From surrealist satires focusing on body image to moving family portraits, musicals and more, Brussels' big screens are packed with a punch this month.
Not sure what to watch? No need to worry: The Brussels Times has selected some of the best films and festivals that cinephiles and curious cinema-goers should alike should not miss this December.
New releases
'Wicked' (2024), various cinemas, various dates
The eagerly awaited Hollywood adaptation of the iconic Wicked musical hits Belgian cinemas on 4 December, starring pop star Ariana Grande and renowned broadway actress Cynthia Erivo.
Wicked follows the path of the legendary witches of the World of Oz. Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of the unusual colour of her green skin, doesn't even suspect the extent of her powers.
At her side is Glinda, who, as popular as she is privileged, still doesn't know the true nature of her heart. An encounter with the Wizard of Oz tests their friendship and sends them on very different paths – as they will eventually come to be known as Glinda the Good Witch and Wicked Witch of the West.
Find more information here.
'Kneecap' (2024), various cinemas, various dates
Best known for their satirical lyrics and more recently for winning a censorship case against the British State, Ireland's most prolific rap trio have released an eponymous biopic which chronicles their ascent to fame in a post-Troubles Belfast.
Oscar-nominated 'Kneecap' blends the Irish language, banging tunes and social issues into one explosive 90-minute feature film, and takes off following the encounter of bored primary school teacher JJ with troublemakers Liam Óg and Naoise. When the three cross paths, their shared love of music and the Irish language evolves into bilingual rap group Kneecap.
The group's humorous lyrics, musical prowess and electric stage presence offer a light-hearted approach to the serious problems that Belfast is typically known for, namely colonial violence and a profound mental health crisis (there have been more suicides in the North of Ireland since 1998 than there were deaths during the decades-long Troubles). The film is a powerful case in favour of using satire to bridge community divides.
Find more information here.
'The Substance' (2024)
In this surrealist satire, fading celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is renowned for her televised aerobics show, faces a devastating blow on her 50th birthday when her boss fires her in search of someone younger. Amid her distress, Elisabeth decides to use a black market cell-replicating substance which temporarily creates a more beautiful and better version of herself, called Sue (Margaret Qualley).
Moore and Qualley deliver outstanding performances in this body horror blockbuster, which culminates in a chillingly grotesque climax. It delivers a powerful message of self image and societal expectations, but be warned: 'The Substance' is not for the faint-hearted!
Find more information here.
Golden oldies
'The Princess Bride' (1987), Cineflagey, until 18 December
The film begins with a grandfather reading to his young, bedridden grandchild. As the story unfolds, the audience is transported into the grandfather's fairytale: a medieval romcom adventure that follows a farmer-pirate's journey to reunite with his true love, Buttercup, the princess bride.
Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin, the adaptation of William Goldman's novel has charmed many critics and viewers since its first release. The unique fairytale will be shown on Brussels' big screens for a limited time as part of a series celebrating iconic films by American director Rob Reiner.
Find more information here.
'When Harry met Sally' (1989), Cineflagey, various dates
Can men and women really be just friends? This is the key question that arises when Harry meets Sally while they are both on their way to New York, after graduating from university. Years later, the two explore the theory, creating an instant romantic comedy classic.
From the minds of Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron, the award-winning film became an instant classic upon its release. Starring iconic performances from Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the film is unmissable for romcom lovers.
Find more information here.
Film festivals
CinemaMed, various cinemas, until 6 December
CinemaMed is back in Brussels, once again putting Mediterranean stories and issues in the spotlight. Each year, the festival screens around 60 new dramas and documentaries from countries around the Mediterranean Sea. Insightful meetings and debates are also organised after each screening.
In the final days of the festival we recommend 'To A Land Unknown' (2024) on 3 December, a compelling and uncompromising look at the living conditions of migrants.
With this crossover between a social-realist drama and a restless thriller, internationally acclaimed director Mahdi Fleifel keeps the audience on the edge of their seat when following Chatila and Reda (Mahmood Bakri and Aram Sabbah), two Palestinian cousins stuck in Athens while they desperately try to make their way to Germany.
Find more information here.
Other languages
'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' (2024), various cinemas, various dates
M, a university dropout low on money and luck, volunteers to take care of his terminally ill grandmother, in the hope of pocketing an inheritance. But as the pair spend more time together, a special bond unexpectedly develops, bridging the gap between the two generations.
This rich and tender portrayal of a Thai family delves into the complexity of family relationships and sacrifices, and is sure to have a profound emotional impact on anyone who has ever had a close relationship with their grandmother.
Find more information here.
Maïthé Chini, Ciara Carolan, Ellen O'Regan, Rita Alves and Isabella Vivian contributed to this article.
