8 best new films – quick links
How To Make Gravy – 1 December (Binge)
Film. A powerful Australian drama adapted from Paul Kelly’s iconic Christmas song and destined to be a future classic. Directed by Nick Waterman and co-written by Meg Washington, the film expands the song’s poignant letter-from-prison narrative into a richly layered story of family, redemption, and fractured relationships.
Starring Daniel Henshall and Hugo Weaving, this feature captures the raw emotion of an Australian Christmas.
Problemista – 1 December (Paramount+)
Film (2025). Surreal, heartfelt and delightfully oddball, Problemista marks the feature-directorial debut of Julio Torres, who also stars as Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador chasing his dream in New York while racing against the clock on an expiring visa. When he takes a job assisting the chaotic and eccentric art-world powerhouse Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), he’s thrown into a wild maze of creative ambition, immigration red tape and workplace absurdity.
The Merchants of Joy – 1 December (Prime Video)
Film (2025). In the city that never sleeps, five families hustle each winter to turn sidewalks into holiday outposts. The Merchants of Joy follows these Christmas diehards as they source, sell and safeguard a family tradition at risk. It’s a warm, grounded portrait of pride, grit and the joy they bring – one tree, one customer, one season at a time.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (Director’s Cut) – 1 December (HBO Max)
Film. To mark its 50th anniversary in 2025, HBO Max presents an exclusive new remaster of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Peter Weir’s seminal 1975 mystery adapted from Joan Lindsay’s acclaimed novel.
Set in 1900, the film follows the students and staff of Appleyard College during a summer excursion to Victoria’s Hanging Rock, where a seemingly idyllic picnic unravels after several girls and a teacher mysteriously disappear.
A landmark of the Australian New Wave, the film earned both commercial and critical acclaim, becoming one of Australia’s most iconic and influential works. It was later voted the greatest Australian film of all time by the Victorian Centenary of Cinema Committee and the NFSA.
My Secret Santa – 3 December (Netflix)
Film (2025). A single mother needs a job. A ski resort needs a Santa. Disguised as a St Nick lookalike, can Taylor fool a charming hotel heir into ho-ho-hiring her?
Starring Madison MacIsaac, Ryan Eggold, Alexandra Breckenridge and Tia Mowry.
Oh. What. Fun. – 3 December (Prime Video)
Film (2025) Claire Clauster is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, after planning a special outing for her family, they make a crucial mistake and leave her home alone.
Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria and Joan Chen.
Jay Kelly – 5 December (Netflix)
Film (2025). Movie star Jay Kelly confronts his past and present on a journey through Europe with his devoted manager in this film from Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach.
Starring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern and Billy Crudup.
The Family McMullen – 5 December (HBO Max)
Film. Written and directed by Edward Burns, the film takes place 30 years after the original indie hit The Brothers McMullen premiered in 1995. The Family McMullen stars Connie Britton and Michael McGlone, reprising their roles from The Brothers McMullen, alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, Juliana Canfield, Pico Alexander, Brian d’Arcy James and Halston Sage.
The sequel tracks the romantic entanglements of a now 50-something Barry McMullen (Burns) and his 20-something kids, as well as his brother Patrick (McGlone) and widowed sister-in-law Molly (Britton), who are also facing unexpected romantic hurdles. Watch the trailer.
