Hulu is one of the best streaming platforms for keeping up with the latest Hollywood blockbusters, indie releases, and classic flicks we all know and love. Home to thousands of cinematic titles, encompassing everything from the black and white era to modern-day spectacles, there’s certainly no shortage of silver-screen content to indulge in. In fact, the only difficult part is figuring out what to watch when there are so many titles to vet through — but that’s where we come in.
As devotees of all things streaming, we’ve put together this rotating weekly roundup to highlight all of the best movies you can watch on Hulu right now.
And for those who want even more out of their Hulu subscription, check out the Disney Bundle, which gets you Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ for just $14 a month. That’s a ton of Hulu, plus the best of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, sports, and more, all for the price of just two of the services.
Subscribe to a different platform? Not only do we have a guide to the best shows on Hulu, but we’ve rounded up the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Netflix, and the best movies on Disney+.
Recently added to Hulu
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Death on the Nile2022 -
The Shape of Water2017
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Compliance2012
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Hanna2011
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Single White Female1992
Death on the Nile (2022) new
127m
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Stars
Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer
Directed by
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh’s star-studded Death on the Nile is a sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, and sees Branagh returning to the director’s chair and performing once again as one Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective that stumbles upon another grand murder-mystery. After boarding a river steamer in celebration of a couple’s nuptials, the glamorous trek becomes a nightmare when foul play is unearthed. Once more, Poirot must go to work to discover who amongst the aristocratic movers and shakers is the suspect of this new, horrific crime. A dazzling, powerhouse ensemble piece, Death on the Nile is propelled by the unbeatable talents of its sprawling cast, with Branagh being particularly excellent as the hard-nosed Poirot.
The Shape of Water (2017) new
123m
Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Stars
Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Michael Shannon
Directed by
Guillermo del Toro
The Shape of Water stars Sally Hawkins as Elisa, a janitorial worker at a secret government facility. When Elisa inadvertently discovers an amphibious creature (portrayed by Doug Jones) is being held captive for experimental Cold War research, she must band together with co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) and neighbor Giles (Richard Jenkins) to thwart the facility’s plans before the vile Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) can complete his deadly research. Awe-inspiring from start to finish, The Shape of Water is a mesmerizing epic from the fantastical master himself, Guillermo del Toro.
Compliance (2012) new
90m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker, Pat Healy
Directed by
Craig Zobel
Based on a true incident, Compliance is a slow-burning psychological thriller that stars Ann Dowd as Sandra, a fast-food restaurant manager that receives a phone call accusing one of her employees (played by Dreama Walker) of stealing. As the investigating officer on the other end of the call (Pat Healy) begins asking questions, a series of simple inquiries begins devolving into a disturbing game of harassment and other horrors. An uncomfortable watch propelled by its arresting core cast, Compliance is a powerful nail-biter for fans of all things chilling.
Hanna (2011) new
111m
Genre
Action, Thriller, Adventure
Stars
Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Vicky Krieps
Directed by
Joe Wright
Director Joe Wright’s Hanna, starring Saoirse Ronan as the titular protagonist, brings hefty character-work and a smart script to the table. We follow the story of Hanna, trained through her adolescence to be an esteemed assassin. After being sent on a mission to Europe by her father (played by Eric Bana), the target Hanna was sent to eliminate (Cate Blanchett) turns the tables on the cunning killer-for-hire, creating a whirlwind cat-and-mouse chase throughout the continent. Hanna is far more than just its adrenaline-pumping combat, camera-work, and score, which is more than can be said for a majority of the last decade’s big-budget action epics.
Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011) new
94m
Genre
Comedy, Family
Stars
Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Madeline Carroll
Directed by
Mark Waters
Mr. Popper’s Penguins stars Jim Carrey as Thomas Popper, Jr., a divorced real-estate magnate that receives the surprise of a lifetime when a horde of adorable penguins are delivered to his apartment. At first resistant to their Arctic charm, Mr. Popper’s cold disposition starts to melt away as the furry mammals worm their way into the man’s heart. Following a number of traditional family-film tropes, Mr. Popper’s Penguins takes some influence from its source 1938 source novel, but a number of the film’s unique innovations come from the onscreen, one-man-circus act that is Jim Carrey. From his goofy grins to his falsetto screams, this is ‘90s Carrey dialed up for a younger audience.
Single White Female (1992) new
107m
Genre
Thriller
Stars
Bridget Fonda, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Steven Weber
Directed by
Barbet Schroeder
Single White Female stars Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Allison and Hedra. When her fiancé cheats on her, Allison searches for a new roommate. Seemingly discovering the perfect match, she happens upon Hedra, a charming young woman that is just the kind of companion Allison needs. But as she begins to rethink her engagement to her now-ex, Hedra grows envious and will stop at nothing to get the man out of the picture. A menacing and atmospheric psychological thriller, Single White Female shares a number of similarities with other ‘90s chillers but stands on its own two feet thanks to its effective core duo of Fonda and Jason Leigh.
Fresh (2022)
114m
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Stars
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan, Jonica T. Gibbs
Directed by
Mimi Cave
Noa (Daisy-Edgar Jones) is sick of swiping through dating apps to find a true companion. Lucky for her, she seems to have run into the man of her dreams, Steve (Sebastian Stan) at the local grocery store. After quickly warming up to each other, Noa’s new suitor invites her on a weekend retreat. But it’s not long before the idyllic, romantic outing devolves into a horrific fight for survival. A brilliantly brutal riff on the horror-comedy, Fresh is a bombastic amalgamation of familiar genre tropes that we can’t get enough of.
Spencer (2021)
117m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Kristen Stewart, Jack Farthing, Sally Hawkins
Directed by
Pablo Larraín
Spencer offers a fresh take on the introspective turmoils of Princess Diana, portrayed by the grounded and arresting Kristen Stewart. With her marriage to Prince Charles in a tumultuous place, the two nobles have agreed to keep the peace through the Christmas season. But as the holiday festivities ensue, Diana’s inner demons begin to boil over, as she considers what life could be as an ex-communicate of the royal family. A moving character study with powerful performances and thoughtful storytelling at its core, Spencer does its due diligence in paying homage to the tragic Princess through a lens of harmonious self-discovery.
