This Week's Picks | 69th Edition

Published on 17 December 2025 at 06:00

Midweek arrives with a passport full of stories. On Screens This Week travels across oceans, languages and genres—bringing you bold new cinema, binge-worthy series and urgent documentaries from every corner of the world.

From animated adventures and epic fantasy to intimate human drama and investigative nonfiction, this week’s picks prove that the most compelling stories know no borders.


In Cinemas


US

Comedy | Animation

A sponge, a ghost pirate and the deep blue unknown. SpongeBob dives headfirst into his biggest adventure yet—an exuberant, laugh-soaked voyage about courage, friendship and growing up (even when you’re a sponge). Silly on the surface, surprisingly soulful underneath.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can't miss cinematic event ever... The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman -- a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate -- on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.

Writer: Pam Brady, Matt Lieberman & Derek Drymon

Cast: Mark Hamill, George Lopez, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Sherry Cola, Clancy Brown, Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Regina Hall, Arturo Castro

Cine-grapher: Peter Lyons Collister

Composer: John Debney

Costume Designer: Dayna Pink

Production Designer: Sean Haworth & Pablo R. Mayer

Producer: Lisa Stewart, Pam Brady & Aaron Dem

Editor: Wyatt Jones

Director: Derek Drymon

Release Date: 20 December 2025

Screening Territory: Global

Production Country: US

Cert: PG

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS3mgDtELaU&t=7s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

Tunisia, France, US, UK, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus

Drama

One voice. One call. One unbearable wait. This devastating real-time drama captures a child’s plea for life amid war, turning a single phone line into a haunting portrait of humanity, helplessness and moral urgency. Quiet, restrained—and impossible to forget.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: January 29, 2024. Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A 6-year-old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.

Writer: Kaouther Ben Hania

Cast: Motaz Malhees, Saja Kilani, Amer Hlehel, Clara Khoury, Nesbat Serhan

Cine-grapher: Juan Sarmiento G.

Composer: Amine Bouhafa

Costume Designer: Khadija Zeggai

Production Designer: Bessem Marzouk

Producer: Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae & James Wilson

Editor: Kaouther Ben Hania, Maxime Mathis & Qutaiba Barhamji

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Release Date: 17, 18 & 19 December 2025

Screening Territory: US, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

Production Location: Tunisia

Production Country: Tunisia, France, US, UK, Italy, Saudi Arabia & Cyprus

Language: Arabic & English

Cert: 15

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkeKrG0YONQ&t=4s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

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In Cinemas


US

Action | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Adventure

Pandora burns anew. As grief reshapes Jake and Neytiri, a brutal new Na’vi clan rises from the ashes. Spectacle meets sorrow in this emotionally charged chapter—where survival, legacy and the soul of a planet hang in the balance.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: In the wake of the devastating war against the RDA and the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully and Neytiri face a new threat on Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na'vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang. Jake's family must fight for their survival and the future of Pandora in a conflict that pushes them to their emotional and physical limits.

Writer: James Cameron, Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Jack Champion, Edie Falco, David Thewlis, Britain Dalton, Brendan Cowell, Jemaine Clement, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Daniel Lough, Kevin Dorman, Jamie Flatters, Filip Geljo

Cine-grapher: Russell Carpenter

Composer: Simon Franglen

Costume Designer: Deborah L. Scott

Production Designer: Dylan Cole & Ben Procter

Producer:  James Cameron & Jon Landau

Editor: David Brenner, James Cameron, Nicolas De Toh, Jason Gaudio, John Reoua & Stephen E. Rivkin

Director: James Cameron

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Screening Territory: Global

Production Location: New Zealand

Production Country: US

Cert: 12A

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma1x7ikpid8&t=6s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

Germany

Animation | Family | Fantasy

Ancient feuds meet modern fun. When two Elfkin clans collide, friendship becomes rebellion. Bright, buoyant and brimming with heart, this animated adventure celebrates curiosity, courage and the joy of breaking traditions that no longer serve.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: Helvi's world is turned upside down when she discovers the existence of a technically advanced Elfkin gang that, in stark contrast to Elfie’s own clan, is second to none when it comes to fun and thrill-seeking. Can Helvi’s friendship with Bo, the youngest gang member, reconcile the two Elfkin clans after more than 250 years?

Writer: Jan Strathmann & Constanze Behrende

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Jella Haase, Elke Heidenreich, Paul Pizzera, Annette Frier, Inga Sibyille Kuhne, Cesar Sampson, Hilde Dalik, Lars Walther, Leon Seidel, Sophia Heinzmann, Bill Mockridge, Margie Kinsky, Siham El-Maimouni, Dave Davis, Sophia Heinzmann, Lars Walther, Thomas Balou Martin, Julia von Tettenborn, Alma Luhn

Cine-grapher: Francesco Paglia

Composer: Alex Komlew

Producer: Dirk Beinhold & Valentin Greulich

Editor: Rene Weinber & Ute von Munchow-Phl

Director: Ute von Münchow-Pohl

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Screening Territory: International

Production Location: Germany

Production Country: Germany

Cert: U

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TmznPAc6iw&t=2s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

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Streaming Series


UK

Comedy | Slapstick

Chaos returns—with nappies. Trevor Bingley’s fragile peace is shattered by an infant intruder in a luxury penthouse. Physical comedy at its finest, this is parenthood as survival sport—gleefully absurd and relentlessly funny.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: After a disastrous experience housesitting a high-tech mansion hampered by an inconvenient insect in "Man vs Bee", Trevor Bingley is now looking after a luxurious London penthouse, with another unlikely, unasked-for companion.

