Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
In theatres now, streaming on Netflix December 23rd
Daniel Craig is back as Benoit Blanc along with an all-star cast including Janelle Monae, Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, and Kate Hudson. The Guardian says, “The first one was good….this one is better…” We can’t wait.
White Noise
In theatres now, streaming on Netflix, December 30th
The most recent movie from indie director Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, Mistress America) created a stir at the Venice Film Festival. Starting Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle, the movie centres on an “Airborne Toxic Event” and its impact on a midwestern town. Guaranteed to be quirky.
A Spy Among Friends
streaming on itvx
Based on Ben Macintyre’s NYTimes bestseller, Guy Pearce plays notorious British double agent Kim Philby. Damian Lewis is sent to retrieve him in Beruit, but what happened? Don’t blink or you will miss a turn in this retelling based on a true story.
Strike, Season 5: Lethal White
bbc iplayer now
Cormoran Strike is back for a fifth season this holiday. He and Robin are tackling their first cold case — a mother who has been missing since 1974.
The White Lotus, Season 2
streaming on nowtv
This might be the most talked about series streaming now. The story is set around a death at the ultra-high end White Lotus resort, this time in Italy. While guests stay in complete luxury, we watch their relationships fall apart around them. Tom Hollander, as always, is a scene-stealer.
If you missed the first season, start there. you won’t regret it.
Emily in Paris
streaming on netflix from december 21st
Another season of American Emily making her way in work and relationships in Paris, all while very fashionably dressed. Lilly Collins stars.
New For the Kids
Matilda The Musical
in cinemas now, streaming from December 25th on netflix
The well-known Roald Dahl story in Musical form. Music increases the levity and makes this more suitable for the little ones than the Danny DeVito version from the mid-1990s.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio
streaming now on netflix
Del Toro brings his signature style to this stop-motion film of the classic story. Voiced by actors including Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, and Jon Turturro, this is guaranteed to be a version that stands the test of time, and has a very different, and darker, vibe than the Disney cartoon.
His Dark Materials, Season 3
streaming on bbc iplayer from december 18th
The third, and final, instalment is finally released after nearly two years of waiting. Based on Phillip Pullman’s The Amber Spyglass, this dystopian tale is probably best viewed by older children. Tweens and up.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse
BBC iPlayer, from Christmas Eve
Based on the beloved book by Charlie Mackesy, this story became a family favourite over lockdown. The endearing relationship that develops between the animals, combined with animation worthy of the book illustrations, this will likely be on many family watch lists over the holiday.
Seasonal Viewing
Everyone has a list of movies they return to over the holiday season. While not exhaustive, here are some of our favourites at A Little Bird. Enjoy!
The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney Plus – Michael Caine as Scrooge paired with all your favourite Muppets and music. A Christmas classic with many fans.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Amazon Prime Video – the original 1966 version, with Boris Karloff as the Grinch/Narrator.
Elf, Amazon Prime Video – everyone needs a family laugh over the holidays. Will Ferrell delivers.
Home Alone, Disney Plus – John Hughes wrote this madcap story of an eight-year-old who is accidentally left at home alone over the holidays. Still fresh and fun over 30 years later.
The Holiday, Amazon Prime – a Nancy Meyers Christmas story. Do you need more? How about Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black falling in and out of love between America and the UK.
Miracle on 34th Street, Amazon Prime – is Santa Claus real? This is the question a lawyer and a little girl are trying to answer. We love the original 1947 version, but John Hughes did an 90s update with some familiar faces.
The Family Stone, Disney Plus – sometimes going home to your family on the holidays is messy. Count on Diane Keaton to make it all charming.
Die Hard, Amazon Prime – is it even a Christmas movie? Open for debate. Either way, see Bruce Willis in his sarcastic prime as he battles bad guy (Alan Rickman!) on Christmas in a very tall building. No thinking required.
A Little Bird Loves
