Coming to Theaters Near You: 'Youth,' 'Macbeth,' 'Chi-Raq' and More

– By Beau Behan, Film Critic

Are you planning on going to the movies this weekend? Here are this week’s new releases.

• “Spotlight”
• “Carol”
• “Chi-Raq”
• “Krampus”
• “Legend”
• “Macbeth”
• “The Danish Girl”
• “The Letters”
• “Youth”

And here’s what they’re all about.

“Spotlight” (Expanding, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie review to learn more to learn about the brilliancy of “Spotlight” – worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

R, 128 min, Biography, Drama, History

Director: Tom McCarthy

Writers: Tom McCarthy, Josh Singer

Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian d’Arcy James, John Slattery

Directed by Tom McCarthy, “Spotlight” provides a smart dissection of The Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into the child molestation horrors of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, and Brian d’Arcy James portray the Globe’s finest team of journalists combing for the startling revelation.

“ Carol ” (Limited, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie review to learn more why “Carol” is about love in silence. Both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara deserve Oscar nominations for their roles.

R, 118 min, Drama, Romance

Director: Todd Haynes

Writers: Phyllis Nagy (screenplay), Patricia Highsmith (novel)

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler

A film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt,” “Carol” is a depiction of two lost souls whose love affair is complicated by their own realities.

Directed by Todd Haynes (“Far from Heaven”), “Carol” stars Cate Blanchett in the title role and Rooney Mara as the young Therese – both searching for love that is devoid of silence.

“Chi-Raq” (Nationwide, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 118 min, Drama

Director: Spike Lee

Writers: Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee

Stars: Nick Cannon, Teyonah Parris, Wesley Snipes

“Chi-Raq” is a modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes. After the murder of a Child by a stray bullet, a group of women led by Lysistrata organize against the on-going violence in Chicago’s Southside creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex and violence in America and around the world. – Roadside Attractions

“Krampus” (Nationwide, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

PG - 13, 98 min, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror

Director: Michael Dougherty

Writers: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty

Stars: Adam Scott, Toni Collette

When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive. – Universal Pictures

“Legend” (Limited, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 131 min, Biography, Crime, Thriller

Director: Brian Helgeland

Writer: Brian Helgeland

Stars: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron Egerton

Based on the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an incredible performance. “Legend” is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray Twins. – Universal Pictures

“Macbeth” (Limited, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

Unrated, 113 min, Drama, War

Director: Justin Kurzel

Writers: Jacob Koskoff, Michael Lesslie

Stars: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jack Madigan

“Macbeth” is the story of a fearless warrior and inspiring leader brought low by ambition and desire. A thrilling interpretation of the dramatic realities of the times and a reimagining of what wartime must have been like for one of literature’s most famous and compelling characters, a story of all-consuming passion and ambition set in war torn Scotland. – The Weinstein Company

“The Danish Girl” (Limited, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 120 min, Biography, Drama

Director: Tom Hooper

Writers: David Ebershoff (novel), Lucinda Coxon (screenplay)

Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Amber Heard

The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda’s marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer. – Focus Pictures

“The Letters” (Nationwide, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

PG, 114 min, Drama

Director: William Riead

Writer: William Riead

Stars: Juliet Stevenson, Rutger Hauer, Max von Sydow

Mother Theresa, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, is considered one of the greatest humanitarians of modern times. Her selfless commitment changed hearts, lives and inspired millions throughout the world. “The Letters,” as told through personal letters she wrote over the last 40 years of her life, reveal a troubled and vulnerable woman who grew to feel isolation and abandonment by God. The story is told from the point of view of a Vatican priest charged with the task of investigating acts and events following her death. He recounts her life’s work, her political oppression, her religious zeal and her unbreakable spirit. – Freestyle Releasing

“Youth” (Limited, Dec. 4)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 118 min, Drama

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

Writers: Paolo Sorrentino

Stars: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz

“Youth” is about two longtime friends vacationing in the Swiss Alps. Oscar winning actor Michael Caine plays Fred, an acclaimed composer and conductor, brings along his daughter (Rachel Weisz) and best friend Mick (Harvey Keitel), a renowned filmmaker. While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career. The two men reflect on their past, each finding that some of the most important experiences can come later in life. – Fox Searchlight