This season, Santa Claus, by the use of Hollywood, has stuffed film lovers’ stockings with 4 nifty presents: “Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Babygirl” and “The Fire Inside.”
Right here’s an influence rating, with one of the best on high, for holiday-week filmgoers:
“Nosferatu”: Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Eggers raises the manufacturing stakes together with his Gothic-to-the-extreme rendering of Bram Stoker’s Dracula legend. His elaborate take is a seductive feast for the senses and a must-watch on the large display. “It” actor Invoice Skarsgård (he freaked us out because the evil Pennywise the clown) is in creep-out mode once more as Rely Orlok, a menace to everybody in Transylvania. He lures good-looking newlywed Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) to his rat-infested digs beneath the pretense of shopping for a creepy slab of actual property in 1838 Germany. The deal will get sealed, however not earlier than bloodsucking goes down whereas, within the background, Orlok toys round with Thomas’ melancholic bride Ellen (Lily Rose-Depp). Ellen all however clings to Thomas; she is aware of a darkish drive is coming for her since she’s been secretly, horrifically bonded to the depend for a while. Whereas it’s a well-recognized story for a lot of, it’s by no means been informed with such visible and interval element gusto. “Nosferatu” is mesmerizing, a piece of astonishing technical polish and imaginative and prescient. I’ve seen it twice and can see it many extra instances. It’s simply that good. (Opens Dec. 25 in theaters, rated R) 
Ryan Future, left, and Brian Tyree Henry are each knockouts as boxer Claressa Shields and coach Jason Crutchfield in “The Fire Inside.” (Courtesy Sabrina Lantos/ Amazon MGM Studios)
“The Fire Inside”: Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight” and the just-released “Mufasa: The Lion King”) wrote the knockout screenplay for this excellent inspirational sports activities biopic primarily based on the life and phenomenal boxing profession of Claressa Shields. Ryan Future is on hearth because the Flint, Mich. athlete who set Olympic data, overcoming sexist critics who known as her a woman in a person’s sport. Director Rachel Morrison’s movie punches above its personal weight. The rousing story describes Shields’ steely resolve to grow to be one of the best at her sport and addresses what occurred after she reached that pinnacle: She discovered that being a Black feminine athlete from a meager background meant getting handed over for endorsements. Add Brian Tyree Henry’s endearing efficiency as Claressa’s supportive however robust coach Jason Crutchfield, and you’ve got one of many greatest underdog surprises hitting the ring not simply at Christmas, however in all of 2024. (In theaters, rated PG-13) 
Relaxation assured; Timothée Chalamet makes a advantageous Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” (Courtesy Searchlight Footage) “A Complete Unknown”: Pity any actor who portrays an icon like Bob Dylan. When it was introduced that heartthrob Timothée Chalamet landed the juicy a part of the legendary songwriter, folks shared forceful opinions in regards to the star of “Call Me By Your Name” turning into the musician; most thought it was a horrible transfer. Simmer down, everybody. Chalamet is sweet, channeling Dylan’s inventive prickly spirit in a formidable approach whereas not doing a rote impression. Total, James Mangold’s recounting of a formative four-year interval in Dylan’s life (starting in 1961 New York and ending on the clamorous 1965 Newport Folks Pageant the place he introduced electrical to non-electric proceedings) is compelling, however too lengthy. Excessive factors embrace performances from Monica Barbaro as equally iconic musician Joan Baez (who lives in Woodside), and Edward Norton because the stick-to-tradition folks music drive Pete Seeger. The very best scenes characteristic Seeger, Baez (the 1963 Monterey Folks Pageant is briefly re-created) and Dylan, whereas others, together with Dylan’s romance with artist Suze Rotolo (the movie’s character is known as Sylvie Russo, and she or he’s performed by Elle Fanning) don’t actually jell in the best way that screenwriters Mangold and Jay Cocks assume they do. “A Complete Unknown” won’t be a whole success, however when it sticks to the music and Dylan’s craftsmanship, it sounds the appropriate chord. (Opens Dec. 25, rated R) 
Ingesting milk performs a pivotal position within the horny “Babygirl” starring Nicole Kidman. (Courtesy A24) “Babygirl”: If it’s essential add just a little kink to the vacations, look no additional than Halina Reijn’s sexual awakening drama about Romy, a CEO (Nicole Kidman tapping into her “Eyes Wide Shut” facet) taking part in out her needs with a really composed and assured new intern (Harris Dickinson of “The Iron Claw”). “Babygirl” makes an attempt to be daring, and is horny sufficient, however it’s not at all times certain of itself nor what it desires to perform till too late within the recreation. The domineering intercourse acts depicted don’t actually illustrate, because the filmmaker doubtless meant, that Romy’s lack of ability to let go and uncover the enjoyment and playfulness of intercourse are a generational concern and a product of sexist views about what highly effective girls must be. “Babygirl” raises such potent subjects however doesn’t discover them with ample depth. But Antonio Banderas earns props as Romy’s theater director husband. (Opens Dec. 25, rated R)
