As the festive season approaches, London welcomes a variety of holiday film releases, highlighting queer perspectives amidst a broader cinematic landscape.
As the festive season approaches, film enthusiasts in London are looking forward to a diverse slate of holiday releases, highlighted by works that underscore the growing representation of queer narratives and perspectives. While this year’s selection offers fewer queer-themed holiday films than in previous years, notable titles are making their way to theatres, appealing to a broad audience, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Leading the line-up is “Wicked,” which debuted in theatres ahead of the holidays. Directed by John M. Chu, this adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical features a star-studded cast, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the iconic witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The film expands upon the original story penned by queer author Gregory Maguire, enhancing its themes of empowerment and rebellion against authoritarianism. Renowned for its visual artistry and catchy score, “Wicked” has garnered high anticipation, capturing the imagination of audiences and critics alike.
In addition to “Wicked,” Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” has also made an early entrance into theatres. This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2000 film brings together heartthrobs Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington in a captivating tale of ancient Rome. While the film does not primarily focus on queer themes, its leading male cast has attracted considerable attention from queer fans, adding to the film’s appeal.
Another highly-anticipated title is “QUEER,” which is set to hit theatres on December 13. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for “Call Me By Your Name,” this film is an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novella, depicting the story of an American expatriate in 1950 who navigates love and connection amidst his own identity struggles. With Daniel Craig reportedly delivering a career-topping performance, this film is generating considerable buzz, particularly within LGBTQ+ circles.
The festive season also welcomes “Maria,” a biopic starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary soprano Maria Callas, which arrives in theatres on November 27 and streams on Netflix beginning December 11. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film delves into the significant moments of Callas’s life and artistic legacy.
On December 6, audiences can expect “Nightbitch,” a unique body-horror drama featuring Amy Adams as an artist transforming into a canine-like creature, exploring themes of identity and motherhood. This film has garnered interest for its feminist undertones and intriguing premise, positioning it among the season’s more unconventional offerings.
In a more traditional narrative context, “Nickel Boys,” which arrives in theatres on December 13, adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to portray systemic issues within a reformatory school during the Jim Crow era. The film, while not explicitly queer, resonates with themes of justice and allyship.
Queer Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” is also making waves with its poignant exploration of friendship and mortality, featuring renowned actors Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. As the inaugural English-language project from the acclaimed director, this film premieres on December 20, promising an emotional depth typical of Almodóvar’s oeuvre.
The holiday season culminates with a few unconventional choices, including “Nosferatu,” a modern remake of the classic vampire film scheduled for December 25. The film, directed by Robert Eggers, promises to breathe new life into the iconic narrative, appealing to genre enthusiasts and horror fans alike.
As London prepares for this selection of holiday films, cinema-goers can look forward to a range of narratives that reflect both contemporary and classic themes while spotlighting queer voices and experiences within the broader cultural landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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