Writer: Rowan Atkinson & Will Davies,

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Alanah Bloor, Joseph Balderrama, Susannah Fielding, Steve Edge, Sunil Patel, Robert Bathurst, Ellie White, Angus Imrie, Sunetra Sarker, Claudie Blakley

Cine-grapher: James Mather

Composer: Lorne Balfe

Costume Designer: Selina Wong

Production Designer: Stephane Collonge

Producer: Kate Fasulo

Editor: Rich Ketteridge

Director: David Kerr

Release Date: 11 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Location: London, UK

Production Country: UK

Cert: TV-PG

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHhR3daI3bY&t=1s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

New Zealand

Comedy | Musical | Drama

Broadway dreams collide with small-town realities. Back in his childhood bedroom, a disillusioned director rediscovers community, creativity and the messy beauty of starting again. Wry, warm and quietly uplifting—this sings long after the curtain falls.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: Broadway director Charlie Summers returns to his hometown of Tauranga, New Zealand, 20 years after leaving; back living in his childhood bedroom, his mom forces him to join the local theatre society.

Writer: Kip Chapman, Emily Anderton, Luke Di Somma, Todd Emerson, Kate McDermott, Simone Nathan & Leon Wadham

Cast: Rebecca Gibney, Peter Hambleton, Harry McNaughton, Jessie Lawrence, Melody Lui-Webster, Brady Peeti, Marhayla Christie, Yvette Parsons, Maaka Pohatu, Bronwyn Bradley, Henry Auva’a, Joel Granger

Cine-grapher: David Paul

Composer: Luke Di Somma

Costume Designer: Sammy Salsa

Production Designer: Gabriel Kearney

Producer: Kip Chapman & Harriet Crampton

Editor: Lisa Hough

Director: Robyn Grace

Streaming On: Prime Video

Production Location: Auckland & Tauranga, New Zealand

Production Country: New Zealand

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6VxgFEx9LE

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

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Streaming Movies


Indonesia

Comedy | Drama

What happens when the applause stops? A performer stripped of his talent confronts ego, emptiness and reinvention. Sharp, funny and aching with truth, this is a backstage look at identity beyond fame.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: A narcissistic performer's world crumbles when he mysteriously loses his talent right before the biggest opportunity of his career.

Writer & Director: Ernest Prakasa

Cast: Vino G. Bastian, Dea Panendra, Agus Kuncoro, Emil Kusumo, Sadha Triyudha, Mike Lucock, Sheila Dara Aisha, Morgan Oey, Lukman Sardi, Arswendy Bening Swara, Nadine Alexandra, Aci Resti, Fico Fachriza, Yudha Brajamusti, Priska Baru Segu, Guzman Sige, Mega Salsabilah, Coki Anwar, Aurel Mayori, Mian Tiara, Jordan Omar

Cine-grapher: Bella Panggabean

Composer: Alden Luhukay

Costume Designer: Fadillah Putri Yunidar

Production Designer: Tepan Kobain

Producer: Dipa Andika & Nurita Anandia

Editor: Ryan Purwoko

Release Date: 11 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Production Country: Indonesia

Language: Indonesian

Cert: 13+

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPymsvhuT-E&t=6s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

South Korea

Sci-Fi | Thriller | Drama

Water rises. Time runs out. A mother, a mission and humanity’s fate collide in this nerve-tight disaster thriller. Intimate emotion meets large-scale spectacle, asking how much we’re willing to sacrifice—for family, and for the future.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: When a raging flood traps a researcher and her young son, a call to a crucial mission puts their escape -- and the future of humanity -- on the line.

Writer: Byung-woo Kim & Han Ji-su

Cast: Kim Da-mi, Park Hae-soo, Kim Kyu-na, Kim Byung-nam, Kim Su-Kyung, Lee Dong-chan, Kwon Eun-seong, Kim Kang-bin, Yuna, Kim Min-Gwi, Jung Shi Hoon, Lee Jae-Woong, Jung Min-joo

Cine-grapher: Kim Tae-soo

Director: Byung-woo Kim

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Country: South Korea

Language: Korean (Foreign Language Subtitled)

Cert: 15

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYF0MxHVAR0&t=4s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

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Streaming Movies


Mexico

Action | Comedy | Crime

Therapy gets dangerous. An unlikely duo—a bruised cop and a reluctant psychoanalyst—find themselves in over their heads. Fast, funny and surprisingly tender, this genre-bending ride finds courage in the most unexpected places.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: A psychoanalyst is sentenced to community service following a traffic accident and is assigned to provide therapeutic support to a police agent devastated by his wife's infidelity. The two will face unimaginable dangers together.

