There might not be anything better than going to the movies. That said, sometimes you just want to stay in. Whether that be to save money—15 dollars for a movie is outrageous—or to avoid the chattering 15-year-old’s kicking your seat; watching a movie from the couch is always a pleasure. That’s why we decided to give you a list of the best films going straight to streaming services. Comprised of five movies from Netflix and Amazon—sorry Hulu—we think each of these is well worth your time and money—even if you don’t need to spend any.
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (Netflix)
9 out of 10 – Full Review
What’s fact and fiction? It’s a question many Dylan fans have asked over the years in regards to his poetic and esoteric lyrics. Fittingly, Martin Scorsese seamlessly blends the real and unreal in his Bob Dylan documentary. Think This is Spinal Tap, only more serious. The plot follows the circus-like tour titled Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975. Which gives audiences the chance to see Dylan at his most confident and assured. Not only is the concert footage captivating, “nearly all the footage in the film is incredible” says Hunter Lanier in his review. I would go a step further and add that the whole thing is incredible. A lively time capsule that may or may not be capturing real life.
Origin Story (Amazon)
7.5 out of 10 – Full Review
There’s no mistaking the honesty in Kulap Vilaysack’s familial doc. Unlike most origin stories these days, this one isn’t about superhumans. Instead, it’s about a super intelligent woman who looks like everyone else walking down the street. Centering Vilaysack’s quest to find her biological father, this road movie’s destination isn’t a place, but an understanding. An understanding about herself, her family and the increasingly insolvent state of immigration. It’s not a pretty movie, but an affecting and affectionate one. “We become this voyeur into her life, like slowly passing a severe accident on the freeway getting a good look at the damage” Alan Ng describes in his review. Finally, an origin story worth telling.
Yardie (Amazon)
8 out of 10 – Full Review
You may know Idris Elba from his work on Luther. Others may recognize him as an action star from Thor, The Dark Tower, and The Mountain Between Us. (He even brought some dramatic chops to The Office). But not everyone knows that he moonlights as a director. What can’t he do? Apparently, make a bad movie. His debut feature is a “ripping classic gangster tale done right” says Bradley Gibson. It follows a boy named D, who gets caught up in crime in London following his move from Jamaica. That’s where he sees his brother gunned down, and that’s where this rapid-fire revenge tale gets going. “Fans of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels will be right at home.”
The Golem (Netflix)
8 out of 10 – Full Review
Hats off–or yarmulke’s off– to this supernatural thriller of Jewish descent. This Israeli fright fest is as hypnotical as it is incendiary. A fiery metaphor for Jewish hopelessness; this tale follows Hannah, a weary follower who summons up a “golem” in order to protect her village from the attacking Russians in 17th century Lithuania. It’s “an engaging little film… using shadows to creepy effect while highlighting the impressive set design.” Bobby Lepire goes on to say that “when combined with the excellent acting, the movie turns out to be very effective and memorable.” Filmmakers Yoav and Doron Paz may not believe in the second coming, but there’s no denying their film is the second coming of period piece splatter-fests.
Life Overtakes Me (Netflix)
8 out of 10 – Full Review
What’s one thing we can all agree with Trump on? That the refugee crisis is a “Huuuuuuuge!” problem. But John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson have found a way to make people from all parties and backgrounds resonate with the other side of the same coin. Most counties don’t have the same coinage we do, and those suffering from the mysterious Resignation Syndrome are forced to flee. That’s what this doc of agony and growth is about. A group of families seeking refuge for their sick kids. It’s not a fun time out at the movies, but it’s a vital one. One that “succeeds in making a problem on the other side of the earth feel local,” says Alan Ng. Most lizards can grow new tails. These families do something even more impressive, they grow new faith.
