The holiday season nausea is real, and while some of us get it worse than others, it's still a pretty dreadful feeling when it comes around.
I've decided to stop the gatekeeping, and share five unconventional holiday films that will prevent the family from having to watch "Home Alone" for the third time that afternoon.
Granted, some of these films aren't meant for kids, but that's exactly that point for some of us.
'Tokyo Godfathers'
Released in 2003, "Tokyo Godfathers" is an animated holiday film directed by Satoshi Kon that's as far from a Disney Christmas film as you can get. The story follows three homeless individuals — a middle-aged alcoholic, a transgender women and a runaway teen — who all one day discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve, leading them on a chaotic journey across Japan to reunite the child with its parents.
'Tangerine'
Released in 2015, "Tangerine" is a groundbreaking indie Christmas flick shot entirely on an iPhone. Directed by Sean Baker, the story follows transgender sex workers, Sin-Dee and Alexandra, on a journey to find a cheating boyfriend on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. An intimate tale of friendship and holiday hijinks, the story is as raw as it is heartfelt.
'The Apartment'
Released in 1960, "The Apartment" is a classic romantic comedy that takes place during the holiday season in New York City. Directed by Billy Wilder, the story follows C.C. Baxter, an ambitious officer worker who lends his apartment to his bosses for their affairs, who one day comes into contact with a woman played by Shirley MacLaine, and it changes everything.
'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale'
Released in 2010, this dark fantasy and horror is set in Finland, and starts with finding a man who appears to be Santa Claus trapped in ice. But, what happens after they thaw him out is far from a Christmas miracle. Check this out if you're not looking for something cozy.
'Eyes Wide Shut'
Released in 1999, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's psychological drama takes place during the holiday season in New York City. With heightened holiday tension, there's a sense of surrealism that lingers over the married couple as they navigate struggles with jealousy and desire.
[Image: GKids Films]
