It’s getting to be a busy time for movies. We have original films in theaters, award contenders expanding their reach, and holiday films on streaming and on the big screen. Below is my take on all the new films I saw this week. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Anora (Theaters)
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, and Karren Karagulian
Synopsis: This film from writer/director Sean Baker made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Palm D’Or, which is the festival’s highest prize. Now, it’s getting a wide expansion domestically in front of an Award season run. Likely it will be a film that will get people talking. It focuses on an exotic dancer, Ani (Madison), who has dreams of more. When she meets a new Russian client, Ivan (Eydelshteyn), there is a connection. Soon, he books time with her outside the club, then books a whole week. Despite the Pretty Woman set up, Ani thinks she knows what this is. But when Ivan proposes on a trip to Las Vegas, she begins to open herself to the possibility this is a way out of the grind of her life. Instead, when Ivan’s manager—Toros (Karagulian) finds out, things go off the rails. Toros disabuses the couple of the idea this is a happily ever after and demands an annulment as Ivan’s parents come in from Russia to bring him home. Will this be a fairy tale, or just another disappointment for Ani? Like all of Baker’s films, this movie brings a certain style and perspective. That characters are big and brash, and the story is intense at times. This certainly earns its R-rating with copious language, awkward incidents, and sexual content. This isn’t like the 1990 Richard Gere and Julia Roberts film; this has a harder edge and is set in a much tougher reality for these characters. Madison has plenty of tough edges as Ani, while Eydelshteyn is the ultimate laid back party dude and Karagulian is solid as the put upon man trying to manage chaos. The arc of this film likely won’t be for everyone, and it will definitely be polarizing. The final act of the film also goes in some curious directions. I liked Madison’s performance at times, but it also feels over-the-top at times. But that’s the case with the whole film. I haven’t been taken with Baker’s previous films, so it’s quite possible his style just doesn’t mesh with my taste. That is the case here. This is a big swing with some interesting moments that ultimately doesn’t land for me.
Rating: R for strong sexual content throughout, graphic nudity, pervasive language, and drug use.

Heretic (Theaters)
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East
Synopsis: What does it mean to be a person of faith? That’s a question asked, at times, in this new thriller from writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. In the film, two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East) are trying to win converts. On their list is Mr. Reed (Grant), who had asked for more information about the church. They arrive at his door, and he invites them in. They agree because he promises his wife will join them with pie. What follows is a serious back-and-forth about ideologies and religion that doesn’t include a wife—or a pie the girls would want to eat. They find themselves seeking answers in order to make their way back to safety, if they can. The trailers for this film do a wonderful job of setting the premise—detailed above—while not giving away too much. I won’t give away too much here, either. This is a film best embraced as a journey into the story. The script, at times, is quite well constructed. Some of the back-and-forth ideas and discussions are compelling in their own way. I really liked the performances here, too, especially from Grant, who is quietly menacing, and East, whose character has an interesting third act arc. It is, unfortunately, the third act itself that doesn’t quite live up to the set up. There are some decisions about the ending of the film that felt like a bit of a letdown. Still, in a good year for horror and thrillers, this is an engaging film that will hold your attention. It had its moments, just falling a bit short of its potential at the end for me.
Rating: Rated R for some bloody violence.

Meet Me Next Christmas (Netflix)
Starring: Christina Milian and Devale Ellis
Synopsis: Netflix is getting into the holiday spirit with a new, original Christmas film released each Wednesday in November. This first one finds Milian as Layla, who is stuck at an airport in the run up to Christmas. She meets Teddy (Ellis) while gathering food in the lounge, then connects with James (Kofi Siriboe), with whom she shares instant chemistry. But she’s already in a relationship. So, James suggests if it is meant to be, they should meet the following Christmas at the Pentatonix concert. Flash-forward a year, and Layla is single after catching her boyfriend cheating. She sees James’ picture online and it sparks a memory of the meet cute. Now, she’s desperate to get a ticket to Pentatonix’ Christmas show to make her romantic dreams come true. The only problem is the show is sold out. So, Layla turns to a personal concierge service to help get the ticket. She’s paired with Teddy, but the path to getting the ticket is crazier than expected. This is the season for romantic, holiday-themed fare. Hallmark has made a living off this for years, and recently Netflix has joined the fray. Don’t be fooled, this is a Hallmark Christmas movie on a different platform. That can be satisfying if it’s done well, and here the journey is fun enough. Milian and Ellis have good chemistry, and the plot works well enough here. The Pentatonix play a big part in the narrative and, at times, that’s fun, too. I also liked Kalen Allen, who pops up for a wild and entertaining sequence at Teddy’s cousin. If you’re looking for a light-hearted holiday watch, this will hit the spot. It’s not incredible, but it’s fun.
Rating: TV-14

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.