8 Cinematic Gems for a Cozy Holiday Night with Your Partner
As the festive season twinkles to a close, the crisp winter air begs for cosy nights in, blankets wrapped tight, and a shared screen illuminating laughter and whispered secrets. And what better accompaniment to such a perfect evening than a delightful film? But with countless options streaming and gracing cinema halls, picking the right movie can feel daunting. Fear not, cinephiles! This curated list presents 8 of the best films from 2023, guaranteed to spark joy, ignite conversation, and fuel the flames of your love on a perfect holiday chill night.
1. Cyrano (2023)
Peter Dinklage shines in this breathtaking reimagining of Edmond Rostand’s classic Cyrano de Bergerac. Dinklage portrays Cyrano as a man blessed with eloquence and wit yet cursed by his insecurity about his stature. He fiercely loves Roxanne (Haley Bennett) but believes his appearance makes him unworthy of her affection. A beautiful and poignant triangle unfolds when a charming but tongue-tied soldier, Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), seeks Cyrano’s help to woo Roxanne. Cyrano’s words become Christian’s voice, expressing his love for Roxanne with a passion that transcends physical limitations. This visually stunning film, with its witty dialogue, heart-wrenching performances, and soaring musical numbers, is a testament to the power of love, language, and the masks we wear.
2. The Menu (2023)
A young couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) embark on a luxurious island getaway to visit an exclusive culinary destination led by the enigmatic Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). However, their gourmet weekend turns sinister as Slowik’s eccentric and unsettling menu unfolds. As the line between performance art and culinary madness blurs, the couple questions their relationship and survival. Darkly comedic and suspenseful, “The Menu” offers a thought-provoking commentary on privilege, pretentiousness, and the lengths we go to for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023)
Michelle Yeoh delivers a powerhouse performance in this mind-bending, genre-defying epic. She plays Evelyn Wang, a struggling Chinese-American laundromat owner who, amidst the chaos of taxes and family drama, discovers she can access parallel universes and alternate versions of herself. Embarking on a hilarious and heartfelt quest to save the multiverse, Evelyn confronts the complexities of family, regret, and the boundless possibilities of existence. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a wild ride through kung fu action, animated interludes, and philosophical musings, ultimately reminding us of the power of love, connection, and finding joy in everyday chaos.
4. Elvis (2023)
Baz Luhrmann’s audacious and electrifying take on the life of the King of Rock and Roll is a visual feast and a sonic odyssey. Austin Butler embodies the electrifying energy and musical genius of Elvis Presley, while Tom Hanks portrays his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film traces Elvis’ meteoric rise from his Mississippi roots to international superstardom, exploring the exploitative nature of the music industry and the complex relationship between Elvis and Parker. Filled with dazzling costumes, unforgettable performances, and a pulsating soundtrack, “Elvis” is a rock and roll rollercoaster that will leave you wanting to sing along.
5. Men (2023)
Jessie Buckley delivers a haunting and vulnerable performance in this atmospheric psychological thriller. She plays Harper, a grieving widow who seeks solace in a solo vacation rental nestled amidst the English countryside. However, her sense of peace is shattered by a series of unsettling encounters with a mysterious stranger (Rory Kinnear) who appears in various guises, embodying her deepest fears and anxieties. As Harper delves deeper into the tense mystery surrounding the stranger, she is forced to confront the trauma of her past and the darkness that lurks within. “Men” is a masterfully crafted slow-burn that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
6. The Fabelmans (2023)
Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale is a love letter to cinema and a poignant exploration of family dynamics. Michelle Williams and Paul Dano shine as Mitzi and Burt Fabelman, parents whose complicated relationship shapes the young Fabelman’s (Gabriel LaBelle) burgeoning passion for filmmaking. As Fabelman navigates the challenges of adolescence, first love, and the complexities of family, he uses his camera as a lens through which to understand himself and the world around him. “The Fabelmans” is a tender and humorous film that celebrates the power of storytelling and the enduring bond between family and art.
7. Petite Maman (2023)
This French coming-of-age film is a delicate and moving exploration of grief, memory, and the enduring power of childhood friendship. Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) accompanies her mother (Nina Meurisse) to clean out her deceased grandmother’s house. There, she befriends a girl her age named Marion (Gabrielle Sanz), who lives in a seemingly abandoned house across the way. A magical connection unfolds as Nelly and Marion spend their days building sandcastles, exploring the forest, and sharing secrets. “Petite Maman” is a beautifully shot and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the innocence of childhood and the comfort found in shared experiences, even across the boundaries of time.
8. Aftersun (2023)
This Scottish drama is a poignant and introspective look at father-daughter relationships and the complexities of memory. Paul Mescal delivers a nuanced and heartbreaking performance as Calum, a young father struggling to connect with his 11-year-old daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) on a Turkish holiday. As their vacation unfolds, glimpses of Calum’s past and present intertwine, revealing the ghosts that haunt him and his challenges as a father. “Aftersun” is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, relying on unspoken emotions and fleeting moments to weave a tapestry of love, loss, and the bittersweet passage of time.
These eight films offer a diverse and captivating selection for your cosy holiday night. Each one promises a unique cinematic experience, from laugh-out-loud moments to thought-provoking reflections and everything in between. So grab your partner some popcorn and hot cocoa, and settle in for a night of shared laughter, tears, and the magic of cinema. Let these films spark conversations, ignite your imagination, and bring you closer together as you celebrate the holidays and the gift of shared experiences.