Arnaud Desplechin’s whirlwind dramedy doesn’t fully reject Christmas joy, but it does give the undersung holiday traditions of dysfunction and discomfort their time in the spotlight. Starring a formidable French cast, this festive film’s thorny exterior makes way for little glimmers of tender hope.

In a touching and graceful tale of modern motherhood and romance, Virginie Efira plays a woman of boundless compassion—and is as radiant as ever. Embracing love in various heart-stealing guises, Rebecca Zlotowski’s fifth feature also has a delightful cameo from adoptive Parisian, Frederick Wiseman!

Claire Denis explores the dark side of erotics with a fascination and fearlessness that few other filmmakers possess. Bristling with passion and pain, Chiara Mastroianni and Vincent Lindon are accessories to a festering spiral of unthinkable transgression in this sinister but thrilling noir.