Bremen Town Musicians — direction. Alexey Nuzhny
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 1
A home release offers a fresh take on a familiar tale. The musical fairy tale inspired by the Brothers Grimm and adapted from the same animated work brings a chorus of memorable characters to life. The bard in this version is voiced by Tikhon Zhiznevsky, known for his work in Major Thunder, while the Princess’s character embodies a spirit of harmony and friendship embodied by the line Friendship! Chewing gum! The cast also features Irina Gorbacheva, who previously appeared in Bastards, along with Roman Kurtsyn from Calm Down, Vasya!, Dmitry Dyuzhev from Dead Man’s Bluff, Maria Aronova of Ice fame, Sergey Burunov, Konstantin Khabensky, and Yulia Peresild, who many will know from Petrovs with the Flu. The ensemble creates a lively, musical retelling that feels both nostalgic and newly imagined, appealing to families and fans of fairy-tale cinema alike.
Slave 2 — direction. Klim Shipenko
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 1
The sequel to a widely adored Russian comedy carries the weight of a box-office milestone prior to the arrival of Cheburashka. Grisha returns with a bold, recurring misadventure as he faces a fresh set of comic challenges. A character staging a transformation becomes a playful mirror of the series’ signature humor as Katya finds herself drawn into a new, if unpredictable, set of circumstances. The cast also includes Milos Bikovich voicing Sergei Gabrielyan Jr., and Aglaya Tarasova in a pivotal role that tests characters’ reactions in familiar and surprising ways. The film keeps its comedic pulse while exploring character growth, relationships, and the consequences of making bold decisions. Audience members can expect sharp dialogue, physical comedy, and moments that resonate with fans of the series and new viewers alike. (Source: Studio production notes, 2023-2024)
Chimera (La chimera) — direction. Alice Rohrwacher
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 1
This fantasy retrodrama from Italian filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher centers on a young British archaeologist entangled in the international trade of stolen artifacts from the ancient Etruscan world. Josh O’Connor, known for his work on The Crown, leads the cast, supported by Isabella Rossellini, famed for her iconic Blue Velvet performance. The film combines evocative period visuals with a modern meditation on cultural heritage, the ethics of collecting, and the human stories behind the artifacts that cross borders. It invites viewers to consider what we value and why, all set against a lush cinematic backdrop that blends mystery with historical reflection. (Distribution notes, 2023–2024)
Cheburashka. Day Off, direction. Dmitry Dyachenko
Where and when to watch: From January 1
This festive short serves as a playful prelude to the anticipated full-length Cheburashka sequel. The plot follows a weary Gena and his friend Cheburashka as they brainstorm how to spend their rare days off. The lighthearted scenario offers a warm, holiday mood and a sense of camaraderie that fans have come to expect from the beloved duo. The short film aims to stoke excitement for the larger story while delivering its own cheerful, charming moments. (Festival notes, 2024)
Fool Me Once — miniseries, created by Harlan Coben and Danny Brocklehurst
Where and when to watch: On Netflix January 1
This Netflix thriller adapts Harlan Coben’s gripping novel into a tense limited series that traces two intertwined murders within a family. The pacing is tight, with twists that keep viewers guessing as loyalties and secrets come to light. The show leans into suspenseful set pieces, character-driven drama, and moral ambiguity, making it a strong entry for fans of contemporary thrillers and serialized storytelling on streaming platforms. (Netflix press materials, 2023–2024)
Sun Brothers — Season 1, created by Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu
Where and when to watch: On Netflix January 4
A darkly comic ride from the minds behind American Horror Story, Glee, and Nip/Tuck follows a member of a Taipei trio who travels to Los Angeles to safeguard his mother and younger brother from dangerous rivals. The series blends humor with high-stakes drama, offering sharp social observations and a stylish, contemporary feel. Michelle Yeoh co-stars in a performance that adds depth to a story about family, loyalty, and survival in a high-stakes, transcontinental setting. (Netflix press materials, 2023–2024)
Brotherhood of Snow (La sociedad de la nieve) — direction. Juan Antonio Bayona
Where and when to watch: On Netflix January 4
Bayona, acclaimed for The Impossible and The Orphanage, returns with a survival thriller inspired by a historic aviation disaster. The narrative follows the rugby-team members who crash in the Andes in 1972 and their extraordinary attempts to endure against overwhelming odds. The film juxtaposes intimate human drama with the vast, perilous landscape, offering a harrowing look at resilience, leadership, and the will to survive. (Netflix catalog notes, 2023–2024)
Mourning Journey (Good Grief) — direction. Dan Levy
Where and when to watch: On Netflix January 5
The directorial debut of Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy is a comedy-drama about a recently widowed man who, after the loss of his mother, takes a Paris weekend with two close friends. Levy also stars, with Ruth Negga among the supporting cast, and a broad ensemble including Himesh Patel, Luke Evans, Celia Imrie, David Bradley, Emma Corrin, and Arnaud Valois. The film uses humor and tenderness to explore grief, friendship, and the restorative power of travel and memory. (Netflix press materials, 2023–2024)
Gyeongseong Creature — Season 1 (Episode 2), Created by Kang Eun Kyung
Where and when to watch: On Netflix January 5
This season presents a hybrid narrative with a distinctly Korean context, unfolding in a city shadowed by historical tension. The story follows a cast of characters as they confront danger and the unknown, weaving elements of suspense with social commentary. The episode promises a blend of thriller pacing and atmospheric world-building. (Regional press materials, 2023–2024)