The holiday comedy-drama Nutcrackers premiered on Hulu and Disney+ internationally on November 29, 2024. Distributed by Hulu, this new Ben Stiller comedy is directed by David Gordon Green and written by Leland Douglas.
Starring Stiller, Homer Janson, and Ulysses Janson, the movie debuted earlier as the opening film of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2024. Produced by Rob Paris, Mike Witherill, and Nate Meyer, the story follows Mike (Stiller), a workaholic tasked with caring for his orphaned nephews in rural Ohio. Based on true events, the tale explores family bonds and unexpected love.
Now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, Ben Stiller's new comedy film has garnered mixed reactions. On Rotten Tomatoes, only 32% of the 38 critics rated it positively, with an average score of 4.9/10.
Read more: Fact Check: Is Nutcrackers based on a true story? Explained
When was Nutcrackers released, and where can you watch it?
Nutcrackers premiered as the opening night film at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2024. Shortly after, Disney acquired the distribution rights for a holiday release. As of November 29, 2024, the film is available for streaming internationally on Hulu and Disney+.
Hulu's ad-supported plan starts at $9.99 per month, with a current promotion offering the first year for just $0.99 per month. Disney+ is also priced at $9.99/month, featuring 4K UHD, HDR streaming, and multi-device support. Alternatively, both services can be bundled with ads for $2.99/month for a year, an offer available until December 2, 2024.
Read more: Nutcrackers soundtrack: A definitive guide to every song in the movie
All the cast members
The holiday film stars Ben Stiller as Michael, a commercial real estate agent from Chicago. He is forced to travel to rural Ohio to care for his four nephews after the passing of his sister and brother-in-law.
Stiller is known for his roles in Night at the Museum (2006), the Meet the Parents series (2000), and There's Something About Mary (1998). Throughout his career, Stiller has earned accolades, including an Emmy Award, a Directors Guild of America Award, and a Britannia Award.
Here are the other members of the cast:
- Homer Janson as Justice Kicklighter
- Ulysses Janson as Junior Kicklighter
- Arlo Janson as Simon Kicklighter
- Atlas Janson as Samuel Kicklighter
- Linda Cardellini as Gretchen Rice
- Toby Huss as Al Wilmington
- Maren Heisler as Mia
- Edi Patterson as Rose
- Tim Heidecker as Deputy Cox
- Ari Graynor as Carol (voice)
- Ashley Rae Spillers as Barbara (voice)
- Lucy Zukaitis as Julia
- Bryant Carroll as Security Guard
- Louis Heisler as Anthony Biniak
- Noah Fisher as Gus
- Isabella Steele as Mia's Friend
- Dominick Marrone as Reverend Logan
Read more: Nutcrackers - Full list of cast explored
What is Nutcrackers about?
In the movie, Michael (Stiller) is a commercial real estate agent from Chicago. He reluctantly travels to rural Ohio to care for his four nephews after the sudden loss of their parents. At first, Michael is determined to find a new family for the boys, but he has no plans to adopt them himself.
The story explores whether Michael will change his mind and accept his role as their guardian. Balancing humor and heart, the film explores themes of grief, guilt, compassion, and forgiveness.
Read more: Nutcrackers (2024) ending explained
Don't miss the new Ben Stiller holiday comedy-drama that is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.