How does Netflix end the year? A couple of Oscar contenders, science fiction from George Clooney, beautiful European cinema, and another project from Ryan Murphy.

Mank

Premiere: December 4

The legendary collaboration between David Fincher and Netflix continues with a film about Herman Mankiewicz—the alleged screenwriter of 'Citizen Kane', which won an Oscar and went down in history. The idea to make a film about such a character came up 30 years ago, but back then studios weren't interested in the project and didn't want to fund a black-and-white film. Our modern 'Mank' was shot on digital cameras, but visually it all resembles old film stock.

It is currently one of the most anticipated films of the year. But as a warning, it is recommended to watch the original source film itself to get inspired by the style of old cinema. Critics also note another remarkable performance by Gary Oldman.

The Midnight Sky

Premiere: December 23

At the center of the plot is an elderly astronomer at an Arctic station who meets a group of astronauts returning to a post-apocalyptic Earth. A mysterious global catastrophe has occurred on the planet.

The science fiction film is directed and produced by George Clooney, who also plays the lead role. The cast also includes Felicity Jones and Kyle Chandler.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Premiere: December 18

The story of American blues legend Ma Rainey, whose career is threatened when her managers try to take the rights to all her music. The lead roles are brilliantly played by Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, who performed his final role in his career.

The film currently has a 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This is largely due to the sad events surrounding the film's release, as well as the theme of the 'black and white' population conflict in America. Also a potential Oscar contender.

Bridgerton

Premiere: December 25

The story of eight brothers and sisters of the influential Bridgerton family trying to find love. The series is set in the same era as classic Jane Austen stories.

We are promised something akin to 'Gossip Girl' and 'Downton Abbey' combined. Plus gorgeous costumes, soundtracks, locations, and high society. A promising project that they want to renew for several seasons right away.

The Prom

Premiere: December 11

Another project by Ryan Murphy on Netflix this year. The acclaimed Broadway musical 'The Prom' about actors who go to a school to help a girl attend the prom with her girlfriend. The cast is impressive: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Kerry Washington, Ariana Grande.

On the surface, everything is, as always, bright, positive, and aesthetic. But for now, it looks like an episode of the series Glee with a huge budget.

The Holiday Movies That Made Us

Premiere: December 1

If you like documentary series on Netflix, we recommend checking out the second project from the Movies That Made Us series. It consists of several episodes dedicated to the making of iconic films, in this case Christmas ones. For example, the behind-the-scenes of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.

The Incredible Story of Rose Island (L'incredibile storia dell'Isola delle Rose)

Premiere: December 9

The little-known story of an independent state called Rose Island, founded by engineer Giorgio Rosa in 1968 off the coast of Rimini. For connoisseurs of Italian cinema. It all starts with a snowy landscape, a strange car, a monumental palace, and pastel tones in the spirit of Wes Anderson's paintings.

This island became a symbol of freedom, poetry, and dreams. And the series will tell about friends who tried to achieve this.

Equinox

Premiere: December 30

Another project about parallel realities. Its plot is based on a popular podcast in Denmark. In 1999, an entire class of students disappears without a trace, and the main character is haunted by terrifying visions. By 2020, the girl has come to terms with the past, but a mysterious murder of one of the survivors comes into play. Perhaps another successful European series not to be missed.