What to Watch: "A Complete Unknown" and more

Happy holidays, dear reader, whatever your religion, persuasion, politics or point of view. My kids are coming home, the baking is done and I'm stalling the wrapping of presents by posting my latest WaPo reviews for the Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," the Nicole Kidman S&M romance "Babygirl" and Robert Eggers' new take on an old vampire movie, "Nosferatu." All are in theaters and all are three stars (⭐ ⭐ ⭐). Why? Because they all come close to what they want to do without quite getting there and, in the case of "A Complete Unknown," Todd Haynes' far superior Bob flick "I'm Not There" already exists, rendering the new film entertaining but unnecessary.

Since I am enjoined from reposting my Post reviews in the free section, non-paid subscribers will have to content yourselves with my encomium to the Haynes movie, published last March --

One Good Film: “I’m Not There”

Like Dylan himself, the meanings of this once-radical film have come to seem accepted wisdom and common comfort.

Ty Burr's Watch ListTy Burr

-- or cruise over to Watch TCM or Plex for my favorite Christmas classic, 1940's "Remember the Night," with Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and slyly erotic direction by the underrated Mitchell Leisen.

TiVo Alert: “Remember the Night” (1940)

The classic Christmas romcom in a rare TV appearance, Sunday evening on TCM.

Ty Burr's Watch ListTy Burr

I'll be posting my 2024 Top 20 in the coming week, so stay tuned. Until then, enjoy the blessings of families, friends and house pets, and go easy on the eggnog.

Feel free to leave a comment or add to someone else's.

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