Eileen
NYT Critic’s Pick | R | Drama, Mystery, ThrillerDirected by William Oldroyd
Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway star in a period thriller that brings cathartic nastiness to a cold New England Christmas.

Thomasin McKenzie, right, with Anne Hathaway in “Eileen.”
By ALISSA WILKINSON

Silent Night
NYT Critic’s Pick | R | ActionDirected by John Woo
John Woo’s latest is as violent and merciless a revenge thriller as you can imagine.

Joel Kinnaman in “Silent Night.”
By GLENN KENNY

American Symphony
NYT Critic’s Pick | PG-13 | Documentary, Biography, MusicDirected by Matthew Heineman
This portrait of the musician Jon Batiste and the author Suleika Jaouad follows an artistic couple through ambition and adversity.

From left, Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste in a moment at home.
By BEN KENIGSBERG

Bad Press
NYT Critic’s Pick | Not Rated | DocumentaryDirected by Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, Joe Peeler
The battle to claw back press freedoms is the nerve-racking subject of this civic-minded documentary.

Angel Ellis in the documentary “Bad Press.”
By NICOLAS RAPOLD

— Of Possible Interest —

What’s It Like to Work With Hayao Miyazaki? Go Behind the Scenes.
The anime master is a creature of habit who talks every day with his longtime producer, and keeps it more hands off with his regular composer.
By CARLOS AGUILAR

Five Science Fiction Movies to Stream Now
A rom-com in space, a coming-of-age quest and a high-tech birthing plan are among the films worth checking out this month.
By ELISABETH VINCENTELLI