These movies may be hard to find this holiday season, but deserve your attention

Photo from the motion picture '‘The Invisible Woman' Left to right: Ralph Fiennes as Charles Dickens and Felicity Jones as Nelly Ternan Credit: David Appleby, Sony Pictures Classics TIW-04159 (Photo: David Appleby, Sony Pictures Classics)

In addition to the holiday blockbusters, here are three off-the-beaten-path films that are worth seeking out (and adding to your Netflix queue).
Wilde Salomé (opening Dec. 20) is a documentary that follows actor Al Pacino (who also directed) in his quest to interpret Oscar Wilde's passionate and scandalous play, Salomé.

Why it sparkles: This unusual film, in which the now-famous Jessica Chastain made her movie debut (as Salomé), alternates between scenes from Wilde's drama and insights into Pacino's creative process.
Behind the scenes: The movie first premiered at 2011 Venice International Film Festival.
The Invisible Woman (opening in New York City and Los Angeles on Dec.25) reveals the romance of Charles Dickens and his mistress, Nelly Ternan.
Why it sparkles: Ralph Fiennes directs and stars as Dickens; his incandescent co-star in The English Patient, Kristin Scott Thomas plays the mother of Fiennes' young love interest (Felicity Jones).
Behind the scenes: The film is based on Claire Tomalin's book of the same name. It chronicles one of the best-kept secrets in the world of English literature.
Dhoom 3: Back in Action (opening Dec. 20) is thought to be the most expensive Indian film ever made and is the first Bollywood (the nickname of Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai) movie to be released in the IMAX format.
Why it sparkles: The action thriller, starring Bollywood royalty Abhishek Bachchan, will probably be one of the biggest global blockbusters of the year.
Behind the scenes: If you can't see Dhoom 3 in a theater yet, not to worry – the first two installments are available to stream on Netflix.