This week brings an exceptional lineup of films to British screens, featuring everything from thoughtful meditations on celebrity to heartwarming festive tales and action-packed adventures. With streaming services and traditional broadcasters offering diverse options, there's something for every taste.
Star-Studded Dramas Lead the Week
Noah Baumbach's latest film Jay Kelly arrives on Netflix this Friday, 5 December, offering a compelling exploration of celebrity culture. The director benefits enormously from casting George Clooney in the lead role, perfectly utilising the actor's effortless charm and self-aware persona. Co-written with Emily Mortimer, the film examines the public identities that A-list celebrities maintain and what occurs when those facades begin to crumble.
Clooney finds himself in familiar territory here, delivering a performance that combines the meta-commentary of Hail, Caesar! with the approachable appeal of his coffee advertisements. He receives excellent support from Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, both previous collaborators with Baumbach. Given the film's quality and timing, significant Oscar attention seems inevitable.
Family Entertainment and Festive Cheer
For viewers seeking lighter fare, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken makes its BBC One debut on Sunday 30 November at 2.05pm. This animated feature from 2023 presents an inventive twist on classic coming-of-age stories, following a teenage girl who discovers her family's extraordinary secret: they're all giant krakens. While the narrative eventually shifts toward conventional action sequences, children who enjoyed The Little Mermaid will find plenty to appreciate in this underwater adventure.
December naturally brings Christmas programming, and Oh. What. Fun. stands out among this year's festive offerings. Streaming on Prime Video from Wednesday 3 December, the film features Michelle Pfeiffer leading an impressive ensemble cast in a story about a family realizing the immense effort behind their perfect Christmas when the matriarch disappears. This relatable comedy-drama has strong potential to become 2025's standout seasonal film.
International Cinema and Cult Classics
Norwegian monster movie enthusiasts can rejoice as Troll 2 arrives on Netflix Monday 1 December. As the largest production ever undertaken in Nordic countries, this sequel to the 2022 hit delivers epic troll battles, including the introduction of a creature named Megatroll. The film balances spectacle with humour, particularly in scenes where social media influencers attempt to take selfies with the attacking beasts.
Film historians and cinema lovers have a rare opportunity to watch Jacques Tati's final film Parade on Talking Pictures TV in the early hours of Monday 1 December at 1.20am. Created for Swedish television after the financial disappointment of Playtime, this unconventional work captures a circus performance while showcasing Tati's extraordinary physical comedy talents and innovative approach to film form.
Additional notable releases include The Roses on Disney+ from Wednesday 3 December, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as spouses engaged in increasingly cruel behaviour toward each other, and Lynne Ramsay's critically acclaimed You Were Never Really Here on Film4 Friday 5 December at 1.50am, presenting Joaquin Phoenix as a traumatised mercenary on a dangerous rescue mission.