No Exit (2022)
96m
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Stars
Havana Rose Liu, Danny Ramirez, Dennis Haysbert
Directed by
Damien Power
When Darby (Havana Rose Liu) discovers her mother is in critical condition, she escapes from her rehabilitation center, hoping to return home to tend to her ailing parent. But when a powerful blizzard puts a monkey-wrench into Darby’s homecoming, she’s forced to take shelter at a highway rest-stop. There she meets a group of fellow travelers, all stranded by the storm. After wandering outside, Darby discovers something in a parked van that initiates a deadly game of cat-and-mouse between her and the rest stop’s other inhabitants. A taut thriller that treads familiar waters, No Exit moves forward, full-steam ahead, dropping one thrill after the other.
Antz (1998)
83m
Genre
Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars
Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Dan Aykroyd
Directed by
Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson
It’s not easy being an insect, especially when you’re an ant possessed by the neurotic ramblings of one Woody Allen. Such is the case in Dreamworks’ Antz, a 1998 animated adventure starring Allen as Z, a worker-ant that longs for more in his life. Hoping to woo the lovely Princess Bala (voiced by Sharon Stone), Z joins the ranks of his colony’s army, a move that brings him close to the wretched political scheming of General Mandible (voiced by Gene Hackman). Not your typical Dreamworks material, Antz is a hardy film built just as much for adults as it is for kids, with a number of socio-economic allegories on display. But like any great animated tale, it’s also a visual feast.
Get Him to the Greek (2010)
109m
Genre
Comedy, Adventure, Music
Stars
Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne
Directed by
Nicholas Stoller
A spinoff sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek stars Jonah Hill as Aaron Green, a record company executive tasked with transporting British performing artist Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) to the Greek Theatre in LA for the first of many stops on a concert tour. But love has other plans for the esteemed Aldous. After learning that an on-off girlfriend (played by Rose Byrne) is in town, Aldous drags Aaron on a whirlwind adventure to win her back. While it’s not the pure comedy gold of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek is just as good in many ways and is certainly worth a number of repeat viewings.
Looper (2012)
118m
Genre
Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt
Directed by
Rian Johnson
In Rian Johnson’s sci-fi epic Looper, Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Joe, a time-traveling assassin (known as a “looper”) that meets his ultimate adversary when the agency he works for sends a future version of himself (played by Bruce Willis) back in time to take out the younger Joe. As Joe’s past and future selves go head to head, a greater conspiracy emerges that could threaten the lives of all loopers the world over. A heady blend of high-concept thrills and adrenaline-fueled action sequences, Looper is a mesmerizing film from the inspired mind of writer-director Rian Johnson.
Brigsby Bear (2017) new
97m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Kyle Mooney, Mark Hamill, Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
Directed by
Dave McCary
Casting aside his SNL coattails for something a bit more in keeping with his YouTube roots, actor Kyle Mooney plays the offbeat but comedically-arresting James Pope in director Dave McCary’s 2017 film, Brigsby Bear. Living in an underground space with his “parents,” James’ life is suddenly uprooted when authorities descend on the bunker. Taking to the surface, James discovers that Brigsby Bear, a show he obsessively watched throughout his entire life, was created by his father — who turns out not to be his actual parent. What follows is an exercise in avant-garde lo-fi humor, with a brushing of some off-the-wall coming-of-age elements, as James sets out to conclude the episodic saga of Brigsby and his friends.
Watchmen (2009)
163m
Genre
Action, Mystery, Science Fiction
Stars
Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode
Directed by
Zack Snyder
A cinematic adaptation of the 1986-87 DC Comic series of the same name, director Zack Synder’s Watchmen is the filmmaker’s first foray into gritty superhero territory. Set in 1985, our story follows the titular vigilantes as they embark on a harrowing investigation into the death of one of their own. With the paranoia-driven throes of the Cold War hanging heavy, the plot thickens as the anti-heroes realize that the adversaries they’re up against are far more capable than they expected. A highly-stylized action epic with plenty of interesting characters to root for, Watchmen would go on to inspire HBO’s televised revival of the DC saga a decade later.
Deep Water (2022)
116m
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Stars
Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas, Grace Jenkins
Directed by
Adrian Lyne
A Hulu original, Deep Water stars Ben Affleck and Mary Ana de Armas as Vic and Melinda Van Allen, a married couple that has entered an unsettling part of their relationship. As their love wanes, the troubled husband and wife engage in a tantalizing set of mind games with each other, a psychological battle that ropes in more casualties than just the wedded pair. Based on the 1957 Patricia Highsmith novel of the same name, Deep Water is a slow-burning thriller with blistering performances from both Affleck and de Armas. They’re cinematic waters that have certainly been trodden before, but director Adrian Lyne delivers a rich, if at times troubled, adaptation of Highsmith’s source material.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
136m
Genre
Drama, Romance
Stars
Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet
Directed by
Ang Lee
After the death of the Dashwood patriarch, sisters Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet) are whisked away to the hamlet of Devonshire. With the family’s funds depleted, the two siblings attempt to acclimate to their now-impoverished lifestyle, all while a set of male courtiers descend upon the sisters, hoping to win them over with romance. A charming and astute adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel of the same name, Sense and Sensibility is powered by a strong lineup of onscreen talents, particularly Emma Thompson, who shines in her pivotal protagonist role.
Fright Night (2011)
106m
Genre
Horror, Comedy
Stars
Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Colin Farrell
Directed by
Craig Gillespie
Next-door neighbors often raise questions for those of us already living in the neighborhood. But when a vampire takes up residence on your block, the cause for concern is quite a bit higher. Such is the case in director Craig Gillespie’s 2011 film Fright Night, a remake of the 1985 film of the same name. Starring Anton Yelchin as Charley Brewster, Charley’s obsession with horror movies leads him to believe that his new neighbor (Colin Farrell) is actually a vampire, a malevolent force that the youth is forced to confront himself. A perfect medley of horror, comedy, and some coming-of-age elements, too, Fright Night serves up a stylish, albeit grittier homage to the ’80s original.
Crash (2005)
112m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon
Directed by
Paul Haggis
An interweaving of multiple emotional storylines, Crash took home the Oscar for Best Picture in 2004. Featuring performances from Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, and a host of other noteworthy talents, the film follows the lives of several Los Angeles citizens as they navigate the daily hardships of family, race, justice, love, and loss. A blistering drama that doesn’t go lightly when it comes to putting integral societal issues front and center, Crash hits hard, but it’s why we love it.
