From festive flicks to new Oscar-worthy films, here is a list of everything to add to your watch list this December …
FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
Grace Kelly: Banphrionsa Mhaigh Eo
This documentary on the life of Grace Kelly features never before seen films and stills of her life, aswell as exclusive interviews with her son Prince Albert II – the reigning Prince of Monaco, her nephew JB Kelly, niece Susan Kelly vonMedicus and extended Irish family. The Royal Palace in Monaco have shared rare archive footage from Grace Kelly’s private collection. The town of Newport and the people of Mayo embraced Grace as one of their own and the documentary features many memories from family members who met her during her frequent trips home. Her place as an important Irish-American icon is discussed as the film reveals how she played an important part in breaking down Irish stereotypes throughout the United States. Combining deeply personal interviews with unique archive, what emerges is an intimate portrait of one of the world’s most iconic women and a glimpse into her private Irish life as we discover why being Irish was so important to her. This is a must-watch on TG4 on Christmas Day at 9.30pm.
FESTIVE FLICKS
Your Christmas Or Mine
For Amazon Prime users, this Christmas film is sure to tickle your fancy. If you couldn’t get enough of him in Sex Education, Asa Butterfield charms in this new Christmas flick! It’s Christmas Eve-Eve and after waving goodbye to each other in Marylebone Station, new lovers Hayley and James can’t bear to be apart for Christmas. They both decide to surprise each other and unwittingly swap trains by mistake. As the snow falls, they both become stuck with each other’s family for Christmas. Can their love survive this? A fast moving, comical treat to cosy up to starring Asa Butterfield, Daniel Mays, Lucien Laviscount and Cora Kirk.
Family Switch
Family Switch stars the hilarious Ed Helms and the fabulous Jennifer Garner as Bill and Jess Walker who are doing their best to keep their family connected as their children grow older, more independent and more distant. When a chance encounter with an astrological reader causes the family to wake up to a full body switch, on the morning of the most important day of each of their lives, can the Walkers unite to land a promotion, college interview, record deal and soccer tryout? This Christmassy Freaky Friday-esque film is certainly one for all the family. On Netflix from November 30.
Candy Cane Lane
Eddie Murphy stars in this Christmas comedy in which a man is determined to win the neighbourhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win but the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town. With Eddie Murphy in charge – we know this will be funny. On Amazon Prime now.
Falling For Christmas
Lindsey Lohan is back on our screens this Christmas and we are not complaining. Falling For Christmas tells the story of a newly engaged, spoiled hotel heiress (Lohan) who gets into a skiing accident, suffers from total amnesia and finds herself in the care of a lodge owner (Chord Overstreet) and his precocious daughter in the days leading up to Christmas. In this light-hearted Christmas romance both Lohan and Overstreet deliver cheery performances for an easy, relaxing (if somewhat cheesy) watch. Watch it on Netflix now.
Holidate
Although it was released in 2020, Holidate is still on our Christmas watch list this year. We just can’t get enough of Emma Roberts at Christmastime it would seem! Roberts plays Sloane, a disgruntled young woman who hates the holidays. Luke Bracey plays Jackson who also hates the holidays. They constantly find themselves single, sitting at the kids table, or stuck with awkward dates. But when these two strangers meet one particularly bad Christmas, they make a pact to be each other’s “holidate” for every festive occasion throughout the next year. However, as a year of absurd celebrations come to an end, Sloane and Jackson find that sharing everything they hate may just prove to be something they unexpectedly love. With some pretty hilarious scenes, Holidate is one to enjoy on Netflix this December.
Something From Tiffany’s
Based on the book by Melissa Hill, this film adaptation of Something From Tiffany’s is exactly the romance to unwrap this December. Starring the hilarious Zoey Deutch and Kendrick Sampson, this film follows a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement ring meant for someone else leads her to the person she’s meant to be with. With familiar faces popping up like Shay Mitchell from Pretty Little Liars and even Stephanie Shepherd, seen on The Kardashians this is a surefire family film. Watch it on Prime.
