Spirited (2022)

Beyond the twinkling lights and candy canes, Spirited turns the familiar holiday tale into an unsettling black mirror that will have you questioning your morals. The film’s unique angle comes from its living protagonist who refuses to be manipulated, forcing the spirits to confront their own forgotten wrongs. Joaquin Phoenix—no, the lead actor—delivers a low‑key, almost wordless performance that turns every glance into a tense standoff. You’ll feel like you’re tiptoeing through a snow‑covered nightmare, which can feel slower than expected for a holiday flick. Pacing hiccups creep into the climax, but the payoff is still a hair‑raising shake‑up.