The year 2020 has certainly been a weird one for the movie industry. As studios move away from theatrical distribution, many are looking toward various streaming platforms to debut their next big hit. Over the next month, iconic characters, fan-favorite directors and incredible actors will hit screens within the comfort of your home. Here’s a list of upcoming streaming films and shows to keep on your radar.
“Mank” — Dec. 4 (Netflix)
Director David Fincher, known for such classics as “Fight Club,” “Zodiac” and “Se7en,” travels back to the ‘40s for his newest film, “Mank.” Starring Gary Oldman (as Herman Mankiewicz) and Amanda Seyfried (as Marion Davies), “Mank” tells the infamous development story of the iconic film “Citizen Kane.” Released in black and white alongside a classic-style poster, “Mank” seems to celebrate a bygone era of Hollywood. IndieWire has called the film David Fincher’s “best movie since ‘The Social Network.’” Based on early critic reviews, “Mank” stands at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it certified fresh just in time for its Netflix debut.
“Euphoria: Part 1: Rue” — Dec. 6 (HBO/HBO Max)
While HBO has been clear to emphasize that this installment is not part of the highly anticipated second season of “Euphoria,” it seems to be the start of a two-episode special that sets up the storyline for the show’s next chapter. Rue (Zendaya), Jules (Hunter Schafer) and the rest of the cast also seem to be returning for this special installment. Fans of the first season should expect more beautiful scoring (perhaps from Labrinth once again), heart-wrenching performances and mesmerizing cinematography.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Dec. 18 (Netflix)
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” follows a tense recording session among a band of musicians in 1927 Chicago. The film, adapted from August Wilson’s play of the same name, features the late Chadwick Boseman in his final onscreen performance alongside Oscar-winner Viola Davis as legendary blues singer Ma Rainey. Early reviews have buzzed about a potential posthumous Oscar nomination for Boseman, according to Variety. With 63 reviews counted, the Netflix film stands at 98% on the tomatometer. Critic Jason Guerrasio from Insider said, “What Chadwick Boseman leaves onscreen (in the film) will be celebrated for a long time.”
“Wonder Woman 1984” — Dec. 25 (HBO Max/Theaters)
After several theatrical delays, Warner Brothers has finally decided to release the sequel “Wonder Woman 1984” in both theaters and HBO Max on Christmas Day. Subscribers to HBO/HBO Max can access the blockbuster film at no extra charge. “Wonder Woman 1984” sees the return of Gal Gadot’s iconic Wonder Woman character, along with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and new villains Cheetah (Kristen Wiig) and Max Lord (Pedro Pascal). Trailers emphasized the film’s groovy new ‘80s setting and soundtrack.
“Soul” — Dec. 25 (Disney+)
“Soul,” another large release booted out of theaters, seems to be another helping of Pixar’s tear-jerking animated storytelling. The story follows Joe, a middle school band teacher with a passion for jazz, who finds himself lost in a mysterious realm and discovers what it means to have soul. With over 40 early reviews counted, “Soul” stands at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and will release on Disney+. Deadline Film critic Joe Utichi called the film “a concrete return to the Pixar of old, full of grand ideas and original execution.”