I Hate Christmas
On December 7, season two of this comedic series will gear us up for Christmas. Or not? The title I Hate Christmas does sound Scrooge-y, but this is a story about family and love. Pilar Fogliati stars in this first Italian Christmas series from Netflix about a young woman who is looking for love. A year has passed since that fateful evening, and now, we find that our Gianna is surprisingly no longer single. For the first time, the approaching Christmas period seems to be smiling at her, because, as we all know, Christmas loves couples, right? But Christmas, as always, will mess things up and cause her to make an unforgivable mistake that will break her relationship. Just when everything seems to be in its place, a new countdown will begin: Gianna knows that she needs the Christmas magic to win back her ex, and for this reason, she wants to do it by the Christmas Eve dinner, which for the Belottis, is the dinner that sets everything right. Full of light, love and laughter this is a great one to binge on Netflix on the sofa this Christmas.
About Fate
The queen of romantic comedy Emma Roberts stars in a heart-warming comedy tale for the winter period. The story follows two people Margot (Roberts) and Griffin (Thomas Mann) who believe in love, but never seem to be able to find its true meaning. One stormy New Year’s Eve however, fate puts each in the other’s path and in true Roberts fashion, the comedy and chaos begins. We are looking forward to seeing the Scream Queen on our screens for something festive. Watch it on Prime.
Nativity!
Nativity! is an endearing, comical, heart-warming story. A warning is needed, however, for the mild rude humour that it also contains. The story follows heartbroken schoolteacher Paul Maddens (Martin Freeman) who seeks to win back his ex-girlfriend played by Ashley Jensen. He concocts a lie which grows out of his control involving Hollywood, a producer and a movie deal for his class’s Nativity play. Marc Wootton plays Freeman’s enthusiastic class helper and it is he and the children who bring the light, innocence and Christmas sparkle to the film, while Freeman carries over his Grinch-esque persona. Written and directed by Debbie Isitt and produced by Nick Jones, this 2010 comedy is a watch for all the family on Netflix.
Christmas As Usual
A Norwegian Christmas treat is in store with Christmas As Usual. After surprising her Norwegian family with her new Indian boyfriend, Thea Evjen has to help him fit in over the Christmas Holidays. Traditions are bent in every direction as the vibrant colours of Bollywood collide with the cold Norwegian winter. Christmas As Usual is a merry and bright watch for the family on Netflix this Christmas.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Directed by Frank Capra and written by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett and Frank Capra the 1946 It’s a Wonderful Life is a true Christmas gem. James Stewart stars playing George Bailey, a frustrated business man. After Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realise how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there. This film is full of Christmas themes such as kindness, love, family and togetherness. Talk about a real classic. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Last Christmas
Emilia Clarke plays Kate, a young woman prone to making bad decisions in this heartfelt comedy. Although she works as an elf at a year round Christmas store, she doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas. Everything changes when she meets Tom, who brings faith back into her life. Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding and Emma Thompson this film will surprise you with its good intent and endearing heroine. Watch it on Netflix this Christmas
CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
The Holiday
The Holiday is always a Christmas must-watch. The 2006 film stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two lovelorn women from opposite sides of the Atlantic who temporarily exchange homes to escape their heartbreak over the Christmas period. The protagonists run into Jude Law and Jack Black at their consecutive stays and so the romantic stories unfold. A charming, hilarious story of love, heartbreak, self-discovery and friendship, The Holiday ticks all of our boxes for a cosy Christmas watch on Netflix.
Love Actually
Richard Curtis’ Love Actually embodies Christmas sparkle and is a guaranteed feelgood film. The Christmassy romantic comedy features a star studded cast including Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Rowan Atkinson, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney and Liam Neeson. The film cleverly follows nine intertwined stories which examine the complications that come with the one emotion that connects us all: love. The film proves the point that love is all around through the varied story lines from the newly elected British prime minister David (Hugh Grant) who falls for a young junior staffer, to Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life. As these characters navigate romance, family, weddings and airports at Christmastime, we are with them every step of the way. It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Renée Zellweger is a hoot in this adaptation of the book Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides it’s time to take control of her life – and start keeping a diary. The viewer follows along as she lives, learns and writes about her romances, work, friends, exercise and everything in between. A heart-warming, romantic comedy with Christmassy themes throughout, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a definite hot water bottle and slipper socks film. Enjoy the fun on Netflix this year.
