BPR Top Picks – What to Watch in December 2023

This year is set to go out with a bang in the cinematic world, with several exciting releases arriving in December 2023.

Wonka – 15 December (Theatrical)

Kicking off our selection on a sweet note, “Wonka” is a musical fantasy film directed by Paul King and co-written with Simon Farnaby, which tells the origin story for Roald Dahl‘s popular character Willy Wonka, featuring Timothée Chalamet in the lead, alongside Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, and others. The movie will guide viewers will guide viewers through Wonka’s early days selling chocolate in a tiny shop to him becoming a true eccentric, world-famous genius. The music was composed by Neil Hannon and Joby Talbot. The film premiered in London on November 28, 2023, and is set for a release in mid-December.

Maestro – 20 December (Netflix)

Continuing on a more serious note, “Maestro”, an American biographical drama, explores the relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Directed by Bradley Cooper, who co-wrote the script with Josh Singer, the film was produced by legendary names like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Cooper stars as Bernstein, with Carey Mulligan as Montealegre, and features Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman in supporting roles. It debuted at the Venice International Film Festival, receiving a Golden Lion nomination and great reviews from critics. While the film received a limited theatrical release last month, it will arrive on Netflix later in December.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom – 22 December (Theatrical)

Fans of the DC Extended Universe will see Christmas arrive a couple of days early, as “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”, the last instalment in the universe is set to hit cinemas on 22 December. Directed by James Wan, it’s a sequel to 2018’s “Aquaman” and stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman. The plot follows Aquaman‘s quest to protect Atlantis from an ancient power unleashed by his foe, Black Manta, using the cursed Black Trident. The story progresses years after the first film, with Aquaman teaming up with his brother Orm to avert a catastrophe. Momoa‘s original story idea evolved into the script, with Wan returning as director after initially hesitating.

What if…? – 22 December (Disney+)

The long-awaited second season of “What If…?” is set to premiere on the same day on Disney+. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s Phase Five, it explores alternate timelines in the multiverse, showcasing different outcomes of key moments from MCU films. Produced by Marvel Studios Animation, the season features A. C. Bradley as head writer and Bryan Andrews directing. Jeffrey Wright returns as the narrator, the Watcher, with various MCU film actors reprising their roles. This season, which began development way back in December 2019, will release its nine episodes daily until 30 December.

Cover Image by IMDb