Drinking Buddies (2013)
90m
Genre
Romance, Drama
Stars
Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick
Directed by
Joe Swanberg
In Joe Swanberg’s Drinking Buddies, Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson star as Kate and Luke, two co-workers of a craft brewing company. Both in committed relationships, it’s clear that the employees have underlying feelings for each other, a reality that boils closer to the surface when trouble with their existing relationships begins pushing the two “drinking buddies” closer to one another. An intimate and engaging rendition of what could have been a standard rom-com, Joe Swanberg’s air-brushed direction and minimalist approach makes Drinking Buddies so much more than a traditional “joke-laugh-repeat” film.
Starship Troopers (1997)
129m
Genre
Adventure, Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars
Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards
Directed by
Paul Verhoeven
An action-packed epic of sci-fi-adventure-meets-giant-satire, Starship Troopers drops us into a long-away future Earth where the world is overrun by horrific monster-insects known as Bugs. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) leads a squadron of elite fighters across the galaxy to the outposts of various Bugs colonies, in a major effort to wipe out the foe before the invaders claim what’s left of humanity. Still looking great nearly 30 years later, Starship Troopers is a bombastic and tongue-in-cheek masterpiece you don’t want to miss.
Juno (2007)
96m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
Directed by
Jason Reitman
Juno stars Elliot Page as the titular protagonist, a high-schooler that becomes pregnant and decides to carry through with birthing. Not intending to keep the child, Juno decides to give it up for adoption to Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner). But as Juno’s own relationships, home life, social life, and future become complicated by her unexpected pregnancy, the teen is forced to navigate the waters of deep adulthood much quicker than any public schooler would ever expect. Powered by an arresting cast and excellent script, Jason Reitman’s Juno explores a touchy hardship in a funny, sensitive and emotional way, succeeding on all fronts.
The Descendants (2011)
115m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges
Directed by
Alexander Payne
In writer-director Alexander Payne’s The Descendants, George Clooney stars as Matt King, a Hawaiian attorney and the familial trustee to a massive sprawl of land on the island of Kauai. When Matt’s wife is thrown into an irreversible coma in the wake of a jet-boarding accident, Matt must contend with the emotions of his two young daughters, the impending legalities of a land deal, and the revelation that his wife was having an affair. A brilliant blend of drama and comedy that makes great use of its leading man and secondary players, The Descendants is easily one of Payne’s best.
The Square (2017)
151m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West
Directed by
Ruben Östlund
In Ruben Östlund’s The Square, Claes Bang plays Christian, an art curator in the throes of catastrophe. After his wallet and phone are stolen and an overnight stay with a local journalist (Elisabeth Moss) becomes complicated, Christian’s professional life becomes ever-more challenging when an advertising firm hired to promote a new art exhibit opt for a controversial approach that could mean sabotage for Christian’s entire career. A bizarre amalgam of dark comedy with avant-garde sensibilities, The Square is an odd adventure and a razor-sharp social commentary on the lives and livelihood of fine artists.
The Assistant (2020)
88m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Julia Garner, Matthew Macfadyen, Makenzie Leigh
Directed by
Kitty Green
The Assistant stars Julia Garner as Jane, the new hire at a laurel-touting production company. Serving as the assistant to a powerful executive, Jane’s day-to-day errands and responsibilities become increasingly strenuous as the young woman learns about the sinister underbelly of the production house. But will Jane end up taking action? A grim and realistic take on the significant #MeToo events of recent years, The Assistant is a searing drama led by an understated performance from Garner.
Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
92m
Genre
Comedy, Science Fiction, Adventure
Stars
Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Kristen Schaal
Directed by
Dean Parisot
The third film in the famous Bill & Ted saga, Bill & Ted Face the Music finds both time-traveling adventurers in the throes of fatherhood. Tasked by the ruler of the future with writing the ultimate song to save humanity, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) decide to time-travel to the past to steal tunes from their younger selves — this time with the help of their daughters (played by Kristen Schaal and Samara Weaving). While not as original as the first two films, Face the Music still manages to make us laugh in more ways than one.
Melancholia (2011)
135m
Genre
Drama, Science Fiction
Stars
Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland
Directed by
Lars von Trier
In Melancholia, Kirsten Dunst stars as Justine. On the eve of her wedding, less-than-ideal events culminate in Justine sinking into a gut-wrenching depression. Calling off her marriage, she decides to remain with her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law John (Kiefer Sutherland). As a rogue planet known as Melancholia begins a close orbit around Earth, a series of strange events begin occurring, with Justine’s fascination with the oncoming astral body chief amongst them. A monstrous and dazzling film from Lars von Trier, Melancholia is arresting on many levels — particularly visually.
Nightmare Alley (2021)
150m
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Stars
Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette
Directed by
Guillermo del Toro
A reimagining of the 1947 noir film of the same name, Nightmare Alley is director Guillermo del Toro’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water. Bradley Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a traveling carnival go-getter that happens upon the talents of Zeena (Toni Collette) and Pete (David Straithairn), a husband and wife clairvoyance act. Learning their secrets, Stanton employs their mesmerizing parlor tricks to gain enormous wealth and recognition. But the mighty can only rise so high before they fall. A muted and morbid story of corruption, ego, and madness, Nightmare Alley is a shocker you won’t soon forget.
Arctic (2018)
98m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smáradóttir, Tintrinai Thikhasuk
Directed by
Joe Penna
Normally, Liam Neeson is the go-to guy when it comes to stranding a middle-aged man in the middle of desperate and terrifying situations, but in writer-director Joe Penna’s Arctic, the Taken star is swapped out for Mads Mikkelsen, our modern-day Hannibal. After a plane crash, Overgård (Mikkelsen) is left stranded in the harsh terrains of the titular frozen tundra. As the elements ensnare and the walls start closing in, our stranded survivor must choose between remaining at the wreckage site or embarking on a potentially devastating journey into a very non-wonderland. A brilliant feature debut shot across Iceland, Arctic is a tactful survival thriller that will leave you breathless more than once.
The Other Guys (2010)
107m
Genre
Comedy, Action, Crime
Stars
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes
Directed by
Adam McKay
The Other Guys buckles Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in together as a buddy-cop duo hinged on hijinks and laughs. Playing NYPD detectives Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry (Wahlberg), Allen appreciates the monotony of his desk job while Terry wants nothing more than to be combing the streets of the city, fighting crime and earning laurels. When the pair is tasked with investigating a permit violation, the minor citation suddenly evolves into a coverup-crime of epic proportions. The fourth collaboration between director Adam McKay and Ferrell, The Other Guys wins big in a number of ways, particularly with the push-and-pull onscreen pairing of its two leading men.