You’ve Got Mail
Let it be said that You’ve Got Mail doesn’t entirely take place over Christmas but the Christmas catalysts featured in the film are some of the most important and compelling moments and so it is going on our list! Meg Ryan’s shop is also just too cute to forego. Adapted from The Shop Around the Corner a 1940 American romantic comedy film, You’ve Got Mail was directed by Nora Ephron and written by Miklós László and Samson Raphaelson. Meg Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly an owner of a struggling boutique bookshop, which is being threatened by Foxbooks, a chain store that just moved in across the street. Incidentally it is Tom Hanks who plays the owner of Foxbooks, Joe Fox. Although they hate each other in reality, unbeknownst to them they begin an intense and anonymous internet romance. You can imagine what revelations might happen next. You’ve Got Mail is a lovely escape into the worlds of these bookkeepers. It is available to buy or rent on Apple TV.
INCOMING COMEDIES
Mafia Mamma
A mild-mannered suburban mum unexpectedly inherits her late grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere, she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations as she finds herself stuck in the middle of a deadly mob war. Starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci this wacky comedy is just what the doctor ordered. Watch it on Amazon Prime now.
AIR
From award-winning director Ben Affleck, AIR reveals the game-changing partnership between a then-undiscovered Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionised the world of sports and culture with the Air Jordan brand. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. A fast-paced comedy for the family with a fantastic cast. What it on Amazon prime now.
EPIC TRUE STORIES
Maestro
On December 20, Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan will grace our screens at home with the release of Maestro – a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. This is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love (perfect for the time of year) and we cannot wait to see Cooper and Mulligan act opposite each other. Cooper is said to have spent five years perfecting his conducting of an actual orchestra in real time in this film. We can’t wait. Watch it on Netflix from December 20.
Belfast
Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds and the sensational Jude Hill – if you didn’t see the Oscar-winning Belfast in the cinema then you are in for a cinematic experience at home, with your slippers on and a tin of Roses on your lap. A young boy and his working-class family experience the tumultuous late 1960s in Belfast. Set in black and white and based on true events, brace yourself for this harrowing masterpiece. On Netflix and Apple TV now.
NYAD
The legendary Jodie Foster and Annette Bening star in this true story rendition of the legends athlete Diane Nyad and best friend Bonnie. The film follows the remarkable true story of a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete, marathon swimmer Diane Nyad as she attempts to swim for 60 hours from Cuba to Florida. Determined to become the first person to finish the swim without a shark cage, Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll and a dedicated sailing team. This is a feel-good, uplifting story of friendship – and it might make you question your exercise regime. On Netflix now.
Spencer
In this fictional story, Kristen Stewart plays Princess Diana in this seasonal portrayal which explores a hard time in the princess’ life. As the Christmas festivities begin at Sandringham, she fails to conform to the pressures of royal tradition. The knowledge of her husband’s affair accentuates her mental struggles which are portrayed in unusual ways in this film by Pablo Larraín. Watch it on Netflix now.
American Symphony
This 2022 documentary follows musician Jon Batiste who finds himself the most celebrated artist of the year with eleven Grammy nominations including Album of the Year. In the midst of that triumph, Jon embarks on his most ambitious challenge to date – composing an original symphony. This trajectory was upended when Batiste’s life partner – best-selling author Suleika Jaouad – learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned. Ameican Symphony is an intimate portrait of two artists at a crossroads and a meditation on art, love and the creative process. Some magical storytelling here, this is one to watch with a few tissues at hand. Watch it on Netflix now.
GRIPPING TALES
Where The Crawdads Sing
Based on the novel by Delia Owens, Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Kaia, a girl who raised herself in the marshes of the Deep South and who subsequently becomes a suspect in the murder of a man with whom she was once involved. Aesthetic, yet tense Edgar-Jones is electric as she welcomes you into Kaia’s world. Available to watch on Apple TV now.
