I'M A FILM EXPERT - HERE ARE MY 5 MUST-WATCH MOVIES OF THE MOMENT

There has been a lot of film watching going on in my house this month, particularly because I haven't been able to invest myself in any new series... and the cold weather, too, of course. This is not a bad thing, however, as I've been able to fit in some new watches alongside rewatching a few of the movies I absolutely love. I have been writing about films for more than eight months, and reviewing them for even longer. In fact, this month, I have set myself a challenge to watch a new film every day in December as a kind of Christmas advent challenge. If you haven't watched any of these films, I'd strongly recommend giving them a go. Here are my five favourite films of the moment.

The 2023 film, which was written by David Hemingson, can be described as a comedy-drama set in the Christmas period of 1970 America. It follows a bad-tempered instructor (Paul Giamatti) who forms a surprising bond with a brainy yet mischievous student (newcomer Dominic Sessa) - alongside the school's head cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph). The trio are an unlikely pairing, and their relationships truly take you through every emotion. I've never seen a film like it; it is an incredible watch. I'd highly recommend watching if you haven't done so already and it has recently dropped on Netflix.

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Stuck in Love is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Josh Boone in his directorial debut. The indie film's cast includes Jennifer Connelly, Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins, Nat Wolff, and Logan Lerman. It focuses on the complicated relationships within a family. The film's synopsis reads: "Stuck in Love is a romantic comedy-drama about the Borgens family of writers-acclaimed novelist Bill, his ex-wife Erica, and their two adult children, Samantha and Rusty-as they navigate the complexities of love over the course of one year. The story follows the characters through various romantic and familial struggles, from Rusty's first love and Samantha's complicated relationships to Bill's longing for his ex-wife, Erica, as she moves on with a new life. The film uses the family's shared passion for writing as a way to explore their experiences with love, loss, and second chances. Stuck in Love is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

It's just the best. Think nostalgia meets time travel, and you get About Time. If you are in need of a good cry - this is the one. The cast is top tier, with its stars including Rachel McAdams, Domhnall Gleeson and Bill Nighy. Another one from Richard Curtis, About Time, is written so sincerely. Tim (Gleeson) discovers on his 21st birthday that he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. He decides to get a girlfriend, and all of a sudden, the time travel becomes a lot more complicated. The film is largely about life and loss, and there are several relationships we root for here, not just a singular couple. About Time is now on NOW TV.

This is my most recent watch, and I wasn't sure what to expect. It very much took me out of my mind and into the story, albeit a strange one. Oh, Hi! is a 2025 romantic comedy film directed by Sophie Brooks and co-written with Molly Gordon. It stars Gordon, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, and John Reynolds. The film's synopsis reads: "Isaac and Iris's first-ever romantic getaway hits a block when Isaac casually confesses to not wanting a relationship. To what lengths will a desperately single Iris go to convince him?" This film is available for purchase on Amazon Prime.

Priscilla, released in 2023, is a biographical drama film written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola. It is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley (who serves as an executive producer on the picture) and Sandra Harmon. It follows the life of Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny) and her complicated romantic relationship with Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi). Priscilla premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where Spaeny won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. In addition to her award from Venice, Spaeny received a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globe Awards for her performance. This is my favourite of Coppola's films and deserves more love. Priscilla is currently streaming on Netflix.

2025-12-06T13:32:28Z