Writer: Jose Leonor Alejandro, Jorge Michel Grau & Venancio Villalobos

Cast: Luis Gerardo Mendez, Memo Villegas, Christian Tappan, Veronica Bravo, Noe Hernandez, Fernando Cuautle, Santiago Sandoval

Cine-grapher: Josie Casillas

Composer: Sergei Grosny

Production Designer: Claudio Ramirez Castelli

Producer: Diego Copello, Leticia Cristi, Matías Mosteirín, Eréndira Núñez Larios & Hugo Sigman

Editor: Jorge Macaya

Director: Ariel Winograd

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Location: Guanajuato, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi & Estudios Churubusco, Mexico

Production Country: Mexico

Language: Spanish (Foreign Language Dubs & Subtitled)

Cert: 18

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dxUQI_vgQQ

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

India

Crime | Mystery | Thriller

A mansion of secrets. A family bound by lies. As a lone investigator digs deeper, privilege, power and deception unravel in this moody, slow-burn whodunit—where every answer opens another wound.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: A seasoned investigator is summoned to a powerful family's estate to unravel a brutal killing, navigating deceit, entangled loyalties and secrets buried deep within.

Writer: Smita Singh

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangada Singh, Radhika Apte, Rajat Kapoor, Revathi, Deepti Naval, Sanjay Kapoor, Ila Arun, Akhilendra Mishra, Priyanka Setia, Delzad Hiwale, Ujjwal Raj, Leena Sharma, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangda Singh, Aarushi Bajaj

Cine-grapher: Sirsha Ray

Production Designer: Raveena Singh & Tiya Tejpal

Producer: Abhishek Chaubey, Ronnie Screwvala & Honey Trehan

Editor: Tanya Chhabria

Director: Honey Trehan

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Country: India

Language: Hindi (Foreign Language Dubs & Subtitled)

Cert: 16+

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLycmGPzRGM&t=4s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

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Documentaries


In Cinemas

US

Investigative | Biography

Truth has a price—and someone always pays it. With rare access and chilling clarity, this documentary revisits Julian Assange’s battle with power, probing press freedom, surveillance and the fragile future of truth itself.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: Being a journalist has never been as dangerous as it is today, in a world where the defence of truth is under attack from all sides. This film traces the saga of Julian Assange, a contemporary icon of the right to information, whose recent release from prison has reignited the global debate on press freedom. With extraordinary access to insiders and never-before-seen evidence, this is a timely, international investigation into truth, power and the global fight for press freedom.

Writer: Joe Fletcher, Eugene Jarecki, Zora Schiffer & Noel Sheehan

Cast: Julian Assange, Jennifer Robinson, Pamela Anderson, Rafael Correa, Alan Duncan, Daniel Ellsberg, Edward Snowden, Naomi Klein, Chris Hedges, Jeremy Scahill, Sigurdur Thordarson, Nils Melzer,

Cine-grapher: Joe Fletcher, Jorg Gruber, Derek Hallquist, Jack Harrison, Niels Ladefoged, David McDowall & Juan Luis Passarelli

Composer: Harold Charoncisneros, Belief Defect, Niklas Paschburg & Akin Sevgor

Producer: Kathleen Fournier & Eugene Jarecki

Editor: Simon Dopslaf, David Fairhead, Mirja Gerle, Martin Reimers & Zora Schiffer

Director: Eugene Jarecki

Release Date: 19 December 2025

Screening Territory: UK (Picturehouse & Curzon

Production Country: US

Cert: 15

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70lvapweYLw&t=4s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

UK

Crime

Behind the glamour lies a chilling mystery. The death of billionaire Edmond Safra becomes a labyrinth of wealth, secrecy and unanswered questions. Elegant, unsettling and meticulously told.

Synopsis, Credit & Trailer

Synopsis: Monaco, 1999. One of the world's richest men dies in his penthouse. This documentary unpacks the mysterious murder of billionaire banker Edmond Safra.

Cine-grapher: Tim Cragg & Alan Jensen

Composer: Nainita Desai

Production Designer: Phoebe Anne Harris

Producer: John Battsek, Ali Brown, Adrian Carlesimo & Sarah Thomson

Editor: Nic Zimmermann

Director: Hodges Usry

Release Date:  17 December 2025

Streaming On: Netflix

Production Country: UK

Cert: R

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbE_jwpTD1E&t=3s

Rating: 0 stars
0 votes

Whether it's laughter beneath the sea, courage amidst the flood, or truth in the shadows, these films and series transport us across cultures and continents.

"On Screens This Week" is your guide to the world's most captivating stories.

Take a trip to the cinema or stream the content to watch, feel, and connect.

Expect another loaded package next week!


*Posters, Synopses and Trailers are copyrights of the original owners.


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