Parasite
Now this one is dark – so just for the adults. But what an incredible example of great filmmaking and one to really get your teeth into this Christmas. Set in South Korea, the struggling Kim family sees an opportunity when their son starts working for the wealthy Park family. Soon, all of them find a way to work within the same household and start living a parasitic life. With ups and downs and an incredible interior, brace yourself for this one. It is now on Netflix at the touch of a button.
Flora and Son
Well, we certainly couldn’t get enough of Eve Hewson in Bad Sisters so imagine our utter delight when we saw the release of the Irish production and musical inspiration Flora and Son. Helmed by John Carney, director of both Once and Sing Street – we knew this film was in expert hands. Filled with music, heart and incredible familial chemistry, Flora and Son will tick all of your creative boxes and leave you feeling fulfilled. Hewson plays hot-headed Flora, a single mom who is at war with her son Max, played by the incredible Orén Kinlan in his first major role in a feature film. In trying to find a hobby for Max, Flora rescues a guitar from a skip and through the help of guitar tutor Joseph Gordon Levitt, finds that one person’s rubbish can be a family’s salvation. Also featuring Amy Huberman, Jack Reynor and scenes of Dublin city – this beautiful cast and storyline is quite something to behold and this film is certainly a story you take with you. On Apple TV now.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The follow up to Academy Award-nominated Rian Johnson’s Knives Out, we cannot wait to sink our teeth into Glass Onion on Netflix. Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc as he travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of colourful suspects. The story is set on a Greek island, but how and why they are there comes to be the first of many puzzles. Blanc soon meets a distinctly disparate group of friends gathering at the invitation of billionaire Miles Bron for their yearly reunion. Among those on the guest list are Miles’ former business partner Andi Brand, current Connecticut governor Claire Debella, cutting-edge scientist Lionel Toussaint, fashion designer and former model Birdie Jay and her conscientious assistant Peg, and influencer Duke Cody and his sidekick girlfriend Whiskey. As in all the best murder mysteries, each character harbours their own secrets, lies and motivations. When someone turns up dead, everyone is a suspect. Rian Johnson assembles another all-star cast that includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline with Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista.
Wonder Woman 1984
Gal Gadot is back as the unstoppable Wonder Woman and it’s now available on Prime. In this follow up, Diana (Gadot) must contend with a work colleague and with a businessman whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artefact goes missing. Starring alongside Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig, Gal Gadot makes one feel like you too could leap into the sky without a scratch. It is a great action film with laughs included, and certainly one for all the family.
PERIOD DRAMAS
Bridgerton
If you have not yet treated yourself to watching Bridgerton, then this is the year to do it. Adapted from Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels, the series tells the story of the Bridgerton family focusing on one member per season. Wealth, lust, betrayal and love in Regency-era England set the backdrop to the series. The creativity in the set design, costume design and music production are unparalleled and make the entire series a work of art to behold. Created by Chris Van Dusen, the most recent season to watch is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, on Netflix.
The Crown
Well, if we hadn’t mentioned it before, we at The Gloss are big fans of The Crown and season six is out now! We are speedily coming up to date in the series and so in this one we see the devastating consequences of forceful paparazzi, and see a young Prince William try to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate. The ten episodes are sure to snap you up and keep you engrossed over Christmas. See it on Netflix.
The Empress
The Empress was released in 2022 and therefore is perhaps a series you may not have heard of yet. One thing is for certain however, if you are looking for a bingeworthy show over the holidays, The Empress is one to watch. The series is about Sisi, or Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, one of Austria’s most famous Empresses. The story begins when Sisi meets Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, who is the man her sister is to marry. They fall in love and the rest is literally history. Subtitles are required but the series is an irresistible visual delight with spectacular costumes and monumental locations. Watch it on Netflix.
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey will always be a programme to visit or revisit at Christmas. The British drama series follows the lives of the Crawley family and its servants in the family’s classic Georgian country house. The series begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, which leaves Downton Abbey’s future uncertain. Over the course of the six seasons one grows to feel for each and every character as you get to know every aspect of them. The flawless costume fits perfectly with each season and the set is always a pleasure to watch. Directed by Micheal Engler, Downton Abbey stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Brendan Coyle, and is a show for everyone. Available on Amazon Prime now.
