Here are some of our favorite films to keep the holiday going through the new year.
With only a few days to go before 2021 and in a year that has felt far from cheerful, the holiday lives of others are a bit of a respite.
From the classic late 90s fantasy, The Preacher’s Wife, starring Whitney Houston, to foreign films that show the intensities of family dynamics, to a side of John Cusack in Serendipity for good measure, these particular films bring the spirit, gingham, and a large helping of love and drama to the table.
Pour the cocoa, grab the blanket and enjoy.
The Preacher’s Wife, 1996
Directed by: Penny Marshall
Starring: Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Courtney Vance
An angel, Dudley (Washington), is sent to earth to help Reverend Biggs (Vance) through his moments of doubt and his midlife crisis. Instead, Dudley becomes distracted and enamored with Julia (Houston), the cleric’s young wife.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon Prime, iTunes
Serendipity, 2001
Directed by: Peter Chelsom
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, John Cusack, Bridget Moynahan, Jeremy Piven
Sara (Beckinsale) and Jonathan (Cusack) are bound by fate—after a night where love, at first sight, leads them on an epic adventure they go their separate ways. Over the years, and through other relationships, they are reminded of their serendipitous encounter years ago. 10 years after their initial encounter, they find themselves bumping into each other once again.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon Prime, iTunes
A Christmas Tale, 2008
Directed by: Arnaud Desplechin
Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Anne Consigny, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Matherieu Amalric
The french film centers on matriarch Junon (Deneuve) whose recent leukemia diagnosis gives her family’s holiday a new tone. The untimely announcement recalls the tragic loss of Junon’s son many years ago.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, iTunes
Tuesday, After Christmas, 2010
Directed by: Radu Muntean
Starring: Mimi Branescu, Maria Popistașu, Mirela Oprisor
In Bucharest, Paul (Branescu) finds himself torn between the life he has built with his wife (Oprisor) and their family’s dentist Raluca (Popistasu). With Christmas nearing, he finds himself having to choose between the two lives he is leading.
Where to watch: Kanopy, Mubi
Carol, 2015
Directed by: Todd Hanes
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy
It is the 1950s and Therese (Mara) works at a Manhattan department store. While working, she spots the striking Carol (Blanchett) shopping for her daughter. The two begin a complicated relationship, despite Therese’s boyfriend. The story unfolds as Carol’s husband that she is separated from tries to disrupt their romance.
Where to watch: Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime, iTunes
