Season’s Cinematic Greetings
In a time of such uncertainty, the holiday season could not come any sooner. The uplifting spirits and jolly atmosphere that the colder temperatures usher in are exactly what’s needed in the world today. With movie theaters across the country still operating at limited capacity (if at all), online streaming services are taking this rare opportunity to step up and ring in the contagious joy that comes from the seasonal release of holiday films. Take a look at the new arrivals coming to Netflix this November.
Holidate
Released on Oct. 28, and directed by John Whitesell, “Holidate” depicts two people with no time for love amid their busy schedules. After a chance meeting, both agree to be each other's “plus one” to all holiday events. They embark on a year's journey of all holiday-themed functions that fuel the romantic tension between them. Starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, this is definitely worth the watch if you like a “will they, won’t they” dynamic that’ll keep you on your toes.
The Christmas Chronicles 2
Directed by Chris Columbus, this is the sequel to the original Netflix holiday series “The Christmas Chronicles.” Released on Nov. 10, starring Kurt Russell, Darby Camp and Julian Dennison, this sequel follows Santa Claus saving Christmas from the clutches of his cousin, Belsnickel. Returning character, Kate, gets teleported to the North Pole, and she along with newcomers Jake and Mrs. Claus must help Jolly Saint Nick stop the forces of evil. This is a kid-friendly comedy that’ll make any family movie night a success.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
After the betrayal of his former apprentice, a once-joyous toy maker finds a new ray of sunshine in his granddaughter who appears on his doorstep. This is a fairytale adventure topped with solid cast leads such Forest Whitaker and Keegan-Michael Key. Directed by David E. Talbert, this comes to Netflix on Nov. 13.
Operation Christmas Drop
A rom-com that has the potential to beat the always highly-anticipated Hallmark holiday films came to Netflix on Nov. 5. Starring Alexander Ludwig and Kat Graham, and directed by Martin Wood, the film follows a congressional aide, Erica, assigned to an air force base to find reasons to defund the station. There, she meets Captain Andrew Jantz, who knows of her assignment and clashes with her instantly. The film's events take place during Christmas time as Erica forgoes family celebrations to take on her assignment: a rom-com with a unique plot.
A New York Christmas Wedding
Originally released in August, this holiday romance just dropped on Netflix. Directed by Otoja Abit, “A New York Christmas Wedding” centers around bride-to-be Jennifer, who has a Christmas Eve wedding right around the corner. One night, an angel visits Jennifer and shows her what could have happened if she accepted her feelings for her childhood best friend. An enticing story circled around the what-if’s of one decision.
All these feature films and more will be available to stream on Netflix this month (if they aren’t out already!). If you need some cheerful spirits in a time where they’re so scarce, definitely log-in and watch.