"The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," a 2018 fantasy film, offers a reimagining of the classic holiday tale and Tchaikovsky's ballet. James Newton Howard's score serves as a bridge between the traditional and the modern, drawing upon Tchaikovsky's iconic melodies while injecting contemporary symphonic elements. Howard's compositions capture the film's fantastical essence and its contrasting realms, adding emotional depth and dramatic tension. By interweaving classical motifs with new compositions, the score becomes an essential narrative tool, guiding the audience through the film's magical and sometimes perilous journey. Overall, Howard's work stands as a layered, multifaceted character in the film, adding to its allure and spectacle.

Where to watch: https://letterboxd.com/film/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms/
Listen to the score: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms-original/1439142007