As we’re ending 2023 with many surprising twists and turns in our industry, we thought you might be eager to wind down soon. We know we can’t wait to replenish our energy to start 2024 with full speed ahead!
So what better way to chill than with a good film or good book to accompany you?
We wanted to do things differently this December, so we got our DXers to recommend their best choices for you. From cult classics to new additions, from fun fantasy to speculative fiction and historical stories — we’ve got a good mix for different tastes.
Here they are:
Movies to watch or rewatch this winter
1. Interstellar (dir. Christopher Nolan, 2014)
What’s it about: Nolan’s time-bending story set in an almost dystopian future is already a sci-fi classic: “When Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: Simply the best movie ever made in the history of humans. 13/10
DXer who recommends this: Trond Sørås, Senior Developer
2. Napoleon (dir. Ridley Scott, 2023)
What’s it about: “An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: Haven’t seen it but on my bucket list for the Holiday break as I hear the acting is phenomenal and I hear it’s the best rendition of Napoleon in comparison to previous attempts.
DXer who recommends this: Jenny Sidorova, Head of Marketing
3. Baahubali: The Beginning (dir. S.S. Rajamouli, 2015)
What’s it about: An epic story of leadership and legacy — “A child from the Mahishmati kingdom is raised by tribal people and one day learns about his royal heritage, his father's bravery in battle and a mission to overthrow the incumbent ruler.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: Just watch it. You won’t regret it.
DXer who recommends this: Pia Karoline Aamodt, Customer Success Consultant
4. Independence Day (dir. Roland Emmerich, 1996)
What’s it about: This fun scifi film has so many memorable scenes! “The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: This movie defined a new era of special effects and was awe-inspiring when it launched. Also Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum!
DXer who recommends this: Mats Jørgensen, Customer Success Consultant
5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (dir. George Miller, 2024)
What’s it about: “The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: It’s just a terrifying and crazy dystopic story!
DXer who recommends this: Ørjan Eilertsen, Data & Insights Manager
6. Past Lives (dir. Celine Song, 2023)
What’s it about: A strong debut film from Celine Song: “Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.” (Source: IMDb)
Why you should watch it: Not just that it’s one of the surprising releases of 2023, but it’s a beautiful, subtle, and deep exploration of what it means to be an immigrant, in love, different, an artist, etc. So many angles to understand this film from and such a compelling story!
DXer who recommends this: Alice Teodorescu, Content Marketing Manager
Books to cuddle with this winter
1. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
Why you should read it: The Grim Reaper enlists the help of his granddaughter to save Christmas and rescue the Hogfather, a mythical Santa Claus-like creature from evildoers, or the sun will never rise again. Irreverent and funny, but also insightful.
DXer who recommends this: Yngve Sandvik, Support Engineer
2. The Kingdom at the End of the Road by Jan Guillou
Why you should read it: A Knight Templar returns to Sweden in the Middle Ages with the knowledge needed to build up a new, prospering society ready to defend against enemies.
DXer who recommends this: Bård Karstensen, Head of Operations
3. The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells
Why you should read it: An entire book series about a depressed and suicidal security android that would rather watch soap operas than do its job. It’s funny and light while at the same time making you question your life and your purpose.
DXer who recommends this: Trond Sørås, Senior Developer
4. The Boy Who Granted Dreams by Luca Di Fulvio
Why you should read it: Reads like a screenplay, couldn’t put it down, the main character’s name is Christmas. Captivating story and not overly intellectual, just great storytelling.
DXer who recommends this: Jenny Sidorova, Head of Marketing
5. The Ravneringene (The Raven Rings) series by Siri Pettersen
Synopsis: A fantasy story built on Norse mythology, but with a twist. “The protagonist is a resourceful, female outcast, living with a savage Northerner who deals drugs. She is not ‘chosen’, and has no special powers. In fact, what sets her apart is the terrifying fact that she lacks the powers that everyone else has.” (siripettersen.com)
DXer who recommends this: Pia Karoline Aamodt, Customer Success Consultant
6. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
Why you should read it: If you love books and stories, you’ll love this universe where the power of one manuscript transcends time and connects destinies. As the synopsis says, it truly is a book for the dreamers.
DXer who recommends this: Alice Teodorescu, Content Marketing Manager
Happy watching, reading, and happy holidays!
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