As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that this list is nothing short of a cinematic feast! From the captivating claymation of “Memoir of a Snail” to the grandeur of Nikolaj Arcel’s “The Promised Land,” there seems to be something for every movie lover in here.
If you’re yearning for a cinematic experience beyond the traditional holiday fare of jingle bells, snowflakes, and fairies, I’ve got some enticing recommendations! The international team at The Hollywood Reporter has curated a delightful selection of fresh foreign films, now accessible in the U.S., catering to those with discerning tastes in cinema.
No matter if you prefer Irish hip-hop, Mexican musicals, Austrian horror, Danish romance, family-friendly Thai comedies, or mature Aussie animations, we’ve got a variety of options to keep you entertained during the chilly winter evenings.
Banel & Adama (Stream/Rent On: Apple, Amazon, Fandango)
In a unique and powerful first film, Senegalese-French director Ramata-Toulaye Sy sheds light on the intricacies of love and self-discovery in a tale reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, but set against the backdrop of rural Senegal. Starring Khady Mane and Mamadou Diallo as the main characters, Banel & Adama weaves together compelling acting with deep, empathetic storytelling and breathtaking visuals to create a vividly imagined universe. Although some viewers may find the director’s unconventional approach not to their liking, this film offers valuable insights about community dynamics, traditional gender roles, and environmental issues—all presented in a captivating way.
Crossing (Stream/Rent On: Mubi, Apple, Amazon, Fandango)
An intimate tale of queer identity and trans acceptance set against the backdrop of Istanbul’s dynamic streets, Levan Akin’s Georgian/Turkish drama Crossing won over audiences at its Berlin Film Festival debut with its tender story of a Georgian woman (played by the superb Georgian actor Mzia Arabuli) who travels to Turkey to track down her errant trans niece, teaming up with the brother of one of her former pupils. Eloquent and effecting, Akin’s understated storytelling delivers emotional depth with an open-ended conclusion that resonates with universal themes of family and transformation.
The Devil’s Bath (Stream/Rent On: Shudder, AMC+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Fandango)
“The Devil’s Bath” refers to a powerful historical psychological thriller directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, who have previously created chilling atmospheres in films like “Goodnight Mommy” and “The Lodge.” Drawing inspiration from real-life incidents of women pushed to their limits in 18th-century Austria, this story delves more into psychological terror rather than graphic violence, although the climax does feature some bloody scenes.
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (Stream/Rent On: Mubi, Apple)
Radu Jude’s thought-provoking Romanian film is a cinematic powerhouse – it’s explosive, humorous, and fiery all at once. This movie skillfully combines biting satire with social critique, tackling themes like work, capitalism, and misogyny. The story revolves around an overworked production assistant (played brilliantly by Ilinca Manolache in a remarkably understated role), whose personal struggles mirror those of another character from a forgotten 1981 Romanian drama titled Angela Moves On. This film, which received the Locarno Jury Prize, is daring and often grim but manages to maintain interest even during its nearly 3-hour runtime.
Fallen Leaves (Stream/Rent On: Mubi, Apple)
Aki Kaurismäki’s poignant and hopeful Finnish film, “Fallen Leaves,” crafts a heartwarming tale of love born from solitude. Drawing inspiration from the works of masters such as Ozu and Bresson, as well as his own distinguished filmography, this movie is a delightfully simple yet profound exploration of human nature. The protagonists, a middle-aged alcoholic (portrayed by Jussi Vatanen) who laments, “I’m depressed because I drink, and I drink because I’m depressed,” and a hardworking supermarket employee (Alma Pöysti), despite numerous challenges, find solace in each other. A genuine piece of dry humor for dedicated film enthusiasts.
