Sydney Movie Guide For The Holidays: What Should You See?

Christmas Day has passed for another year, and now we’re in that odd stretch of the holiday period where time isn’t real and those hefty Christmas calories have us feeling lazy. Thankfully, every year we get a new batch of movies in the week after Christmas that can help bring some sense of time passing to this most unusual time of year. Whether you’re feeling indie darlings, bigger-than-life biopics or a blockbuster to take your kids to, here’s a movie guide to navigate the post-Christmas cinematic landscape!

Anora (in cinemas now)

A young sex worker from Brooklyn marries a Russian oligarch in Vegas – what could possibly go wrong? Well, it turns out quite a lot, as Sean Baker’s Anora answers. This unique mix of rom-com and drama is one of the frontrunners to snag Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars, and it’s not hard to see why after watching.

Why to watch: As stated in our review, Anora is a delightfully funny film with genuine depth and commentary bubbling below the surface. Lead actress Mikey Madison is absolutely radiant in the film, and her performance alone is worth the price of admission; and that’s before you experience any of the film’s hilarious, Coen Brothers-esque comedy-of-errors sequences.  
Recommended for: Fans of screwball comedies, Cinderella stories and deconstructions of the American Dream. Absolutely do not take your kids to this one, though.

A Real Pain (in cinemas now)

Jesse Eisenberg makes his directorial debut with A Real Pain, the tale of two cousins taking a tour through Poland to honour their late grandmother – though tensions soon rise between the two as old wounds begin to reopen.

Why to watch: Jesse Eisenberg writes and stars in his directorial debut, and it’s received widespread critical acclaim for its funny, raw depiction of familial relations. It’s also another great chance to see Kieran Culkin, hot off of his time on Succession, in a performance that’s been labelled as one of the finest of the year.
Recommended for: Buddy-comedy fiends, and anyone who’s ever had a slightly uncomfortable relationship with their cousin.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (in cinemas now)

Sonic and friends are back for the third entrance in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise, based on the uber-popular video games. This time though, they’re up against Shadow, another hedgehog of surprising speed as he follows a path of vengeance.

Why to watch: The high-octane action of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will keep the youngins satisfied, while performances from 90s icons like Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog and Jim Carrey in the dual role of Doctor Robotnik and his father is sure to keep parents entertained.
Recommended for: Parents taking their children to the movies, and kids who grew up in the 90s/00s with fond memories playing Sonic games.

Better Man (in cinemas now)

You might not have ever expected to see a biopic where the person it’s based on is portrayed by a chimpanzee, but alas, Better Man is here to fulfill that extremely specific niche in your life you didn’t even know you needed satisfied.

Why to watch: Outside of being a biopic about Robbie Williams, The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey’s Better Man has been heralded as a campy, crazy film that also explores the depth and depravity of seeking out fame. And, by all accounts, the CGI chimpanzee seems to actually work in the film’s favour and not detract from it. Go figure!
Recommended for: Robbie Williams fans, of course, but anyone looking for a jukebox musical biopic with a twist.

The Room Next Door (in cinemas now)

Acting legends Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore team up in The Room Next Door, portraying two women who used to be close friends reuniting in unusual and tragic circumstances in this arthouse drama film.

Why to watch: Legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar makes his English language feature-length debut with The Room Next Door, which we described in our review as a powerful, poignant drama with the occasional humorous moment. Plus, a Swinton-Moore team-up is too good to pass up.
Recommended for: Fans of of Almodóvar, Swinton and Moore, as well as those in the mood for a poignant drama.

Paddington in Peru (January 1st)

The ever-lovable Paddington returns for his third cinematic outing in Paddington in Peru, seeing the young bear return home to visit his Aunt Lucy with his adoptive family in tow. As usual, an unexpected adventure arises, but Paddington is up to the task.

Why to watch: The two currently released Paddington films are some of the greatest childrens’ movies released in the 21st century, and a chance to enjoy more marmalade with everyone’s favourite blue-coated bear shouldn’t be missed. Plus, Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman join the cast!
Recommended for: Families, friends and just about anyone with a beating heart honestly.

Nosferatu (January 1st)

Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman) returns with Nosferatu, a remake of the highly-influential silent horror film over a century later. Count Orlok returns to terrify audiences in this vampire story that takes heavy cues from Dracula, while still forming its own vision of vampirism.

Why to watch: With a stacked cast including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe and Bill Skarsgård, Nosferatu has received incredible acclaim for its harrowing take on a bonafide cinematic legend. Featuring Robert Eggers’ trademark period piece attention-to-detail and an even more psychosexual take on the material, Nosferatu is already making waves following its release in the US: don’t be left behind!
Recommended for: Fans of vampire films, period pieces and horror, as well as sickos looking for a fresh take on a classic story.

Those are all the biggest releases for the week ahead – with a bit of something for everyone showing, we’re sure we’ll see you at the movies!