STACK #254 December 2025

PREVIEWS MOVIES & TV PREVIEWS MOVIES & TV

WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? It’s been a big year for movie watching, and some of the best have been saved for last. Alongside the major releases featured elsewhere in this issue of STACK , here’s a look at a few other must-see titles. Words Glenn Cochrane

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: Comedy/Drama FORMAT: Blu-ray Lead stars Tim Key ( The Paper ) and Tom Basden ( After-Life ) co-wrote this charming indie drama, co-starring Carey Mulligan ( Saltburn ), set against the wind-swept beauty of a remote Welsh island.

RICK & MORTY: SEASON 8 AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: TV Animation FORMAT: Blu-ray, DVD Rick & Morty: Season 8 arrives on physical media, bringing another wild ride through the multiverse with the show’s signature blend of dark humour, sharp satire, and outlandish sci-fi adventures.

EDITOR’S PICK

It follows an estranged folk duo, once celebrated icons, who are lured to a music festival on Wallis Island. Unaware that the other will be there, they arrive to find an audience of one – a lonely fan who uses his inherited wealth to orchestrate a weekend with them. A warm, life-affirming comedy-drama, it’s perfect for fans of intimate, music-driven stories like Once .

This season pushes the boundaries of the duo’s chaotic escapades, while exploring unexpected emotional beats that give the series surprising depth. With inventive storytelling, irreverent gags, and unforgettable new characters, Season 8 continues to cement Rick & Morty as a must-watch for fans of smart, boundary-pushing animation. A must-own for collectors and long-time fans alike.

STRANGE HARVEST DEFIANT RELEASE DATE: Dec 10

GENRE: Horror FORMATS: DVD

THE DAY OF THE JACKAL AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: Thriller/Crime FORMAT: DVD The Day of the Jackal is a tense new series starring Eddie Redmayne ( Fantastic Beasts ), adapting Frederick Forsyth’s classic thriller of the same name. Redmayne plays a meticulous, enigmatic

THE PARTISAN Eagle RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: Thriller/Drama FORMAT: DVD The Partisan is a gripping WWII drama that explores loyalty, courage, and moral compromise amid the chaos of occupied Europe. The film follows a determined resistance fighter navigating

Fans of true crime and horror are in for a treat with Strange Harvest , a chilling film from Stuart Ortiz, the director of Grave Encounters . Presented as a true crime documentary, it’s actually a mockumentary delivered with unsettling realism, pushing the boundaries of what can – and should - be shown on screen. Following the hunt for a sadistic serial killer, the film traces the police investigation and the twisted clues left by a masked madman. A standout in the genre, it’s guaranteed to disturb even the most seasoned horror and true crime fans.

assassin tasked with an audacious political mission, navigating a world of shadowy operatives and relentless pursuit. The series balances high-stakes espionage with intimate character moments, exploring the psychological cost of a life in hiding. With twisting plots, precise pacing, and Redmayne’s magnetic performance, The Jackal is a must-watch for fans of smart, character-driven thrillers like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Killing Eve .

a dangerous world of shifting allegiances, espionage, and betrayal. With tense direction, immersive cinematography, and standout performances, it captures both the brutality of war and the quiet humanity of those who risk everything for freedom. For fans of character-driven historical dramas and suspenseful war stories, The Partisan delivers a powerful, thought-provoking journey that lingers long after the credits roll.

EDDINGTON AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: Western/Thriller FORMAT: Blu-ray, DVD Eddington marks another bold entry from Ari Aster ( Midsummar ), cementing his rise as one of Hollywood’s most daring auteurs. The film blends his signature psychological intensity with darkly satirical

GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 17 GENRE: Family/Adventure FORMAT: DVD Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a magical, music-filled adventure perfect for kids – and enjoyable for the whole family. A live-action adaptation of the hit animated series, it works

storytelling, offering a scathing commentary on society’s reaction to the COVID pandemic. Centred on a charismatic but morally conflicted protagonist, it explores fear, misinformation, and the human need for control in unprecedented times. With Aster’s meticulous direction, unsettling visuals, and provocative narrative, Eddington challenges audiences while showcasing why he continues to redefine modern cinema, confirming his place among today’s most visionary filmmakers.

beautifully as a standalone story for newcomers. Gabby and her whimsical friends embark on a playful journey brought to life by vibrant, imaginative production design. The star-studded cast – Kristen Wiig, Gloria Estefan, Jason Mantzoukas, Thomas Lennon, and Kyle Mooney - adds humour and heart to every scene. Packed with fun, music, and colourful surprises, it’s a joyful treat that parents can feel good about sharing.

THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 3 AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 3 GENRE: Drama FORMAT: DVD The Gilded Age: Season 3 continues to deliver sumptuous period drama, following the intertwined lives of New York’s elite with all the ambition, intrigue, and scandal fans have come to

HONEY DON’T! AID RELEASE DATE: Dec 17 GENRE: Comedy/Mystery FORMAT: Blu-ray, DVD Honey Don’t! is the second instalment in a quirky new trilogy (following Drive-Away Dolls ), blending dark comedy, crime, and sharp storytelling. Directed by Ethan Coen, it’s a must-watch for fans

love. With its arrival on physical media coinciding with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale , audiences get an extra dose of lavish settings, intricate costumes, and sharp social dynamics from writer Julian Fellowes. The season balances heartfelt character arcs with dazzling spectacle, making it perfect for fans of historical storytelling. A must-own for all fans of the first two seasons, as well as Downton Abbey .

mourning the end of the Coen Brothers’ partnership, channeling their signature wit and slyly twisted humour. This gumshoe story follows a morally conflicted private investigator drawn into a web of schemes, misadventures, and unexpected twists. With clever plotting, unforgettable dialogue, and standout performances, Honey Don’t combines suspense and comedy, solidifying its place as a thrilling continuation of this ambitious trilogy.

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