PEROD FILMS
Pride and Prejudice
There is nothing quite like a beloved Jane Austen at Christmastime and Pride and Prejudice will always be a Gloss favourite. A viewing of the 2005 adaptation of Austen’s novel is time well spent. Keira Knightley plays a perfectly defiant Elizabeth Bennet who lives with her family in the English countryside. The wide scope scenes of the crisp countryside are just breath taking and make you feel even cosier tucked underneath a blanket on the sofa. As soon as Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) is introduced you can tell that the chemistry between the two will be electric. With the genius comedic relief of Mr Collins played by Tom Hollander and the familial love exhibited by Donald Sutherland (Mr Bennet) the film comes together to form a wonderful, nostalgic watch over the Christmas period. It is available to buy or rent on Apple TV now.
Sense and Sensibility
The 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility starring Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood and Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood is like a warm hug. When Mr Dashwood dies he leaves his second wife and their three daughters poor, as his son will inherit his fortune. After their mother and the Dashwood sisters move to a cottage in Devonshire, Marianne is torn between the handsome John Willoughby (Greg Wise) and the older Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). Meanwhile, Elinor’s romantic hopes with Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) are hindered due to his prior engagement. Sense and Sensibility is a pleasure to watch, and to watch again and again… It is available to buy or rent on Apple TV now.
Persuasion
A more recent take on the Jane Austen novel is the 2022 Persuasion directed by Carrie Cracknell and starring Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis. A unique adaptation of the novel, this film is more of a comedic take but entertaining none the less. Anne Elliot played by Dakota Johnson was persuaded not to marry Frederick Wentworth eight years ago. Now in present day, they meet again. The film follows Anne as she wonders whether she made the right decision. The sets and cinematography are colourful and quasi-modern which give the film a fresh feeling. It is a fun, light hearted romantic flick to pop on over the Christmas break. On Netflix now.
The Young Victoria
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend, The Young Victoria paints the picture of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria’s rule and her romance with Prince Albert. Emily Blunt plays a remarkable Queen Victoria starting from her teen years. The representation of the love story between Victoria and Albert (Rubert Friend) is subtle and beautifully executed and when you throw the locations and costumes into the mix, the film can be crowned a truly delightful watch. This is a nice daytime flick for those well needed duvet days over Christmas. It is available on Disney Plus now.
Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women, from the book by Louisa May Alcott is a splendour. The strong female cast create a true feeling of togetherness, perfect for Christmas viewing. The film shows Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) reflecting back and forth on her life, telling the story of the beloved four March sisters, each determined to make their own mark in this world. The film stars the March sisters Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen, with Laura Dern as the perfect Marmee March and Timothée Chalamet as Laurie. Little Women is a wonderful, cosy escape into the world of the March sisters, perfect for when you need to switch off in front of the fire. Watch it on Netflix this Christmas
BINGEABLE DOCUSERIES
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Great Christmas Roast
British superstar Chef Gordon Ramsay, Italian stallion Gino D’Acampo and French master maitre d’ Fred Sirieix, mixed with celebrity helpers create a bundle of chaos as the chefs strive to outdo each other’s dishes for a holiday banquet. On Netflix now.
Gordon, Gino and Fred’s: Road Trip
And in this series, Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix hit the highway in search of culinary adventure. Chaos and hilarity ensue. If you are looking for something funny and light hearted this Christmas, these three will get you giggling. On Netflix now.
Escaping Twin Flames
This limited docuseries will grip you from the moment you press play. You never knew an online cult could be like this one. Jeff and Shaleia, are the leaders of Twin Flames Universe which sells online classes that guarantee harmonious union with your destined partner. This is a three-part documentary series that pulls back the veil on Twin Flames Universe, a controversial online community that preys on people looking for love. With exclusive access to former members, the series reveals the horrifying stories of coercion and exploitation surrounding Twin Flames Universe – from encouraging stalking behaviour to manipulating gender identities. With the Twin Flames Universe still in action – the docuseries also show family members who are currently trying to rescue their children from Jeff and Shaleia’s grasp. A gripping one available on Netflix now.