Major League (1989)
107m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen
Directed by
David S. Ward
In writer-director David S. Ward’s Major League, Margaret Whitton stars as Rachel Phelps, the new owner of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. Eager to relocate the team to Miami, the only way Phelps can get the team southbound is by bringing in a season of poor receipts for the team. To do so, she intentionally hires the most horrendous athletes she can find. Her scheming turns against her though when the players become more promising than the new owner could ever have imagined. Major League is great fun through-and-through, leaning heavily on the onscreen charisma of stars like Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger.
Ordinary People (1980)
124m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch
Directed by
Robert Redford
Life hasn’t been the same for the Jarrett family since the death of eldest son, Buck (Scott Doebler), and younger son Conrad’s attempted suicide. For the wealthy nuclear unit, the imposing forces of death and grief have driven a wedge between mother (Mary Tyler Moore), father (Donald Sutherland), and an only child (Timothy Hutton) that is doing everything he can to tread water while the memories of a better life continually escape his best efforts to reclaim normalcy. The directorial debut of Robert Redford, Ordinary People is a searing drama that places a grueling spotlight on the quiet falling-apart of a once close-knit family and the places we go, both physically and mentally, when tragedy strikes.
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
113m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom
Directed by
Don Siegel
In Escape from Alcatraz, Clint Eastwood stars as Frank Morris, a veteran criminal best known for his many escapes from jail. Sentenced to Alcatraz, the country’s most notoriously inescapable pit, Morris begins weaving his way into the brutalist day-to-day of the prison’s operation. After serving time for a while, Morris grows tired of life at the island facility, and soon joins forces with two sibling criminals (Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau) to plot a daring escape from the imposing prison-fortress.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
95m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Chloë Grace Moretz
Directed by
Marc Webb
It’s love at first sight for Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), two greeting card company workers. Following the initial sparks, the young employees strike up a romance that carries them through a series of 500 days (as the title spells out) — a year-plus filled with lush romance, laughs, cries, blowouts, and everything one can expect from good old love. A colorful examination of love’s peaks and valleys, Marc Webb’s 500 Days of Summer will make your heart swoon and your tear ducts come to life.
Jacob's Ladder (1990)
113m
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Horror
Stars
Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello
Directed by
Adrian Lyne
Life has been rather strange for Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a postal worker, Vietnam veteran, and grieving father. After a series of horrific hallucinations take over Jacob’s life, the man begins questioning his sanity. At the same time, some of his fellow ex-pats come forward and reveal they’ve been experiencing similar visions. Is this the experimental work of the U.S. government or something entirely demonic? In Jacob’s Ladder, Robbins delivers a tour-de-force performance, grabbing your heartstrings and pulling you along as one man dives deeper down a rabbit hole of doom, angelic chiropractors, and rapid-fire, rotating heads.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
106m
Genre
Action, Drama, Thriller, War
Stars
Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Gabriel Macht
Directed by
John Moore
Behind Enemy Lines stars Owen Wilson as U.S. Navy pilot Chris Burnett, who is shot down over Bosnia amid the height of the country’s horrific war in the mid-’90s. Stranded, and pursued by hostile forces, Chris must do everything in his power to survive the onslaught while his commanding officer, Leslie McMahon Reigart (Gene Hackman), races against the clock to get a combative search-and-rescue ordinance approved to get Chris out of the hot zone. Action-packed from start to finish, Behind Enemy Lines allows Owen Wilson to step away from his typical comedic appearances for something much more serious.
Earth to Echo (2014)
89m
Genre
Family, Adventure, Science Fiction
Stars
Teo Halm, Astro, Resse Hartwig
Directed by
Dave Green
Earth to Echo is an animated adventure you and yours won’t want to miss. Set in Nevada, the story follows three teen pals — Alex, Tuck, and Munch — who are all absorbing the news that their childhood town is getting demolished for a major highway. After receiving strange messages on their phones, the youths attempt to explain the glitches to the adults in their lives, but no one will pay them any mind. Taking matters into their own hands, the boys trace the odd broadcasts straight to an alien-powered automaton. Riffing on familiar family-friendly tropes, Earth to Echo doesn’t set out to reinvent the wheel, but the delightful feature is arresting enough for most to enjoy.
We Need to Do Something (2021)
97m
Genre
Horror, Mystery
Stars
Sierra McCormick, Vinessa Shaw, Pat Healy
Directed by
Sean King O'Grady
When a horrific storm blows through their town, teenaged Melissa (Sierra McCormick) and her family are trapped in the bathroom of their home. With a tree wedged against the door and signs that the world outside has descended into unfathomable madness, the nuclear family does everything in their power to stay alive with what little resources they have. But could this cruel fate be a result of something Melissa did that she hasn’t exactly come clean about? Making great use of its claustrophobic set and main ensemble, We Need to Do Something serves up notes of the post-apocalyptic genre, with a greater focus on the crumbling of the family dynamic as opposed to the otherworldly terrors that could be waiting outside.
Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
86m
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars
Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Bill Farmer
Directed by
Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino
The film adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic, Horton Hears a Who! features the voice talents of Jim Carrey as the titular Horton, an elephant that discovers a microcosmic civilization made up of the Whos. Chief amongst them is Ned McDodd (Steve Carrell), the mayor of the Whos. Becoming friends with Ned, Horton attempts to convince his fellow jungle inhabitants to recognize the existence of the unseeable Whos — a mission that may take more convincing than Horton ever planned for. A loving and deeply considered take on the Seuss classic, Horton Hears a Who! is an excellent animated adventure for the whole family to embark on.
King Kong (2005)
187m
Genre
Adventure, Drama, Action
Stars
Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody
Directed by
Peter Jackson
When Carl Denham (Jack Black) and his film crew depart New York for the mysterious Skull Island, their thespian sabbatical is firmly uprooted by the residents of the rock. Particularly, its giant insects, carnivorous dinosaurs, and the film’s namesake — a towering tank of a gorilla named Kong (Andy Serkis). After Kong captures Ann (Naomi Watts), Denham’s sole actress and muse, it’s up to the dedicated craftsman and his seafaring film crew to rescue the starring lady before Skull Island’s Most Deadly turns everyone into chewable fodder. Peter Jackson is known for his grandiose lensing, and his epic retelling of the King Kong lore is equal parts a Jackson spectacle and a faithful homage to the scale and scope of the 1933 original.
