As winter break is just around the corner, Christmas movies will get their annual time to shine. While there is a wide selection of Christmas movies to choose from, some people feel like they’ve seen them all countless times. But sometimes the best Christmas movies have nothing to do with Christmas at all. Here’s a couple of films to watch this winter break.
To start, a movie that captures the winter coziness and often chaotic family get togethers that occur around the holidays is Rian Johnson’s Knives Out (2019). The film follows the famed detective Benoit Blanc investigating the mysterious death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey and his dysfunctional family with the help of Harlan’s caretaker, Marta. While the family members represent a product of rich privilege, it’s hard to not love each character for their hilariously distinct personalities and quirks, mirroring the family members one might encounter during the holiday season. On top of this the film is an incredibly exciting “who-dun-it” murder mystery, making every rewatch just as good as the first.
A film that will entertain viewers of all ages is The Lego Batman Movie (2017). It’s a classic tale of Batman having to take down his greatest enemy, the Joker, but done much differently than previous Batman films. The film is centralized around “found family” as Batman has to learn that love and connection is core to his success as a superhero. The mix of lego stop motion and cgi alongside festive colors and imagery straight out of a comic book makes for a visually exhilarating watch. On top of this, the story is nothing short of amazing, filled with heartwarming moments and comedy that expertly mixes in adult themes, making it a film that all family members can share a laugh, and maybe even a cry at.
Following the theme of “found family”, the movie The Mist (2007) is full of it, but it’s certainly not heartwarming. The film is an adaptation of a Stephen King novel, following David and his son Billy who are trapped in a grocery store, including all its customers and employees as a strange fog engulfs their town. It’s discovered that within the mist lies deadly anti dimensional creatures, and David alongside those he befriended in the store have to find a way to escape. Despite the film being a horror movie, the foggy and winterlike setting gives off an oddly cozy feeling as well as focusing on the connections between the characters as they build their own family in order to survive. It shows how the power of familial bonds are core to one’s survival and sanity amidst chaos. While the film is not for everyone, it’s guaranteed to leave all viewers shocked with its wild ending.
This final movie may be the furthest from having any holiday themes, but is the most important for students ending their first semester. The Edge of Seventeen (2016) is a coming of age movie about awkward and self loathing high schooler Nadine whose life spirals out of control as she faces family, friends, and internal drama. Nadine finds solace in her eccentric history teacher Mr. Bruner, who is able to keep her grounded and remind her that no matter what, everything will be ok. For high schoolers, even college students who have just completed a semester, this is hard to remember, but is the closest thing to the truth. After a stressful semester, a movie like The Edge of Seventeen can help students enjoy their winter break to the fullest.
While these films may not feature the holiday clichés we love to see in classic Christmas movies, they capture this winter season in their own unique ways.
