The Humans
NYT Critic’s Pick | R | Drama | Directed by Stephen Karam
Stephen Karam’s film adaptation of his powerful play acquires a supernatural sheen as a family gathers for Thanksgiving dinner.

Clockwise from left: June Squibb, Amy Schumer, Steven Yeun, Beanie Feldstein, Richard Jenkins and Jayne Houdyshell in “The Humans.”
By JEANNETTE CATSOULIS

Encanto
NYT Critic’s Pick | PG | Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical | Directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Disney’s new film, about a gifted family in Colombia, has stunning animation, a beautifully composed story and spellbinding songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Mirabel, center, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, is the non-magical member of the Madrigal family in “Encanto,” the new animated Disney film.
By MAYA PHILLIPS

A Boy Called Christmas
NYT Critic’s Pick | PG | Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy | Directed by Gil Kenan
Enchanting imagery elevates this Netflix holiday adventure about a boy who journeys to a magic elfin city.

Henry Lawfull in “A Boy Called Christmas.”
By NATALIA WINKELMAN

Drive My Car
NYT Critic’s Pick | Drama | Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
In this quiet masterpiece, Ryusuke Hamaguchi considers grief, love, work and the soul-sustaining, life-shaping power of art.

From left, Hidetoshi Nishijima and Toko Miura in “Drive My Car,” | Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
By MANOHLA DARGIS

Writing with Fire
NYT Critic’s Pick | Documentary | Directed by Sushmit Ghosh, Rintu Thomas
This rousing documentary follows the reporters of India’s only all-women news outlet as they pivot to digital journalism while battling personal and political challenges.

Suneeta, a reporter in the documentary “Writing With Fire.”
By DEVIKA GIRISH