Rio (2011)
96m
Genre
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars
Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann
Directed by
Carlos Saldanha
Rio follows the mighty journey of the titular macaw (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg), a tropical bird that spends his days living comfortably in Minnesota alongside his human companion, Linda (Leslie Mann). When news travels to the human-animal duo that a rare female macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) lives in Rio de Janeiro, Rio and Linda travel to the country so the birds can mate. But when a band of smugglers attempts to capture the birds, it’s up to Rio and Jewel to evade their captors and return to safety. Rio doesn’t bring many reinventions to the world of animation, but what we get is a wonderfully layered, kid-friendly exercise in big colors, imaginative environments, and humorous set-pieces.
Her Smell (2019)
136m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens
Directed by
Alex Ross Perry
Told through five distinct vignettes, Her Smell stars Mad Men alum Elisabeth Moss as Becky Something, the loose-cannon frontman of punk rock outfit Something She. The film chronicles various stages of the band’s career and Becky’s downward spiral into drug and alcohol addiction. An indie exhalation on the hardships of a musical career and the battle to achieve sobriety, Her Smell is the story of a rocker bent on relevance and identity in a forever-changing artistic scene.
Love and Monsters (2020)
109m
Genre
Comedy, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars
Dylan O'Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker
Directed by
Michael Matthews
In the wake a cosmic catastrophe that turns nature’s predatory beasts to evolve into unbreakable monsters, humanity is all but wiped away. Seven years after the devastation, Joel (Dylan O’Brien) lives in an underground colony made up of survivors fighting against the hoards of monsters. Fearing he may end up alone, Joel decides to search for his long-ago high school girlfriend, Aimee (Jessica Henwick), embarking on a mission that will test his heart, mind, and body — as well as his tolerance of mutated centipedes. Love and Monsters delivers a B-movie blast with bigger-budget shoes. It’s a film packed with memorable characters, playful carnage, and a reminder that not every summer blockbuster has to look and feel the same.
The Marksman (2021)
108m
Genre
Action, Thriller, Crime
Stars
Liam Neeson, Katheryn Winnick, Teresa Ruiz
Directed by
Robert Lorenz
The world needs another hero, and it looks like Liam Neeson is free. Let’s call him again. Returning for another dose of action-thriller, The Marksman stars Neeson as Jim Hanson, a decorated veteran and alcoholic who spends his days reporting illegal border crossings to U.S. Border Patrol. But when a chance encounter with a mother and son, migrants fleeing the cartel, uproots Jim’s livelihood, the ex-pat must call upon his training and agility to go toe to toe with the malicious forces that want him and the on-the-runners vanquished. From Clint Eastwood collaborator Robert Lorenz (an assistant director on several Eastwood’s films), The Marksman plays out as we expect most Neeson vehicles to do, but with an added blast of Old West iconography. Beyond the gunfights and emotional arcs, the desert and its sun-baked truths are the major players here.
Vacation Friends (2021)
103m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, Meredith Hagner
Directed by
Clay Tarver
We all need to let loose once in a while. The same goes for Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji), the main characters of Vacation Friends. At a resort in Mexico, the straight-lacers party it up with newfound friends, Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner). But when the week of thrills concludes, Marcus and Emily return to their normal lives. On the day of their wedding, John and Cena show up uninvited, descending a rowdy whirlwind onto the day of nuptials.
Deadpool (2016)
108m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Comedy
Stars
Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein
Directed by
Tim Miller
Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is an ex-special forces operative working as a mercenary. After developing terminal cancer, Wade is recruited by Ajax (Ed Skrein) to be subjected to a series of experiments designed to awaken mutant genes. The trials go awry, and after Wade escapes Ajax’s burning lab with newfound superhuman abilities, the now-disfigured fighter vows revenge against the mad scientist that left him for dead. A superhero action-epic with a towering sense of humor, Deadpool is a visual feast packed with witty dialogue, bountiful pop-culture cracks, and an excellent lead performance from Ryan Reynolds.
Moneyball (2011)
134m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Directed by
Bennett Miller
Based on the 2003 Michael Lewis book of the same name, Moneyball stars Brad Pitt as Billy Bean, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. After losing to the New York Yankees in the 2001 Division series, as well as losing his three-star players, Billy is tasked with building a formative team in time for the 2002 season. Going against the grain, Bean hires Ivy League economics graduate Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) to help him recruit players based on their projected value. It turns out this crazy-sounding concept could be the best decision for the Oakland-A’s. Bennett Miller is a director well-known for his empowering biopics of immense cultural figures (Capote, Foxcatcher), and Moneyball is no exception. Brad Pitt brings plenty of gravitas to the role of Billy Bean, bringing charisma and believability to one of modern baseball’s most radical figures.
I, Tonya (2017)
120m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson
Directed by
Craig Gillespie
In director Craig Gillespie’s riveting biopic I, Tonya, Margot Robbie stars as the titular figure skater. On her way to Olympic stardom, Tonya’s reputation is steamrolled when her ex-husband carries out a malicious attack on Tonya’s skating rival, Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver). Not for one second does Gillespie’s sports-drama pretend to be like the rest, opting for a fourth-wall-breaking, larger-than-life approach to Tonya’s rise and fall. Where the storytelling goes through waves of experimentation in the two-hour runtime, Margot Robbie’s performance as the lime-lit Tonya is what most viewers are arriving for, and it’s certainly one of the major reasons you’ll want to stay.
The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
104m
Genre
Action, Comedy, Thriller
Stars
Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
Directed by
Riley Stearns
When Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) is attacked on the streets by a rogue motorcycle gang, the timid accountant decides to buy a firearm for protection. That is until he discovers a karate dojo led by a charismatic sensei (Alessandro Nivola). Initially, Casey really takes to the defense lessons, but when the sensei begins challenging him to up his masculinity and aggression, things take a sinister turn. A bleak but humorous riff on the feel-good sportsman story, The Art of Self-Defense is a sharp commentary on the state of toxic masculinity.
