Capture the Holidays: 3 Must-Stream Movies for Photography Enthusiasts!

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For numerous individuals, the genuine essence of Christmas involves lounging on the couch and savoring a good film with the family. However, there’s only so much of Frozen and Moana an adult can endure, before you find yourself yearning for more substantial content.

Once the children are asleep and you’re seated with a glass of mulled wine, it’s the perfect moment to indulge in some of the remarkable films you missed at the cinema this year.

Fortunately, this year it’s a win-win for every photography aficionado. Because this year, there exist not one, but three freshly released films that are both spectacular entertainment and provide insightful commentary on photography. I appreciated them so much that I intend to rewatch them during the holidays… so why don’t you join me?

Whether you seek a profound contemplation of visual storytelling, a nostalgic exploration of the analogue era, or a blockbuster thrill infused with reflective elements, you will find something to impress you here. So, grab your preferred snacks and prepare to be both inspired and entertained simultaneously.

1. Lee (2023)

Lee provides photographers with a unique offering: a profound analysis of both the technical and psychological dimensions of photography. Based on the 1985 biography The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose, it showcases Kate Winslet portraying Second World War journalist Lee Miller. The exceptional cast features Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor, and Alexander Skarsgård in supporting roles.

Director Ellen Kuras, originally a cinematographer, infuses her extensive knowledge of visual storytelling into the film, crafting a narrative that is as much about the act of perceiving as it is about its subject matter. Uncommonly for Hollywood, the film genuinely examines Miller’s growth behind the lens.

We observe her shift from fashion photography at Vogue to war journalism, illustrating how her initial experiences shaped her distinctive viewpoint. Moreover, the film highlights Miller’s sharp eye for composition; from her intimate depictions of women on the home front to her revolutionary war documentation. Notably, it recreates several of her most renowned images, including her work at Dachau and the famous photograph of Hitler’s bathtub, showcasing the situations and choices that resulted in these historical captures.

Throughout the narrative, Pawel Edelman’s cinematography thoughtfully reflects Miller’s visual style, particularly in the war scenes where the color palette adjusts to convey the emotional weight of her documentation. Concurrently, through Kate Winslet’s subtle performance, we understand how Miller balanced technical exactitude with emotional involvement, and the burden that witnessing such events imposes on the photographer.

In essence, this is not merely a biographical film, but a reflection on the medium’s capacity to document, unveil and transform both subject and creator. The general audience evidently appreciated it as well: it’s Sky’s most successful original film at the UK box office thus far. (Seen it already? Then take a look at our compilation of films centered on real photographers for more inspiration.)

Watch Lee in the USA:
Rent it onPrime
Rent it on Apple TV

Watch Lee in the UK
Stream it free on Sky Cinema
Stream it free on NOW.
(Alternatively, if you prefer to view Lee live, Sky is airing it on Sky Premiere.)

Watch Lee in Canada
Rent it on Apple TV

2. Camera

Are you on the lookout for additional heartwarming, family-centric stories this Christmas? If so, I suggest Camera, a heartfelt narrative about a nine-year-old boy named Oscar, who cannot speak, relocating to a struggling fishing village with his mother, Evelyn.

Upon discovering an old twin-lens reflex camera, he develops an unusual camaraderie with Eric, a repair shop proprietor who educates him in photography. As Oscar captures the essence of the town through his eye, family conflicts escalate with the arrival of his uncle Victor.

The narrative not only resonates on an emotional level but also appreciates and highlights the art of photography, particularly focusing on the mindful execution necessary for analogue filming. Director Jay Silverman, leveraging his own 35 years of experience as a photographer, infuses genuine technical intricacies and emotional richness into the tale of a vintage twin-lens reflex camera that connects two unlikely companions.

A standout moment is cinematographer Andrew Jarrett’s creative utilization of still lenses, crafting a visual aesthetic that combines moving images with still photography. This thoughtful technique establishes a visual vocabulary that photographers will instantly recognize and value.

More broadly, what renders Camera captivating is its examination of photography as a medium of non-verbal expression. Through Oscar’s adventure with his vintage camera, the film exemplifies photography’s capacity to overcome conventional communication barriers and uncover beauty in the most unlikely settings – a goal every photographer aims to fulfill. The mentorship bond between Oscar and Eric (brilliantly portrayed by Beau Bridges) will evoke memories for photographers of their own early experiences of mentorship in the art.

The film takes the time to delve into the mechanics and creativity of analogue photography, making it both a nostalgic experience for seasoned photographers and informative for digital newcomers. Indeed, considering it was filmed in just 18 days, the movie itself epitomizes the efficiency and precision that fine photography necessitates.

In essence, Camera provides photographers with more than mere entertainment. It’s a reminder of the reasons we fell in love with photography initially; specifically, its ability to connect, convey, and reveal the remarkable within the commonplace. (Already watched it? Then browse through our compilation of films on fictional photographers for more suggestions.)

Watch Camera in the USA
Stream it free on Prime

Watch Camera in the UK
Stream it for free on Prime

Watch Camera in Canada
Rent it onApple TV

03. Civil War

Are you in search of a high-budget action thriller filled with plenty of explosions and an implausible storyline? If so, explore Alex Garland’s Civil War. This grand film unfolds in a near-future America, which is embroiled in civil conflict. Veteran war photographer Lee and her reporter associates embark on a mission to interview the president before insurgents capture Washington, D.C.

This was one of the year’s top films, raking in $124 million worldwide. While that alone doesn’t ensure quality, I can assure you it’s both an enjoyable experience and an artistic examination of photography’s influence and dangers in a war-torn environment.

However, it’s important to note that it isn’t flawless. As anticipated from mainstream Hollywood productions, its depiction of photojournalists is rather unrealistic. Generally, these characters appear primarily driven by personal ambition and vanity, showing little regard for the broader consequences their images may have on society. This exaggerated portrayal, based on my experience, contrasts sharply with how genuine photojournalists think and operate.

On a larger scale, the film does succeed in capturing both the visual and emotional fervor of documenting warfare. Its breathtaking cinematography immerses audiences in the chaos and silent despair of a nation in distress, presenting a masterclass in the utilization of lighting, composition, and movement to narrate a story. Photographers will find motivation in the way the camera itself becomes a character; both an observer and a protector for its user.

In summary, this cinema-friendly epic delivers an exhilarating visual feast alongside a philosophical inquiry. Although I am not fond of the personal representation of the photojournalists, it effectively highlights the exceptional dangers they confront and encourages us to contemplate the power—and duty—of documenting humanity in its most exposed moments.

Watch Civil War in the USA
Rent it on Prime
Rent it on Apple TV

Watch Civil War in the UK
Buy it on Apple TV
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at the Sky Store

Watch Civil War in Canada
Rent it on Apple TV

Also explore guides to
30 top films featuring fictional photographers
29 top films featuring real photographers