What To Watch Online This December

Hala, Apple TV

Focusing on the story of Hala, a 17-year-old American Muslim, this new coming-of-age drama is a brilliant watch. Struggling to balance her traditional Muslim household and her identity at school as she explores her individuality, the teenager discovers a secret that threatens to destroy everything around her. Executively produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, the film was an official selection of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.

Available to watch now on Apple TV  

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel: Season 3, Amazon Prime 

Fans of this award-winning comedy, rejoice! The Marvelous Mrs Maisel is back for a third season and available to watch on Amazon Prime now. In these new episodes, Midge and Susie are on tour with fellow comedian Shy Baldwin, travelling through America and Europe. But they soon learn a lesson about show business they’ll never forget. If you’ve not had a chance to catch any of the show yet, don’t despair - seasons one and two are still available, so you enjoy a real taste of 1950s glitz and glamour this Christmas.

Available to watch now on Amazon Prime

Jack Whitehall: Christmas With My Father, Netflix

Like to have a good old giggle over Christmas? Tune in to Jack Whitehall’s Christmas With My Father for plenty of festive laughs. Filmed at the London Palladium, the one-off special features well-known guests and a very merry musical performance. Hugh Bonneville discusses what makes the perfect Christmas, while Tan France from Queer Eye helps Jack’s dad revamp his wardrobe. The skills of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice are also put to good use as the group stages a Christmas extravaganza the West End would be proud of. 

Available to watch on 12th December on Netflix

The Danish Girl, Netflix 

This fictionalised biopic of transgender artist Lili Elbe stars Eddie Redmayne in the title role and is well worth a watch. Redmayne received much acclaim for his thought-provoking portrayal of the troubled artist and Alicia Vikander, playing Gerda (the woman married to Lili), does an extraordinary job of depicting the growing loneliness she feels as her husband all but vanishes in front of her. Dark and complex themes run throughout and sexuality, identity and performance all interplay amidst scenes of love, bravery and turmoil.

Available to watch on December 16th on Netflix

The Witcher, Netflix

If you enjoyed Game of Thrones, this new series from Netflix might soon become your new go-to. Starring Henry Cavill, it follows the story of Geralt of Rivia – a mutated monster-hunter for hire – who journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world full of sorcery, secrets and sex. It’s set to be an epic saga, with dark fantasy themes, full-scale battle scenes and plenty of interesting relationships. Apparently Cavill had to get up at 3am each morning to be transformed into Geralt for filming - we can’t wait to see how the Superman actor portrays his new character. 

Available to watch on 20th December on Netflix

Marriage Story, Netflix 

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, this heartfelt story of a broken marriage depicts the complex relationship between love and hate. It follows Nicole (Johansson) and Charlie (Driver) as they embark on a separation, calling on  the help of two lawyers to determine who will receive sole custody of their son. The movie received rave reviews when it premiered earlier this year and both Johansson and Driver have been praised for their portrayal of a divorcing couple.

Available to watch now on Netflix

Mary Poppins Returns, NowTV

Watch Emily Blunt take on the title role in this toe-tappingly good sequel to the beloved Disney classic. Full of nostalgia, it follows the story of the next generation of the Banks family and sees Mary Poppins return to help them find the joy and wonder missing in their lives. With a cameo by Dick Van Dyke and plenty of feel-good music, it’s the perfect film to watch with the kids on Boxing Day.

Available to watch on December 25th on Now TV

You Season Two, Netflix

If you were gripped by the first season of You and couldn’t look away from Penn Badgley’s portrayal of  violent sociopath Joe Goldberg, make sure you set aside time in your diary to binge-watch the second series. Due to land on Netflix on Boxing Day, it sees Joe move to Los Angeles, take on the name Will, and set his sights on a new love interest – the very beautiful Love Quinn. It’s sure to be just as compulsive as the first 10 episodes. Just be sure your front door is well and truly locked.

Available to watch on December 26th on Netflix