In the Earth (2021)
107m
Genre
Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars
Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Hayley Squires
Directed by
Ben Wheatley
After a deadly virus has ravaged much of the world, Martin Lowery (Joel Fry), a scientist, and Alma (Ellora Torchia), a park ranger, are tasked with transporting equipment through the woodlands to a research center. En route, Martin sustains a serious injury after he and Alma are attacked at their campsite. Taken in by a man named Zach (Reece Shearsmith), Martin and Alma are thankful for the rescue — until they realize the mysterious man may have an ulterior motive for rescuing them. A hallucinatory indie sci-fi from the talented mind of writer-director Ben Wheatley, In the Earth landed in cinemas mid-pandemic, making for a perfect cinematic allegory on the state of the world and how we contend with disease and the madness of humanity.
The Nice Guys (2016)
116m
Genre
Comedy, Crime, Action
Stars
Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice
Directed by
Shane Black
Buddy-cop pairings are a cinematic trope that has pervaded for years. In The Nice Guys, the typical formula is given an adrenaline-punch by way of riveting action sequences and incredible laugh-out-loud moments. Ryan Gosling plays Holland March, a private eye that gets paired up with heavy-hitting enforcer Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe), and the duo is tasked with tracking down Amelia (Margaret Qualley). As their investigation kicks off, the plot rapidly thickens when people surrounding the missing persons case start dying. It’s only a matter of time before Holland and Jackson meet the same fate. Gosling and Crowe bring an undeniable dynamic to this ’70s-throwback, delivering top-notch humor and quick-witted onscreen chops.
The Hunger Games (2012)
142m
Genre
Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Directed by
Gary Ross
In the dystopian ruins of what once was the United States, a nationally televised “battle royale” is held between the 12 districts of Panem, an event known as the Hunger Games. In the brutal fight to the death, each district must select one boy and one girl to send into the throes of bloodshed. When Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers for the fight to save her younger sister from having to participate, the young warrior must use all of her wit and agility to persevere. An adaptation of the award-winning book series by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is an epic silver-screen tour de force that helped cement the career of Jennifer Lawrence.
Digital Trends Streaming Roundup
Undine (2020)
86m
Genre
Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Stars
Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree
Directed by
Christian Petzold
In Cristian Petzolds’ cinematic adaptation of the ancient myth of Undine, Paula Beer stars as the titular water dweller — a mermaid-type being given a chance at humanity. Working as a Berlin historian, Undine’s romantic partner unexpectedly leaves her, setting a chain of events into motion that may strip her of her womanly guise. In accordance with folklore, Undine must kill her betraying lover and return to the water to live out the rest of her days as a nymph once more. From the writer-director of Phoenix and Transit, Undine is a lush blend of romance and drama, set against the architectural evolution (and decay) of a city rich with emotions of its own.
The Killing of Two Lovers (2021)
84m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Clayne Crawford, Sepideh Moafi, Chris Coy
Directed by
Robert Machoian
When David (Clayne Crawford) and Nikki (Sepideh Moafi) decide to separate, David does everything in his power to keep his family of six treading water — until Nikki begins a new relationship. While they both agreed they would see other people, David begins to have a very difficult time with his ex-to-be’s new romance, leading him down a dark path of no return. Writer-director Robert Machoian is a significant talent to watch in the coming years, delivering a resonant film without an ounce of fat. The performances are top-notch, the story is heart-wrenching, and even though things can get unrelenting, there’s no way you’ll turn away once you start the film.
La La Land (2016)
129m
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music
Stars
Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend
Directed by
Damien Chazelle
In La La Land, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star as Sebastian and Mia, the former an aspiring jazz pianist, the latter an actress in the making. Set in the sun-soaked, Technicolor dreamscape of Los Angeles, two serendipitous encounters at a jazz club — and then months later at a pool party — propel both artists into a whirlwind romance. But when fate comes calling and their careers begin shaping up, Sebastian and Mia are forced to re-examine their romance as their true dreams start unfolding before their eyes. An absolutely dazzling musical in the tradition of Hollywood’s show-stopping spectacles, La La Land is an unforgettable foray into a once-classic genre that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves these days.
The Biggest Little Farm (2019)
89m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
John Chester, Molly Chester
Directed by
John Chester
John and Molly Chester took on a brand new life of toil, sweat, and the longest hours when, in 2010, the couple decided to abandoned their traditional jobs and purchased an arid 200-acre parcel of land on the fringes of Los Angeles. The Biggest Little Farm charts the seven years after their benchmark transaction as we watch the barren acreage transform into a diverse paradise of crops and fauna. A film that does wonders for the soul, spending a meditative hour-plus with the Chester clan will shed you of any wretched toxins you may be carrying with you from the day.
Babyteeth (2020)
118m
Genre
Drama, Comedy, Romance
Stars
Eliza Scanlen, Tobey Wallace, Ben Mendelsohn, Essie Davis
Directed by
Shannon Murphy
Based on writer Rita Kalnejais’ play of the same name, Babyteeth stars Eliza Scanlon as Milla Finlay, a 16-year-old teen diagnosed with cancer. When the girl meets a man named Moses (Toby Wallace), the two quickly fall for each other, much to the dismay of Milla’s parents (played by Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn). While they fear that Moses may be taking advantage of the family, her parents realize that he brings Milla joy and happiness, so they do what they can to keep him around. A subversive cancer-dramedy that plays by its own set of rules, Babyteeth is a surprisingly fresh watch for those expecting your run-of-the-mill disease drama.
Beach Rats (2017)
95m
Genre
Drama, Romance
Stars
Harris Dickinson, Madeline Weinstein, Kate Hodge
Directed by
Eliza Hittman
Frankie (Harris Dickinson) is struggling to stay adrift in life. With his father close to death and his mother on his back, practically begging him to enter a relationship with someone, Frankie retreats to the world of chatrooms and webcams, where he connects with older men. As these fleeting conversations begin taking on more gravity, the youth ditches his adolescent tendencies to start officially pursuing male companionship, all while entering into a romance with a girl named Simone (Madeline Weinstein). A coming-of-age film like no other, Beach Rats features earnest performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a compact narrative that plays much bigger than its premise.
Judy (2019)
118m
Genre
Drama, History, Music
Stars
Renée Zellweger, Rufus Sewell, Finn Wittrock
Directed by
Rupert Goold
An excellent biopic and homage to its titular late-great talent, Judy stars Renée Zellweger as the world-famous actress turned lounge performer, Judy Garland. Tracing her career back to her teenage years, we get a front-row vantage to the excess and excitement of celebrity life, but also a cautionary look at the many perils and pitfalls that a limelight existence can have in store. Zellweger is simply electrifying in the title role, delivering an emotionally captivating performance that stands as the centerpiece of the film. Without her chops and commitment, Judy would be a much lesser picture.
