Top 10 Streaming Releases in December 2019
#10: “The Expanse” (2015-) - Season 4 Coming to Amazon Prime Video: December 13th, 2019
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When this high-concept sci-fi series got the axe in 2018, fans were in disbelief. Perhaps it wasn’t attracting the number of viewers that Syfy needed to rationalize its cost, but “The Expanse” more than justified its existence with its detail-oriented worldbuilding, complex characters and relevant themes. Thankfully, Amazon recognized that this series still has more to offer and picked it up for a fourth season. At the end of season 3, the world of “The Expanse” grew exponentially with the opening of the Ring Gate, and we can’t wait to see where the showrunners choose to take the story. We’re particularly interested in seeing how things play out on the new resource-rich planet that’s been discovered.
#9: “Hala” (2019) Coming to AppleTV+: December 6th, 2019
From executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, “Hala” is a coming-of-age story the likes of which has rarely been told - at least not in North America. The movie follows the titular Hala, a Pakistani-American girl trying to navigate adolescence; it’s a difficult time for any teen, but given her family’s traditional values, Hala’s experience growing up in America is uniquely complicated. She straddles two seemingly incompatible worlds. It’s a very personal movie for writer/director Minhal Baig; so much of herself went into it that she even filmed a substantial portion of the movie at her old high school. After screening at Sundance and getting a limited theatrical release in November, this beautiful and moving film is headed to AppleTV+ where it will hopefully reach a wider audience.
#8: “The Aeronauts” (2019) Coming to Amazon Prime Video: December 20th, 2019
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This is by no means Amazon’s first foray into original films, but with “The Aeronauts”, they’re bringing A-list actors and some very impressive set pieces. Released just in time for the holidays, “The Aeronauts” is an inspirational story based on the adventures of real life aeronauts who boldly took to the skies in a gas balloon in the name of science. Though Eddie Redmayne’s James Glaisher actually existed, Felicity Jones’ Amelia Wren was based on multiple people, like Henry Coxwell and Sophie Blanchard, who soared to heights that many thought impossible. The film boasts a score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes as of the end of November 2019, and has been praised for both its stunning visuals and the powerful performances of its stars. For those with a penchant for biopics, this thrilling yet uplifting story is a must-watch.
#7: “Truth Be Told” (2019-) Coming to AppleTV+: December 6th
Contemporary audiences sure do love them some true crime content! Following the success of the “Serial” podcast and Netflix’s “Making a Murderer”, there’s been an explosion of similar projects. We’re now seeing works of fiction inspired by the true crime genre, like the Netflix mockumentary series “American Vandal”, and “Truth Be Told” feels poised to become the next must-watch for people who love everything true crime and true crime-related. Based on Kathleen Barber’s debut novel, “Are You Sleeping”, “Truth Be Told” follows a podcaster who revisits the case against a convicted serial killer. The curveball? She helped put him behind bars. Boasting an A-list cast led by Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul, this could be a big win for AppleTV+.
#6: “6 Underground” (2019) Coming to Netflix: December 13th, 2019
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Every now and then, Netflix puts out a film so big that we wonder why in the world it skipped theaters. But hey, the streaming service is a gamechanger, and with “6 Underground”, Netflix aims to launch an action franchise that’s worthy of the big screen but exclusive to their streaming service. Directed by master of explosions and high-octane action sequences Michael Bay, “6 Underground” follows a team of vigilantes who, after faking their own deaths, have dedicated their lives to going after the worst criminals around the world. Led by Ryan Reynolds, the film promises big action, playful banter and - if everything goes according to Netflix's plan- an ensemble cast that subscribers will be dying to see more of.
#5: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017-) Season 3 Coming to Amazon Prime Video: December 6th, 2019
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Nobody writes quick, witty dialogue quite like Amy Sherman-Palladino. “Gilmore Girls” might be the show that put this writer and producer on the map, but the more we see of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, the stronger our compulsion becomes to call the latter series her masterpiece. As the titular Miriam "Midge" Maisel, Rachel Brosnahan shines blindingly bright, and she’s flanked by a superb supporting cast in the form of Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle and Tony Shalhoub. It’s been a pleasure not only watching Midge grow as a person, but also break down gender barriers that, quite frankly, still exist in the world of stand-up comedy today. We can’t wait to see what season three has in store for her.
#4: “Lost in Space” (2018-) Season 2 Coming to Netflix: December 24th, 2019
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Netflix has so many ongoing original series that it can be hard to keep track. Since the first season debuted in April of 2018, however, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the story of the Robinson family. A modern reworking of the 1965 series, “Lost in Space” boasts impressive visuals, a solid ensemble cast and compelling worldbuilding. Sure, the first season was held by back its villain problems, but the show’s emotional heart more than made up for any shortcomings. And after a dramatic cliffhanger ending that took the Robinsons into new territory yet again, we’re expecting big things from this second season. Dropping December 24th, this is the perfect Christmas gift from Netflix to its sci-fi loving subscribers.
#3: “Marriage Story” (2019) Coming to Netflix: December 6th, 2019
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Streaming services have fundamentally changed the way that content is produced and consumed, but Netflix and Amazon are only beginning to make their presence known come awards season. With films like this, however, Netflix is clearly looking to add some Oscars to its shelf. “Marriage Story” is written and directed by filmmaker Noah Baumbach and brings together an all-star cast including Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta and more. Boasting 97% on Rotten Tomatoes as of the end of November 2019, this uniquely thoughtful and caring exploration of divorce is sure to resonate with audiences much like it already has with critics.
#2: “Thor: Ragnarok” (2018) Coming to Disney+: December 5th, 2019
For years, Netflix subscribers have been able to count on recently released Marvel films coming to the streaming service relatively soon after their run in theaters. But alas, this era has come to an end! MCU films, like Star Wars movies, have a new home on their parent company’s dedicated streaming platform, Disney+. For those looking for an excuse to give Disney+ a try, “Thor: Ragnarok” makes for quite the compelling argument. Undeniably the God of Thunder’s greatest solo outing to date, Ragnarok is a barrel of laughs, visually stunning, action-packed and just a whole lot of fun from start to finish. In short, it’s a welcome addition to an already strong library of content. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Confession Killer” (2019) Coming to Netflix: December 6th, 2019 “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby” (2019) Coming to Netflix: December 5th, 2019 “After the Raid” (2019) Coming to Netflix: December 19th, 2019
#1: “The Witcher” (2019-) Coming to Netflix: December 20th, 2019
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Christmas comes five days early for for fantasy lovers! This is arguably one of the biggest, most ambitious and high-stakes series that Netflix has produced to date. Adapted from the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, which also gave birth to the hugely successful video game franchise, “The Witcher” follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who, despite his solitary ways, finds himself drawn together with a sorceress and princess by the hands of fate. With Henry Cavill in the lead role and high production value, “The Witcher” looks like Netflix’s answer to the void left behind by Game of Thrones. And considering it’s already been greenlit for a second season, they’re clearly feeling good about what the first season has brought together.
