, the sequel to 2018’s super successful “Aquaman” is riddled with question marks. Number one being: will Aquaman still exist in James Gunn‘s DC Universe? And two, can the film overcome the stories about multiple reshoots done (at least three different ones) to salvage the troubled movie? Jason Momoa stars alongside Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Kidman.
Release Date: December 20 via Warner Bros.
“The Iron Claw”
This biopic focuses on the retired professional wrestler known as Kevin Von Erich. Kevin was a part of the successful dynasty of wrestlers that popularized the iron claw hold. The sports film stars Zac Efron, Lily James, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Maura Tierney. Directed by Sean Durkin.
Release Date: December 22 via A24.
