Holiday Entertainment Guide: 'Babygirl,' 'A Complete Unknown,' and more

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Christmas Day brings a treasure trove of happy news to movies and streaming platforms with the arrival of a music legend, a powerful executive, a century-old earl and a cast of players.

Bob Dylan fans, get excited! A musical biopic chronicling his seismic rise in the early 1960s hits theaters on Christmas Day, focusing primarily on his controversial shift from folk to rock music. Timothée Chalamet, who stars as the enigmatic legend, leads a talented cast including Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton.

Craving an intense romantic thriller? Office romance unfolds in “Babygirl,” starring Nicole Kidman as a high-powered executive who begins an illicit affair with a young intern (Harris Dickinson).

Fans of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel “Dracula” are also in for a treat, as “Nosferatu” makes a big splash on Christmas Day in theaters. The film stars Lilly Rose-Depp, Nicholas Holt and Bill Skarsgård.

Last but not least, the second season of Netflix's “Squid Game” finally debuts on December 25th.

See what we thought of the four new releases below.

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Movies and shows this Christmas Day

“A complete stranger”

Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton; directed by James Mangold

James Mangold's new musical biopic chronicles the rise of the legendary Bob Dylan, one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters of all time. As prolific as he is, the artist defied the conventions of pop music during his illustrious six-decade career.

Adapted from Elijah Wald's 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan and the Night that Split the Sixties, the film mainly focuses on the musician's shocking shift from folk to rock music, spanning four years from 1961 to 1965. From In the end, the shocking news would send shockwaves of disbelief around the world, so much so that many of his die-hard fans considered it an act of treason.

Timothée Chalamet embodies the big tune with great gusto, hitting all the right notes, complete with his own singing and guitar. Meanwhile, the star also dazzles in these sunglasses – but rose-colored glasses, they are not. Chalamet's Dylan is a towering figure hailed for his genius but tarnished for his unpredictable opportunistic and frivolous tendencies. It is an enigma after all.

Elle Fanning shines as Sylvie Russo, Dylan's first friend in New York — a character based on the late artist, Suze Rotolo. She was completely devoted to him, but their relationship ended in 1964 due to unresolved conflicts.

Monica Barbaro impresses as pop star Joan Baez, who helps Dylan in his burgeoning music career. But their rivalry will cause a fracture in their romantic relationship.

The film wraps up after Dylan is electrocuted during the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Oscar buzz is swirling around “A Complete Unknown” and Chalamet for his thrilling turn.

“Baby Girl”

Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson; directed by Halina Reijn

Halina Reijn's romantic thriller stars Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, a powerful executive who begins an illicit affair with a brash intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson).

It is only a matter of time before the gripping dynamics of the force consume her life. On the one hand she has the upper hand, but on the other hand she knows very well that she could easily turn her marriage upside down.

But looks like Romi is willing to risk it all. Is it for love? The answer is a definite “No”. It's just that it's all about control, and her husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas), who happens to be a theater director, can't satisfy her desire to be dominated.

At this juncture, Samuel's intuition about Romy's burning desires comes into play. He just seems to understand her psyche. She needs to control and be controlled at the same time, and she enjoys every moment of their sexual escapade.

However, it begs the question why Romi, with all her might as a successful business titan, is on the verge of losing her life. This is the crux of the question at the heart of the film. For what it's worth, this isn't about whips and chains in the bedroom.

Oh! We told you that unbeknownst to Romy, Samuel is currently dating her assistant, Esmie (Sophie Wilde). Complications arise to say the least.

Kidman delivers her opulent role with surprising depth and range. It's a vision. Dickinson also impresses with his enchanting turn. Together, the two protagonists are on fire, heightened even more by Haijn's honest take on amorous desires.

“Nosferatu”

Lilly Rose-Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård; directed by Robert Eggers

The century-old vampire in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel “Dracula” returns to the big screen for yet another film adaptation – filmmaker Robert Eggers' remake of FW Murnau's 1922 horror classic “Nosferatu.”

The new celluloid version depicts a shocking love story through the prism of an unimaginable and grotesque love triangle with Ellen Hutter (Lily Rose-Depp) at the core. The seductive young German is a social outcast who is obsessed with ending her loneliness. Her screams of agony mysteriously awaken the evil vampire Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), fueling a destructive obsession between them.

Years later, Helen marries a young stockbroker, the seductive Thomas Hatter (Nicholas Hoult). By any measure, she has become her salvation, an agonizing thought for Orlok. In the end it is tragedy, a struggle between true love and demonic desires, as Orlok becomes more and more diabolical to claim her as his own bride.

Eggers' reimagining breathes new life into the classic gothic tragedy, captivating audiences with riveting set pieces and meticulous atmosphere, all while staying true to the original story. Depp, Skarsgård and Holt deliver electrifying performances as they navigate a psychosexual tale steeped in stygian and macabre moments.

“Squid Game 2”

Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hun; created and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk

Remember 'Squid Game', Netflix's South Korean dystopian survival thriller that took our breath away in 2021? The juggernaut series returns for Season 2 with yet another survival game where the winner takes all and the losers just have to die.

No spoilers here. So be sure to mark your calendars. Netflix unveils season two on Christmas Day.