A Field in England (2013)
90m
Genre
Drama, History, Horror, Thriller
Stars
Reece Shearsmith, Michael Smiley, Julian Barratt
Directed by
Ben Wheatley
Ben Wheatley is no stranger to perverse English eco-terrors, particularly with the director’s latest release, In the Earth. However, the auteur’s botanical nightmares seemingly began with A Field in England, this 2013 period thriller. Set during the English Civil War, the film follows a batch of rogue soldiers and an alchemist’s assistant who attempt to desert the battlefront. After being captured by a rival alchemist and fed hallucinatory mushrooms, the deserters become subservient to the cause of their captor, a man intending to unearth something mystical and almighty in the field they’re settled on. An adventure of kaleidoscopic proportions, combining notes of drama, horror, and black comedy, A Field in England is an exceptional entry in the bizarre canon of Ben Wheatley.
Leave No Trace (2018)
110m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster, Jeff Kober
Directed by
Debra Granik
Writer-director Debra Granik is renowned for her grim, gut-punching dramas. Continuing her tradition of devastating familial hardships brought to light in her previous films Down to the Bone and Winter’s Bone, Leave No Trace stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie as Will and Tom, a father-daughter duo living on the fringes of society in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. As the two are sleeping in tents and preparing whatever they can find in nature for meals, Portland park authorities discover their hideout and force the family to reintegrate with the civilized world. As Tom sees shades of a hopeful, less challenging future before her, Will personally finds the acclimation to be difficult, particularly in the wake of his military past that has riddled him with PTSD symptoms. A heartfelt examination of Will and Tom’s relationship is the centerpiece of this less-vicious entry in Granik’s portfolio, and it’s a dynamic perfectly buttressed by Foster and McKenzie’s rich performances.
Hostiles (2017)
134m
Genre
Western, Drama, History
Stars
Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi
Directed by
Scott Cooper
Writer-director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace, Black Mass) brings his iconic gritty realism to the period Western landscape. Hostiles finds Christian Bale returning to Cooper’s acting fold as Captain Joseph Blocker, an Army captain tasked with transporting a Cheyenne war chief (Wes Studi) and his family from New Mexico to their home in Montana. Along the way, the band of travelers comes across Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike), a widow whose family was wiped out by Comanche warriors. Banding together, Blocker, Quaid, and Chief Yellow Hawk must contend with the grueling geography and the outlying Comanches that want them dead. Brutal and surprising, Hostiles doesn’t relent at any point in its two-hours-plus runtime.
The Croods: A New Age (2020)
95m
Genre
Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Stars
Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds
Directed by
Joel Crawford
In the long-awaited follow-up to The Croods (2013), A New Age finds the titular barbarian clan searching for a safer place to call home. After stumbling upon a great walled-in structure, the Croods are captured by Phil and Hope Betterman (Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann), fellow Neanderthals with a bit more wit and technology. Initially peeved by each other’s clans, both the Croods and Bettermans must unite to contend with the evildoing Punch Monkeys before the creatures wipe out both prehistoric dynasties. A delightful and humorous animated adventure, The Croods: A New Age was delayed several times in its production, with the coronavirus hindering the final leg of animation.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
97m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Directed by
Matt Spicer
Upon her release from a mental hospital, Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) discovers a social media influencer on Instagram named Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). After receiving feedback from Sloane, Ingrid packs her belongings and uses her mother’s inheritance to secretly move to LA to get as close to her newfound idol as possible. A powerhouse pairing of Plaza and Olsen is the mighty fire that burns throughout Ingrid Goes West, along with a timely narrative that acts as a humorous warning label stamped on the face of influencer culture.
Not Fade Away (2012)
112m
Genre
Drama
Stars
John Magaro, James Gandolfini, Bella Heathcote
Directed by
David Chase
Written and directed by The Sopranos creator David Chase, Not Fade Away follows Douglas Damiano (John Magaro), a New Jersey college dropout who has mile-high aspirations of finding fame through a homegrown rock band. In keeping with British Invasion influences like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Gene (Jack Huston), the founder of the band, asks Doug to join, with hopes that the act will grow melodically. But when a series of tumultuous events transpire, Doug finds himself as the new frontman, carrying the weight of his musical dreams, familial hardships, and blossoming love life. An homage to the heyday of rock music, Not Fade Away revisits a zeitgeist fueled by transitory sounds and dreamers hoping to land a radio hit.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson (2019)
104m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Steven Silver, Spencer Neville, Nicola Peltz
Directed by
Ali LeRoi
Blending cultural awareness with a sci-fi-laced narrative bedrock, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson follows the titular character (portrayed by Steven Silver), a gay Nigerian-American man. Out driving, Tunde is pulled over by a disgruntled police officer who pulls his weapon and ends Tunde’s life. Immediately after the trigger is pulled, Tunde awakens, finding himself trapped in a time loop with his inevitable death facing him repeatedly. Leaning on the big trope of such memorable hits as Groundhog Day, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson pushes the typical light footing of the time loop sub-genre aside in favor of a more character-driven approach, a feat more than accomplished by director Ali LeRoi and Steven Silver’s grounded approach to the lead role.
The Donut King (2020)
94m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Chuong Pek Lee, Susan Lim, Ted Ngoy
Directed by
Alice Gu
When Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy secured work as a janitor and gas station clerk in Tustin, California, the man would never know that he was on the cusp of an immense legacy. Taking note of a local doughnut shop and inquiring about the business, Ngoy ended up receiving training through an affirmative action initiative, eventually finding his way into doughnut shop management. An ambitious documentary from Alice Gu, The Donut King tells the story of Ngoy’s rise into the California doughnut empire, told through the inspiringly upbeat personas of Ted Ngoy and his family.
The Vigil (2020)
88m
Genre
Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Stars
Dave Davis, Lynn Cohen, Menashe Lustig
Directed by
Keith Thomas
In writer-director Keith Thomas’s The Vigil, Dave Davis stars as Yakov Ronen, a displaced Orthodox Jew residing in the Hasidic Borough Park area of New York. After accepting an offer from his former rabbi to be the overnight guardian of a deceased community member, a horrific entity begins haunting Yakov. Combining traditional Jewish folk influences and the glories of shoestring filmmaking, Thomas succeeds in building a dread-laden atmosphere with earnest performances, close-quarters cinematography, and clever storytelling.
