Cinema Snapshots: December 2025
What I watched last month…
Welcome to this month’s Cinema Snapshots! At the beginning of each month, I reflect on what I watched the prior month and provide a quick “snapshot” of my thoughts on those films. So without further ado, here are my Cinema Snapshots for December 2025.
The Smashing Machine
In the late 1990s, up-and-coming mixed martial artist Mark Kerr aspires to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he must also battle his opioid dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.
I was impressed with Dwayne Johnson’s performance as Mark Kerr, and was (per usual) in love with Emily Blunt’s supporting performance. It’s a shame those performances were wasted here though.
The Smashing Machine is a meandering film with no sense of progression. It checks off every sports film cliche in the book (drug addiction, arguments with a romantic partner), but seemingly has no interest in the sport of wrestling, shooting those scenes without any sense of weight or tension. A film that reaches the end and makes you go “wait, that’s it?”
It’s not a bad film by any means, but it is a film with missed potential.
★★★☆☆
Jay Kelly
Famous movie actor Jay Kelly embarks on a journey of self discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron.
Writer and director Noah Baumbach frequently has sappy and sentimental tendencies, but those tendencies felt much less subtle and more artificial here. That said, he finds a way to make it work, especially thanks to George Clooney and Adam Sandler’s outstanding performances and chemistry.
There are some really cool shots in Jay Kelly (Linus Sandgren is one of my favorite cinematographers) and it has an unexpected and tender score from Nicholas Britell. But its the beautiful ending that truly makes the film, even if some drama in the middle doesn’t work as well.
★★★★☆
Hamnet
The powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
Director Chloé Zhao wrings every bit of emotion from this already emotional tale, forgoing frequent cuts and camera movements and allowing the audience to sit with the characters and their relationships, all accompanied by a tender score from Max Richter.
Jessie Buckley’s powerful turn as Agnes (Shakespeare’s wife) is the film’s standout, but everyone from Paul Mescal to child actor Jacobi Jupe delivers earnest and raw performances. The emotional beats can at times feel forecasted or manufactured, but when a cast and crew is this committed to the story, you can’t help but give in to your feelings.
★★★★☆
Marty Supreme
In 1950s New York, Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
As someone who liked but didn’t love the Safdies’ last film, Uncut Gems, this is everything I’ve wanted from their intense style of storytelling (though this film is written and directed solely by Josh Safdie, not his brother). Timothée Chalamet is electric here, making you root for Marty and become invested in his story despite the flawed protagonist’s many unlikeable qualities. But it’s far from a solo effort; the entire ensemble is perfectly cast and brings their A game.
Darius Khondji beautifully shoots the film with a naturalistic 70s throwback style, and Daniel Lopatin’s synth-heavy score keeps the energy dialed up to 100. It may not be for everyone, but it’s one of my favorite films of 2025.
★★★★★
The Testament of Ann Lee
The extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers.
I didn’t know much about the history of the Shakers, but this unique musical drama was the perfect way to tell their story. Music is such an important part of worship and religion, and the variety of the musical numbers (as call and response, as quiet prayer, as dance sequences) felt like the perfect way to show how deeply connected music is with faith.
Amanda Seyfried is outstanding as the title character, Daniel Blumberg’s score and songs are hypnotic (along with the strange choreography), and writer/director Mona Fastvold beautifully conveys the rituals and mysticism of the Shaker religion.
★★★★☆
Is This Thing On?
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
It’s nice seeing Bradley Cooper’s directorial voice on a smaller scale, but the script probably could have used some polishing.
“Oh, and next time? A few more jokes.” It’s a line from the film, but perhaps it’s advice the film should have taken to heart. With Will Arnett as the lead, the film really could have embraced being a dramedy instead of just a drama. Instead, it feels like a film that should be a comedy, but is desperately trying to be taken seriously.
★★★☆☆
I watched a lot more in December, but didn’t have time to write about them all here! Feel free to follow me on Letterboxd for more of my thoughts on film, or subscribe below to see future updates where I’ll likely dive deeper on some unmentioned December watches such as Wake Up Dead Man.