As we delve into another weekend, it’s time to spotlight some notable films across various streaming platforms. This week’s curated selection spans an array of genres and styles, featuring everything from classic dramas to cutting-edge indies. Whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking documentary or a timeless comedy, there’s something here for every kind of movie enthusiast. With the Golden Globes happening this Sunday, it’s a great opportunity to catch up on some of the nominated films and performances. Let’s explore what’s in store for us this weekend.
Movies
VOD Picks
All Dirt Roads Smell of Salt (Raven Jackson)
“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” is a film that demands patience but offers rich rewards. Its stunning cinematography, immersive storytelling, and profound emotional depth make it a standout in contemporary cinema. Jackson’s ability to convey complex emotions through a sensory narrative is remarkable, and this film is sure to leave an indelible mark on its viewers.
Eileen (William Oldroyd)
William Oldroyd’s Eileen oscillates between psychological depth and a conventional crime narrative, losing its initial allure. Anne Hathaway’s strong performance can’t salvage the film’s inconsistent tone and underexplored themes. Despite promising elements, the film falters in fully realizing its complex premise, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential in what could have been a more nuanced and compelling exploration of identity and desire.
A special mention for the intriguing Short Vacation available on VOD, a must-watch for those seeking something different.
The Criterion Channel Picks
Plan 75 (Chie Hayakawa)
Chie Hayakawa’s Plan 75 subtly transforms a dystopian concept into a poignant reflection on aging and societal values. Set in Japan with a voluntary euthanasia program for those over 75, the film delves into the cold bureaucracy of this system. Yet, it masterfully uncovers humanity amidst despair, eschewing typical dystopian bleakness for a haunting, but hopeful, exploration of life’s later stages.
This week, The Criterion Channel presents an eclectic mix, ranging from the compelling Cat Movies to Roots & Revolution: Reggae on Film. Fans of James Gray and Juleen Compton will be delighted with their respective features. Other highlights include Heaven Knows What, HandMade Films, and Sundance Favorites, alongside a tribute to Ava Gardner.
Directed by James Gray
Starring Ava Gardner
Sundance Favorites
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier
Directed by Juleen Compton
Cat Movies
Postapocalyptic Sci-Fi
Directed by Ken Russell
Roots & Revolution: Reggae on Film
Heaven Knows What
HandMade Films
Three by Isabel Sandoval
Netflix Picks
The Society of the Snow (J.A. Bayona)
J.A. Bayona’s The Society of the Snow grapples with the delicate balance between respectfulness and impactful storytelling. While the film commendably avoids sensationalizing the Andes plane crash, this reverence arguably mutes its emotional power. Bayona’s cautious approach, particularly in depicting the survivors’ grim choices, results in a narrative that feels sanitized, glossing over the raw desperation that marked the real-life ordeal. The film also struggles with character depth, as its large ensemble blurs individual distinctions, weakening viewer connection. Despite Bayona’s skillful use of visual storytelling, the film ultimately falls short in conveying the full psychological intensity of this harrowing survival story.
Netflix’s array includes everything from the classic Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore to the action-packed Meg 2: The Trench. Other notable titles are Charley Varrick, Elvis, and The Equalizer.
Elvis
The Gambler
Good Grief
The Equalizer
Jackie Brown
Meg 2: The Trench
The Parallax View
Charley Varrick
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Jurassic Park
FYI
New on Netflix – Full List
Released Thursday, January 4
Boy Swallows Universe (AU) *NETFLIX SERIES
Society of the Snow (ES) *NETFLIX FILM
The Brothers Sun *NETFLIX SERIES
Released Friday, January 5
Good Grief *NETFLIX FILM
Gyeongseong Creature: Part 2 (KR) *NETFLIX SERIES
Released Saturday, January 6
The Florida Project
Hulu
Hulu offers a trio of intriguing films: the intense Heat, the eerie It Lives Inside, and Scorsese’s classic The King of Comedy.
FYI
Prime Video
Return to Seoul (Davy Chou)
“Return to Seoul” is a film that masterfully tackles the complexities of identity, family, and the inherent need for belonging. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with understanding their place in the world. Park Ji-min delivers a performance that is both powerful and poignant, marking an impressive debut. The film is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that explores deep emotional truths and the intricacies of human relationships.
Prime Video’s selection offers a range of critically acclaimed films, including The Aviator, Days of Heaven, and Devil in a Blue Dress. Also featured are Heaven’s Gate and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
Us
The Aviator
Heaven’s Gate
Black Coal, Thin Ice
Days of Heaven
Something Wild
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Devil in a Blue Dress
The Long Goodbye
Total Recall
FYI
New on Prime Video – Full List
Released Friday, January 5
Foe (2024) *Prime Video Original Movie
Hit: S3 (2020)
James May: Our Man in India (2024) *Prime Video Original Series
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
New on Hulu – Full List
Released Thursday, January 4
Ancient Aliens: Complete Season 19 (A&E)
Alien Encounters: Complete Season 1 (A&E)
Be the BOSS: Complete Season 1
Danger Below Deck | 2023
Daughters of the Cult: Complete Season 1 *Hulu Original
I Can See Your Voice: Season 3 Premiere (Fox)
Rowhouse Showdown: Complete Season 1
We Are Family: Series Premiere (Fox)
Released Friday, January 5
All Fun and Games | 2023
The System | 2022
Released Sunday, January 7
Rare Objects | 2023
The Incredible Pol Farm: Series Premiere (National Geographic)
Metrograph at Home
Explore a diverse range of cinema with Metrograph at Home’s offerings, including Francisca, Keane, Milla, and The Strange Mister Victor.
Keane
Milla
The Strange Mister Victor
Francisca
MUBI
MUBI’s lineup is rich and varied, featuring cult favorites like The Blair Witch Project and But I’m a Cheerleader. The selection also includes American Movie, Pieces of April, and Secretary, among others.
Age of Panic
Antiviral
Bottle Rocket
Shithouse
Pieces of April
Whores’ Glory
Keane
Medicine for Melancholy
Don’t Be a Dick About It
Lost and Beautiful
But I’m a Cheerleader
American Movie
The Blair Witch Project
Following
Secretary
The Illusionist
Omelia Contadina
Tubi
Tubi stands out with classics like The Apartment and Barry Lyndon, alongside newer titles such as Her Smell and Serenity.
Heat
Her Smell
The Killing
The Apartment
Something Wild
Serenity
Barry Lyndon
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
True Lies
The Last Waltz
Moonstruck
(HBO) Max
New on Max – Full List
Released Thursday, January 4
Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, Season 3 (Discovery Channel)
Released Friday, January 5
Creator League Series, Season 5
My Lottery Dream Home, Season 14 (HGTV)
OWN Celebrates the New Color Purple (OWN)
Released Saturday, January 6
Ready to Love: Make a Move (OWN)
Tricky Dick (CNN Original)
Released Sunday, January 7
Carnival Eats, Season 11 (Cooking Channel)
Diana (CNN Original)
Evil Lives Here: Shadows Of Death, Season 3B (ID)
Home Town, Season 8 (HGTV)
OWN Spotlight: Oprah & Taraji P. Henson (OWN)
Worst Cooks in America, Season 27 (Food Network)
New on Disney+ – Full List
Released Friday, January 5
X-Men (2000)
Released Sunday, January 7
The Incredible Pol Farm (S1, 14 episodes)
New on Paramount+ with Showtime – Full List
Released Saturday, January 6
The Uplift (Season 2024)
Released Sunday, January 7
The 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards
Here Comes the Sun (Season 2024)
The Takeout (Season 8)