Robot & Frank (2012)
85m
Genre
Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Crime
Stars
Frank Langella, Liv Tyler, James Marsden
Directed by
Jake Schreier
In Robot & Frank, Frank Langella stars as Frank, an age-addled dementia patient. When Frank’s son Hunter employs the services of an android to help care for his father, an initially resistant Frank soon warms up to the robot’s presence — specifically because the cyborg can’t differentiate between what’s moral and what’s not. Thus, Frank, an ex-thief, begins using the robot to carry out local burglaries. A smart story about technological advancements, family ties, elderly care, and past lives, Robot & Frank is a whipsmart sci-fi/comedy amalgam and fitting addition to Hulu’s library.
Saint Maud (2020)
85m
Genre
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Stars
Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle, Lily Knight
Directed by
Rose Glass
Set in a coastal community in England, Saint Maud stars Morfydd Clark as the titular Maud, a born-again Roman Catholic and on-call nurse. When Maud’s agency assigns her to care for an ailing dancer and cancer patient named Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), Maud uses the opportunity to bestow her newfound faith-healing practices on the sick woman. Initially receptive to Maud’s benevolence, Amanda’s attitude turns, leaving Maud embittered. With no one to share her religious dogma with, Maud gradually sinks into an inner world of disorienting madness while disturbing events from her past begin to resurface through visions and visits from an old friend. A magnificent debut from writer-director Rose Glass, Saint Maud is a mesmerizing slow-burn piece of body horror and a stellar vehicle for the talents of Morfydd Clark.
Wander Darkly (2020)
97m
Genre
Romance, Drama
Stars
Sienna Miller, Diego Luna, Beth Grant
Directed by
Tara Miele
After a traumatic incident, Adrienna and Matteo (Sienna Miller and Diego Luna), a struggling young couple, are sent to the hospital. Confined to rehabilitative quarters, the once-happy pair are transported to an otherworldly realm of surreal memories. While each of them is forced to confront the hazy beginnings of their fizzling romance, their out-of-body paths will cross in bizarre and unexpected ways. Visually, Wander Darkly lives in an elevated plane of awareness, but the emotionally laden performances of both Miller and Luna help to anchor the film in a grounded and often relatable reality.
Skyfall (2012)
143m
Genre
Action, Adventure, Thriller
Stars
Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
Directed by
Sam Mendes
In director Sam Mendes’ Skyfall, Daniel Craig returns for his third go with the James Bond character. A sequel to 2008’s Quantum of Solace, Skyfall begins with a tumultuous action set piece that kicks the film off with pure energy. When Patrice, a mercenary in possession of MI6 secrets, is cornered by Bond and Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) in Istanbul … aboard a moving train. When the altercation goes haywire, the fate of every MI6 agent is jeopardized as a former operative-turned-terrorist named Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) closes in. Skyfall sets the bar for high-octane action thrills, featuring mesmerizing cinematography, editing, sound design, along with commanding performances from the main ensemble. It’s one of the best Bond flicks ever made and a grand success of a major Hollywood blockbuster, earning over $1 billion in worldwide receipts against a $200 million budget.
Luce (2019)
109m
Genre
Thriller
Stars
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer
Directed by
Julius Onah
Based on the J.C. Lee play of the same name, Luce stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the titular Luce, an American teen adopted from Eritrea by Peter and Amy Edgar (Tim Roth and Naomi Watts). When Luce’s history teacher, Harriet Carter (Octavia Spencer), calls a meeting with Luce’s parents after the youth turns in an essay with violent implications, the idyllic family of three are forced to question their parenting, family dynamic, and overall marriage. A riveting examination of racial bias, powered by intense performances from the main ensemble, Luce plays like a character-driven theater experience, paying fine homage to the story’s roots in live theater.
Flight (2012)
138m
Genre
Drama
Stars
Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
Directed by
Robert Zemeckis
Airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) can’t seem to shake his vices, booze-addled habits that are given surprise center-staging when his aircraft malfunctions midflight. Successfully pulling off a desperate emergency landing, Whip falls unconscious, awakening later in a hospital. Commended for his heroism, investigative authorities begin to unearth Whip’s drinking habits, forcing the addict to reckon with his professional and personal life choices. Featuring a mighty lead performance from Washington and a pulse-pounding first act, much of what works about Flight is its insistence on spending time with its subjects. Zemeckis’ camera tends to linger on difficult conversations; thus, so do we.
Another Round (2020)
117m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Lars Ranthe
Directed by
Thomas Vinterberg
With an original Danish title of Druk (“binge drinking”), co-writer and director Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round follows a group of four high school teachers with a wild plan. Facing unenthused students, trouble at home, and other midlife hardships, the foursome agrees to test the theories of psychiatrist Finn Skårderud in the workplace. More specifically, the colleagues want to see if maintaining a constant blood-alcohol level of 0.5 will improve their creativity and overall mood. Truly more than another midlife boozer flick, Another Round sees Mads Mikkelsen in top form as Martin, the de facto onscreen leader who attempts to gain more out of his day-to-day through mild intoxication. It’s funny, at times dark, and tactfully hard-hitting.
Super Dark Times (2017)
103m
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Stars
Owen Campbell, Charlie Tahan, Elizabeth Cappuccino
Directed by
Kevin Phillips
Zach (Owen Campbell) and Josh (Charlie Tahan) are lifelong pals who spend their days riding bikes, rating girls in their yearbook, and sneaking a little pot-smoking in now and then. Little do they know that their lives are about to change forever, all on one fateful afternoon. When a horrific tragedy shatters their innocence, Zach and Josh are forced to make profound adult decisions that will affect the trajectory of their lives and test the foundations of their friendship. An exciting indie debut from director Kevin Phillips, Super Dark Times leads with strong performances, captivating camera work, snappy editing, and a mood-setting score by Australian/Icelandic composer Ben Foster.
Logan Lucky (2017)
118m
Genre
Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Stars
Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough
Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) are down-on-their-luck siblings — one a laid-off construction worker, the other an amputee war vet tending bar. Hoping to break a supposed family curse and reap the reward of millions of dollars, the brothers recruit a hodge-podge ensemble of two-bit criminals to break into the underground tunnels of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. But when things don’t go as planned, the brothers and their team must contend with an FBI agent on their tail, while attempting to pull off a heist during a major race. Coming out of retirement to direct, Steven Soderbergh delivers big with Logan Lucky, a mighty amalgamation of comedy, drama, and high-stakes thrills.
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