Emilia Pérez (Stream/Rent On: Netflix)
Jacques Audiard’s film “Emilia Pérez,” a potential Oscar contender, is a unique blend of genres – a crime musical set in Mexico and directed by a Frenchman about a transgender character. It fearlessly delves into topics of gender identity and transgender freedom. Starring an outstanding performance by Spanish trans actress Karla Sofia Gascón, and striking performances by Zoë Saldaña and Selena Gomez, this vibrant, musical spectacle is most enjoyably watched on the big screen. However, Audiard’s daring storytelling remains impactful regardless of the viewing platform.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Stream/Rent On: Netflix)
Among the films on this list, one stands out as a family-friendly choice – a Thai blockbuster comedy that makes for perfect holiday viewing. It offers a humorous, emotionally resonant, and tear-jerking narrative centered around themes of family, aspiration, and redemption.
Kneecap (Stream/Rent On: Apple TV+, Fandango, Microsoft, Spectrum)
This Irish-language comedy, although not suitable for younger audiences due to its frequent use of strong language, is definitely worth watching for adults. Rich Peppiatt’s fictional portrayal of the real-life genesis of the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap is a must-see. It’s a heartwarming narrative about two working-class drug dealers who join forces with a local teacher to create an Irish-language hip-hop band. Essentially, it’s a classic underdog-to-success story, but with a much larger dose of ketamine.
La Chimera (Stream/Rent On: Apple, Hulu, Fandango, Microsoft, Spectrum, Amazon)
Alice Rohrwacher’s visually captivating movie, titled “La Chimera“, ventures into the realm of Italian tomb raiders, skillfully weaving together folklore, realism, and mysticism. The film features Josh O’Connor from the hit series Challengers, portraying a sorrowful tomb raider who possesses an uncanny ability to locate hidden riches. The narrative explores themes of love, grief, and the moral complexities surrounding history. A poetic and intellectually stimulating piece that adds depth to Rohrwacher’s remarkable filmography.
Memoir of a Snail (Stream/Rent On: Apple TV+, Fandango, Amazon)
The distinctive Australian claymation production, titled “Memoir of a Snail“, offers an unusual yet gripping narrative that explores themes of memory, loss, and peculiarities in human (and snail) behavior. Directed by Adam Elliot, renowned for his work on “Mary and Max“, this mature tale is centered around a gastropod-loving outcast and her pyromaniac twin brother who has gone missing. With its mix of tragic, humorous, and surreal elements, it’s not suitable for children. However, enthusiasts of handcrafted animation – as there isn’t a single frame of computer-generated imagery in the movie – will find it an absolute treat.
Perfect Days (Stream/Rent On: Hulu, AppleTV+)
If you’re pondering about what to be grateful for this festive period, consider watching this heartwarming Japanese drama directed by the renowned German filmmaker Wim Wenders. Koji Yakusho delivers a stunning performance as a middle-aged Tokyo resident who finds comfort in routine and simple joys. This movie serves as a poetic exploration of the quiet elegance found in everyday moments, gradually revealing poignant vignettes of a life that coalesce to create an intensely emotional narrative about one man’s journey towards inner peace and happiness.
The Promised Land (Stream/Rent On: Apple, Hulu, Hoopla, Amazon, Fandango, Microsoft)
In Nikolaj Arcel’s “Nordic Western,” Mads Mikkelsen portrays a humble military figure from 18th-century Denmark, striving against all odds to tame the untamed Jutland moorlands. He encounters numerous challenges such as harsh weather conditions, social biases, and ruthless landowners. This epic tale of history resonates with the magnitude of a John Ford narrative, making it an ideal choice for cozy winter evenings when you want to gather together for a moving cinematic experience.
The Taste of Things (Stream/Rent On: Apple, Hulu)
In the 19th century, this heartwarming romance about food was outshone by “Anatomy of a Fall” during last year’s Oscars, but Tran Anh Hùng’s film, featuring Juliette Binoche as Eugénie, Dodin’s trusted assistant and long-term partner, is visually and culinarily captivating. It serves up a luxurious, festive joy for the holidays – just remember to eat before watching!
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2024-11-28 20:25