The final week of 2025 offers a diverse slate of pop culture releases and events for Canadian audiences. From a highly anticipated indie film starring one of Hollywood's biggest names to a comedy special celebrating the nation, here is a curated guide to what's ahead from December 26 to January 1.
Timothée Chalamet Serves Up a Storm in Marty Supreme
One of the season's most intriguing film releases is Marty Supreme, which debuted on December 25. The indie movie presents an underdog story set in the 1950s world of competitive table tennis, loosely based on the life of champion player Marty Reisman.
The project boasts significant star power with Timothée Chalamet in the lead role. To prepare, the Oscar-nominated actor underwent an extensive training regimen, practicing table tennis for approximately six to seven years starting in 2018. The film is directed and co-written by Josh Safdie and features a notable supporting cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Canadian business personality Kevin O'Leary.
Early critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with the film earning a 97 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks a unique cinematic offering, blending sports drama with a period setting and A-list talent.
Canadian Comedy and Iconic Soundtracks
On the television front, CBC and CBC Gem will broadcast Stand Up For Canada on December 28. This one-hour special captures a Saint John, New Brunswick, performance from Rick Mercer's recent comedy tour. The show features Mercer alongside comedians Sophie Buddle, Mayce Galoni, and Julie Kim.
Mercer, renowned for This Hour Has 22 Minutes and the Rick Mercer Report, described the tour's intent as a celebration of the country. He told the Montreal Gazette that the decision was made to revisit his classic act, which focuses on uplifting Canadian themes, noting "it seems like now is the time to bring the act back."
For music fans, the cultural juggernaut Stranger Things continues its final season rollout. Season 5, Volume 2 of the official soundtrack releases digitally on December 26, following the November 28 debut of Volume 1. A third volume is scheduled for January 1, with a complete physical release in CD, vinyl, and cassette formats arriving on January 30. The soundtrack is a key component of the show's 1980s aesthetic, featuring songs like Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now," and "Pretty in Pink" by Psychedelic Furs.
Books for a New Generation and Global New Year's Traditions
In the literary world, a new book aimed at younger readers arrives on December 30. The Amazing Generation is a collaboration between social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, and Catherine Price, who wrote How to Break Up with Your Phone. The authors explained to Postmedia that the book is written directly for nine- to twelve-year-olds, designed to inspire them to prioritize real-world experiences over excessive screen time.
Finally, New Year's Eve on December 31 invites celebrations with global flair. Traditions from around the world offer inspiration: in Denmark, people smash plates against doors to ward off bad spirits; in Spain, eating twelve grapes at midnight brings luck; in Switzerland, dropping whipped cream on the floor symbolizes a wish for prosperity; and in Scotland, Hogmanay is marked by bonfires and the swinging of fireballs. These customs provide creative ways to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the new year.
This week's pop culture lineup provides a mix of cinematic depth, national comedy, nostalgic music, thoughtful reading, and celebratory customs, offering something for every taste as the calendar turns.
