We’re back with What’s On Netflix, an article series I started up back in May and then stopped for a little while. But it’s finally back! Anyone who subscribes to Netflix knows the pain of sitting down to watch a film, only to spend an hour or two picking what to watch, by which time you don’t have the energy to watch anything. Not to fear though, Kevin and Ian have picked out three great films that you can’t go wrong with.
Kevin: The Babadook (2014) Dir. Jennifer Kent
2014 was a relatively poor year for horror. However, behind the Annabelle‘s, the Deliver Us From Evil‘s and the Quiet One‘s, there was a hidden gem called The Babadook. Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut of a feature film is intelligent, engrossing and genuinely haunting. At the same time, it explores the relationship between mother and son. The “villain” is scary and the idea that you’re never truly safe from it amplifies the terror. Definitely one that you should check out.
Ian: The Guest (2014) Dir. Adam Wingard
The Guest (2014) Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame, strays far from the rural pastures of England in Adam Wingard’s self-aware, campy action flick. Stevens, with his seriously blue eyes and post-Downton buff bod, plays a war vet who claims to be the friend of the Peterson’s late son. But mysterious deaths start to occur and everyone is wondering just what is going on. Aside from a killer synth score (easily one of 2014’s best) and fight sequences for the ages. The Guest is sure to make you smile at its unapologetics.
Kevin: The One I Love (2014) Dir. Charlie McDowell
I’ve seen three films starring Mark Duplass: Safety Not Guaranteed, Creep, and The One I Love. I like all of them, but this might be my favourite. It’s clever, funny and at times touching. I love both sci-fi and drama, and this was a great combination of both genres. At you’ll first be wondering how they came up with the idea before being simply swept away. Also, it has a darkly funny ending, but I won’t spoil that.
Ian: Joanna (2013) Dir. Aneta Kopacz
Winner of this year’s Oscar for Best Documentary Short, Joanna is a bright, airy, funny, and ultimately heartbreaking snapshot into the world of the titular character, who suffers from life-threatening cancer. A professional writer and blogger in Poland, she spends her time trying to teach her young (and hilarious) son how to lead a meaningful life. Joanna the documentary is often like Joanna the person: a singular embrace of the cycle of life.
Kevin: Mission Impossible (1996) Dir. Brian De Palma
With the release of Rogue Nation, I felt I had to include where the escapades of Ethan Hunt all started. The original M:I is still my favorite, surpassing even Brad Bird’s great fourth installment. Tom Cruise is at his action-best in Mission Impossible, and his confidence (perhaps cockiness) really shows. A fun film, with my favorite scene in the franchise – the silent heist (Rififi anyone?). Watch this film even if it’s just to catch up for the new installment this weekend.
Ian: These Final Hours (2013) Dir. Zak Hilditch
Stylish, gaudy, and typical of the Outback dementia that comes with Australia’s thrillers, These Final Hours clocks the last day of Earth’s existence. Following up-and-comer Daniel Henshall as he up and leaves his girlfriend to find some hot blond chick. Along the way he saves a young girl, and through the insane partying and grotesque, flippant regard for mortality in those final hours, he might just find some deeper meaning in it all.
So there you have it. Have you watched any of these? Did you like them? What would your recommendations be? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll see you for next month’s installment of What’s on Netflix.
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