Those familiar with ROUX will most likely be aware of how we approach the start (or end!) of a season rolling in: By giving you, dear readers and fellow pretty-pictures-enjoyers, a humble collection of our members' favourite... somethings! 

You might have already seen us giving music recommendations or individual ideas for girl dinners, but this time we decided on taking the cinematic road. Meaning: In this collaborative article, some ROUX members have gathered their favourite films for the holiday season. Who knows, perhaps there’s a new discovery for you among these films?

Ah, speaking of films: We are extremely happy to announce that this article is not only a collaboration between ROUX members, but also between the student magazine and the Cinema club at our university. WOO! Three lovely gentlemen have offered their picks for a cosy must-watch for the frosty (Luxembourgish) winter days.

– Sofia Miller

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2000)

Originally a children’s book, that goes just like this.
A masterpiece no one’s library should miss.
For what could have been a lazy adaptation.
It is deserving of nothing but a standing ovation.

Portrayed by Jim Carrey, subject of many memes.
The big stinky fella is the hero of your dreams.
While Who-ville and the Who’s are all imagined so beautifully,
The beginning has our hero acting so cruelly.

An anti-hero, a Tony Soprano if I may,
Only this time, he just might find his way.
So if your heart too feels two sizes too small,
Or you’re alone and miss your family, fuck it we ball.
Set up this movie right before your eyes
And your heart too shall grow three times its size.

– Umut

Carol (2015)

This year, snow fell, and I thought: maybe I should lean into the season instead of pretending it doesn’t exist (it’s cuffing season, after all). Enter Carol (2015) – not exactly your typical Christmas movie but exactly my kind of Christmas movie.
Set in 1950s New York, the film follows the unfolding romance between Therese and Carol, whose lives unexpectedly collide due to a forgotten pair of gloves during Christmas shopping.

Cinematographer Edward Lachman’s camera captures the slow-building tension, gentle touches, and quiet, obsessive rituals in soft, grainy Super 16mm. Against all odds, this is not a movie about loud declarations, intense passion, and it is no explicit rebellion against societal norms: it’s more a testimony to the quiet ache of wanting something you can’t name, yet alone have. Target audience? Sapphics, cinephiles, people who know the weight of a hand brushing theirs.

– Sherley

Nightmare before Christmas (1993)

Halloween has passed us by way too quickly as usual, it’s starting to snow or rain but it’s cold either way, you don’t want to go out and get mindlessly drunk, you’re in the mood for some hot chocolate, your favourite warm blankie and and a good movie to bring you into the mood of the season.

And just like us, Jack Skellington didn’t want to stay in the rainy cold of Halloween he decided for a Nightmare before Christmas. After Halloween ended their gleesome ceremony, Jack decided he too was ready for a change after seeing the festival Town of Christmas. After some experimentation, he abducts Santa to bring the same joy to the world as he did, but ultimately he realized that only Santa could bring the same magic to Christmas as he would to Halloween.
The End. Good Night, ma love.

– Daniel S.

The next movie recommendations are brought to you by the Cinema Club of the University of Luxembourg:

Klaus (2019)

"Oh, that's how Santa got that thing!" This thought crossed my mind countless times while watching Klaus, Sergio Pablos' Santa origin story that feels like forgotten folklore brought to life. It tells the story of Jester, a spoiled postman with no ambition, who is sent to a little cold town at war with itself.

On his mission he meets the reclusive toymaker Klaus with a mysterious past, and unexpected adventures ensue. The beautiful 90's Disney-like animation, together with its equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching plot will stay with you long after it's runtime. Klaus is an instant classic that I rewatch every Christmas!

The Holdovers (2023)

Over winter break, a grumpy teacher, a rebellious student, and a warm-hearted school cook find themselves stuck together on campus. Their clashing personalities lead to tension, but as days pass, unexpected connections form. Through humor and heartfelt moments, they navigate their differences and confront personal struggles, discovering that unlikely friendships can heal old wounds.

Follow the adorable cast and the cozy winter scenery while drinking hot chocolate. Don't miss out on this winter experience.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, released in 1946, is a classic heart-warming Christmas movie to watch with your family. The movie depicts the life of George Bailey, who stepped up to the leadership of his father's company. As life goes by, and he has problems with his responsibilities, a light of hope called Clarence comes to rescue him from his lowest moment, right before he might lose all hope.

The movie portrays how hard moments in life help strengthen the relationships you have with your loved ones and how being in the lowest point of your life will only make you stronger. Even if you are not a perfect person, someone will always be there for you. Capra's intention directing this movie was to give families hope and joy before Christmas. “No man is a failure who has friends”.