There will be plenty to tune into this December, but here’s just a taste of the new releases that we’re excited to see.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): (L to R) Chadwick Boseman as Levee, Colman Domingo as Cutler, Viola Davis as Ma Rainey, Michael Potts as Slow Drag, and Glynn Turman as Toldeo. Cr. David Lee / Netflix
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not the holiday season — the time when Netflix releases their drop of everything new coming for the month.
In December, we’ll finally see the debut of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Chadwick Boseman’s final screen appearance starring opposite Viola Davis as the legendary blues singer. The story takes place in 1927 on one hot summer afternoon in Chicago, where Ma Rainey and her band are recording several songs, including the one that gives the film its title.
In addition to new releases, classics such as You Got Served, Why Did I Get Married, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler will appear on the streaming platform just in time for holiday gatherings and family movie time. There will be plenty to tune into this month, but here’s just a taste of the new releases that we’re excited to see.
01
The Prom – 12/11
Theaters may be dark because of the pandemic, but the neon lights of Broadway shine bright in this adaptation of The Prom. The musical tells the story of a small-town Indiana high school that’s has cancelled its prom because the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) doesn’t approve of a female student attending with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose).
Netflix
02
Giving Voice – 12/11
Giving Voice closely follows the lives of six vibrant students as they meticulously develop their individual performances with the hopes of embodying August Wilson’s legacy, in a riveting, high-stakes competition on Broadway. It’s executive produced by Julius Tennon and Viola Davis’ JuVee Productions along with John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co.
03
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
‘Ma Rainey’ starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman was awarded Best Costume Design (Ann Roth) and Best Hair and Makeup (Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson)
04
London Hughes: To Catch a D*ck – 12/22
Haven’t heard of comedian London Hughes? While the British comedian may not be all that well known to American audiences currently, that could soon change once you watch her upcoming comedy special, To Catch a D*ck. The special will be executive produced by Kevin Hart, and directed by Kristian Mercado, who previously directed Sam Jay’s debut Netflix special.
05
Cops and Robbers – 12/28
This animated short film is based on a spoken word poetry video created in response to the May 5, 2020, murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
