My Fiancé Makes Us Watch This Intense Denzel Washington Flick Every December—But It's Definitely Not a Christmas Movie

Though there are dozens (well, probably hundreds) of Christmas movies and holiday films to stream each December, my fiancé insists that we sit down for an annual viewing of a very specific Denzel Washington flick. Yes, it’s really good. But no, it’s not a holiday movie.

For some reason—he calls it “tradition” but it’s probably just that he loves a good cry come Christmas time—the man makes us watch Fences each year for what he describes as our “annual holiday viewing.” And while I was reluctant at first (not because the film isn’t good, but because it is heavy), I’ve now come to look forward to our December screening. And holiday film or not, you should definitely give it a view (or several) as well.

The 2016 drama, based on the famous August Wilson play, stars Washington and Viola Davis as Troy and Rose Maxson, a couple living in 1950s Pittsburgh. The working-class family struggles like any other, balancing love, power and dreams of a better life.

Powerhouse actors Washington and Davis previously played the roles opposite one another in the 2010 Broadway production. And their unbelievable performances (and chemistry) on stage translate brilliantly to the screen here.

The subject matter is intense and personal, as Troy tries to come to terms with the decisions he’s made in his life and how those decisions affect Rose and his son, Cory. The scenes range from joyous to uncomfortable to downright hard-to-watch, particularly one in which Davis’s Rose confronts Troy about his indiscretions and her lifelong devotion to him. (Davis’s performance in this scene is a master class in acting.)

Not only did the movie receive a stellar rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it was also nominated for a number of Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor (for Washington) and Best Supporting Actress (for Davis). Davis won the statuette.