It’s the time of the year for some of the biggest and most awaited movies to be released. And while one may not be able to go to the theatres owing to the pandemic, there is no lack of options to be explored on the OTT. Here are five movies we are looking forward to watching on Netflix in December.
Mank
A retelling of a black and white classic based on a Hollywood controversy in black and white vibes, Mank, is a biographical drama about writer Herman J. Mankiewicz, popularly known as Mank. Based on a script by his father, Jack Fincher, director David Fincher reevaluates this story from the point of view of scandalous screenwriter, Mank as he races to finish 'Citizen Kane'. The movie had a limited theatrical release on November 13, 2020, and will stream on Netflix from 4th December. The movie stars Gary Oldman as Mank along with Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Charles Dance, Sam Troughton, Arliss Howard and Tom Pelphrey.
A lesser-known fact about Mank: David Fincher originally wanted to cast Kevin Spacey and Jodie Foster as the leads in the movie back in the 90s.
The Midnight Sky
Helmed and headlined by Hollywood superstar, George Clooney, The Midnight Sky is a science fiction series releasing on Netflix on December 23. Based on a novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton, the tale follows a lonely scientist in the Arctic, Augustine, played by Clooney as he races to contact a crew of astronauts and warn them from returning home to a mysterious global catastrophe. The movie also features Felicity Jones, Ethan Peck, Kyle Chandler, Tiffany Boone and David Oyelowo in supporting roles.
A lesser-known fact about The Midnight Sky: Felicity Jones got pregnant soon after being cast in July and Clooney chose to rewrote her character as pregnant, instead of using a body double
A California Christmas
It's not possible that Netflix doesn't come up with a Christmas original every December, and following the festive tradition, this year, A California Christmas is releasing on December 14. A California Christmas starring real-life couple, Lauren Swickard and Josh Swickard as leads, follows a big city executive who is challenged with the task to convince a reluctant farmer to give up her land for the corporation before Christmas in lieu of a promotion. Lauren, playing a beautiful young farmer, Callie, also turned writer and producer for this movie.
A lesser-known fact about A California Christmas: The movie was completely filmed during Covid-19 with restrictions but as a real-life couple, it was not difficult for the leads to isolating.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Based on a play of the same name by August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is an American drama directed by George C. Wolfe streaming on Netflix from December 25. Featuring Viola Davis, as the legendary 'Mother of the Blues', Ma Rainey, the movie takes place over the course of a fateful afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago as tension ensues over Ma being late to the session. Black Panther fame, Chadwick Boseman also stars in the movie as ambitious trumpeter Levee alongside Glynn Turman, Michael Potts and Colman Domingo in supporting roles.
A lesser-known fact about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: Star Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer during post-production making this his final film appearance.
The Prom
With an ensemble cast including legendary Hollywood veterans, The Prom is the story of a small-town high school student, Emma Nolan, who is heartbroken as she is banned from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa, a popular but closeted cheerleader. Enter four flop Broadway performers, played by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden and Andrew Rannells, looking to uplift their careers, on a mission to throw Emma the prom of her dreams. Directed by Ryan Murphy based on a Broadway musical of the same name, the movie is set to release digitally on December 11 by Netflix.
A lesser-known fact about The Prom: Popstar Ariana Grande was initially cast for the role of Alyssa Greene, Emma's girlfriend but she had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts being replaced by Ariana DeBose.
