“Stranger Things” Season 5 Vol. 2 and Other Must-See Films Light Up Holiday Screenings
NEW YORK, NY — The days nestled between Christmas and New Year’s have long been a prime opportunity for moviegoers and binge-watchers to indulge in some of the year’s most anticipated entertainment. This weekend, viewers can immerse themselves in the latest episodes of Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5, Vol. 2, alongside a slate of compelling films hitting theaters nationwide.
Following the dramatic events of Season 5, Vol. 1, the new batch of episodes picks up immediately, plunging fans deeper into the eerie chaos of Hawkins. The storyline continues to unravel with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) harnessing newfound powers to protect his friends, while Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), and Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) venture into the ominous Upside Down in search of Holly (Nell Fisher). Meanwhile, Hopper (David Harbour) and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) encounter Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), and Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) finds herself trapped within the mind of Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Episode 6, aptly titled “Escape from Camazotz,” promises to be an emotional crescendo, eliciting tears and thrills in equal measure.
For those seeking a cinematic experience beyond the supernatural, Timothée Chalamet stars in the newly released film Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie. Chalamet portrays Marty Mauser, a ping pong prodigy determined to elevate the sport’s status in the United States. The film has already sparked Oscar buzz, with critics applauding Chalamet’s nuanced performance alongside co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion. Early screenings have generated excitement, positioning the film as a strong contender in the upcoming awards season.
Adding to the theatrical offerings, The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and based on Freida McFadden’s novel, explores the unraveling of a wealthy family’s facade through the eyes of Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney), a troubled young woman who becomes their live-in housemaid. Amanda Seyfried delivers a standout, unhinged performance that recalls her earlier work in Jennifer’s Body, captivating audiences with her magnetic screen presence. The film’s blend of suspense and dark secrets makes it a perfect “guilty pleasure” for the holiday downtime.
Streaming enthusiasts can also look forward to the return of Fallout on Prime Video. The second season of this adaptation of the beloved video game series transports viewers from Los Angeles to the Mojave Wasteland and the desert city of New Vegas. Ella Purnell reprises her role as Lucy, navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape alongside Walton Goggins’ character, The Ghoul, as they uncover Vault-Tec’s mysteries and Lucy’s family history. The series has garnered praise for its storytelling and Purnell’s compelling performance, making it a must-watch for sci-fi fans.
As 2025 draws to a close, BuzzFeed’s popular newsletter Screen Time also revisits the year’s most heartwarming celebrity interviews featuring puppies and kittens, including appearances by stars from Stranger Things, Squid Game, and The Summer I Turned Pretty. These lighthearted moments provide a welcome contrast to the intense narratives dominating screens this holiday season.
With so many options spanning genres and platforms, this weekend offers a rich tapestry of entertainment to suit every taste. Whether hunkering down with a glass of wine to binge the latest episodes or heading out for a theatrical experience, audiences have plenty to look forward to as they close out the year.
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