Streaming, TV: what are we watching in December?

Spending hours scrolling through your streaming platform catalogs while dinner gets cold? That’s terminado. Do It In Paris makes your life easier with a handpicked selection of the best film releases in December on MyCanal, Max, Arte, Netflix, and Prime Video. All set? Let’s go!

The pitch. In a weakened, decaying world, young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) is kidnapped by a horde of bikers led by Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). She has only one goal: to return home to the Green Place, a rare oasis of greenery that still exists. But to do so, she must survive the Wasteland, a massive desert symbolic of Earth’s apocalyptic state, and also escape the grasp of Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme), the desert’s ruler who, like Dementus, is eager to claim every inch of the desolate land. Growing up in captivity, she becomes an extremely skilled mechanic. Trapped between these two rulers, Furiosa seizes her chance to escape during a battle between clans, but Dementus isn’t about to let his best asset slip away.

Why we loved it. This spin-off of the Mad Max: Fury Road saga (helmed by George Miller since 1979) delivers. It’s a true dose of high-octane chases between trucks, tanks, and cars, just how we like them. Fast and Furious better watch out. Anya Taylor-Joy, winner of the 2021 Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in The Queen’s Gambit, is a powerhouse in this intense and gripping action film. The photography of desert landscapes is stunning: a treat for fans of apocalyptic climates, blending Mad Max and Dune vibes. A bonus: Chris Hemsworth’s abs.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, on Canal+ starting December 6.

The pitch. The story follows William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a modest, clumsy bookstore owner in Notting Hill, whose routine life is turned upside down when Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a mega-famous American superstar, walks into his shop. After a comedic mishap where William spills orange juice on Anna, he invites her to his place to change. This moment sparks the beginning of an unexpected yet complicated romance, fraught with their vastly different lifestyles. Anna struggles with her fame and the relentless media, while William contends with his simplicity and eccentric circle, including his hilariously quirky roommate, Spike. Will love conquer all?

Why we loved it. Notting Hill is an ultra feel-good classic, perfect for warming hearts during the cold winter months. Hugh Grant is utterly irresistible in this masterpiece of romantic comedy from 1999 (already!), at the peak of his pretty-boy era. This cult favorite was written by none other than Richard Curtis. The name might ring a bell, as he’s also the mastermind behind Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), and Love Actually (2003). A timeless gem!

Notting Hill: Love at First Sight, on Max starting December 15.

The pitch. No introductions needed. The Vicomte de Valmont (straight out of Choderlos de Laclos' Les Liaisons Dangereuses) is on a mission under orders from his mistress, the cunning yet vicious Marquise de Merteuil (Annette Bening). His task? Seduce two innocent young women. The first, Cécile de Volanges (Fairuza Balk), is promised to another lover of the libertine Marquise. Jealous, she wants to humiliate the fiancé before the official wedding. The second, the unyielding, incorruptible, and deeply pious Madame de Tourvel (Meg Tilly), is also targeted by Valmont as part of a bet proposed by the Marquise. But the unexpected happens: the womanizing Valmont finds himself overwhelmed by a love he never thought possible.

Why we loved it. Colin Firth as a loverboy, over a decade before his iconic role in Bridget Jones’s Diary? Yes, please! If you’re a fan of Bridgerton-style attire with flowing ruffled shirts, duels of honor between impassioned men, and the elaborate bows of the era, you’ll be enchanted by this classic. Directed by Milos Forman, this film won the César for Best Direction in 1991. A tantalizing and intriguingly decadent treat.

Valmont, on Arte starting December 9.

The pitch. The residents of Wellington-on-Sea experience an unforgettable Christmas as the worst snowstorm in history disrupts everyone's plans—starting with Santa Claus, whose sleigh breaks down (or is it the reindeer that run out of fuel?). And as if that’s not enough, the Christmas dinner faces disaster when the children accidentally let the turkeys escape from their shed. Through intertwining stories about love, loneliness, family, and friends, That Christmas reminds us of the true spirit of the season. But beware—even Santa isn’t immune to blunders.

Why we loved it. That Christmas is a heartwarming animated comedy crafted by none other than Richard Curtis. His first foray into animation is an absolute success. Featuring an exceptional voice cast (Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, and Jodie Whittaker), the film feels like a warm hug under a fluffy blanket with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. A must-watch for kids and grown-ups alike.

That Christmas, on Netflix starting December 4.

The pitch. Two Australian drag queens, Felicia and Mitzi, along with their transgender travel companion Bernadette, set out to perform their flamboyant drag queen act in Alice Springs. The catch? They must traverse 2,000 kilometers of the vast, unforgiving Outback desert to get there. Undeterred, the trio buys a bus they christen Priscilla and hit the road, barreling toward their destination with a mix of speed and sass. Along the way, they face colorful encounters, mechanical breakdowns, and unexpected challenges. Will the performers make it to their gig? Bonus drama: one of the three queens has a secret reason for wanting to reach the Alice Springs Casino.

Why we loved it. If you’re a fan of road movies, outrageous humor, and outlandish costumes, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a must-watch. This wild ride, complete with platform heels and glittery eyeshadow under the scorching Australian sun, is Stephan Elliott’s biggest hit. It’s hilariously entertaining, with standout moments like the trio’s impromptu drag performance for Aboriginal Australians around a campfire in the desert. A heartwarming ode to acceptance and individuality, packed with laughs.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, on Prime Video starting December 1.

Discover also the 100% adrenaline-fueled crime series Cross, and the documentary film on The Beatles, produced by Scorsese.