Introducing: The Stream, a regular update about films you can check out via various streaming websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Mubi. I’ll post recommendations for 3-5 streaming films based on a theme, including a brief synopsis and review of each film.
Two caveats: 1) These films are streaming at the time of publication, but may not be online or streaming in days/weeks to come, and 2) Just because I recommend a film doesn’t mean you should watch it; use some caution, discernment, and wisdom when picking your films to stream!
The theme for this Stream: Joel’s Favorite Films from the 2010s. My #1 favorite films from the past three years–2012, 2013, and 2014–are all currently streaming on Netflix in the US:
Two Days, One Night (2014, Dardennes). The Dardennes brothers manage to make beautiful, simple moral tales about ordinary people navigating difficult situations. Their latest film follows Sandra (Marion Cotillard, in an Oscar-nominated performance) as she tries to convince her coworkers to give up a financial raise and allow her to keep her job. An emotional and spiritual quest story.
Short Term 12 (2013, Cretton). An affecting and intimate look into a temporary foster care home in California, where Grace (Brie Larson, in an outstanding, defining performance) looks after the various teenagers while trying to deal with her own wounds. This is the best portrayal of the ups and downs of present-day youth work I’ve seen on film. I mean, the film opens with a poop story. (If poop stories aren’t your thing, don’t worry–the rest of the film is worth seeing).
Moonrise Kingdom (2012, Anderson). Fun story: I was in Newport, Rhode Island a few years ago, and noticed a large white church in the middle of town was surrounded by film crews and boy scouts in vintage-era uniforms. Intrigued, I quickly searched IMDB for any films being made in the area, and was delighted to discover Wes Anderson’s latest was being crafted right before my eyes. This film about young love is charming, quirky, and delightful.
What other films are streaming that you’d recommend? Send me your suggestions through the contact page or leaving a comment below.
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