(Hulu/Prime/tubi/VOD) A surprisingly uncomplicated thriller but also a coming-of-age film about a boy who believes in true love, despite being presented with numerous evidence to the contrary. Grounded by earnest dialogue and fantastic performances (despite McConaughey’s distracting teeth), it also features Mitchell himself: Joe Don Baker.
Hulu
PRINCESS CYD (2017)
(Hulu/kanopy/mubi/tubi/VOD) Absolutely charming ‘summer of self-discovery’ film about a teen visiting her writer aunt in Ravenswood, Chicago. As I lived in Ravenswood for several years (and currently live adjacent to the neighborhood) I recognized -every single location- in the film, even down to the church the aunt attends, which means that the film’s home field advantage may unfairly tilt my critical scales, but it really is an extraordinarily delightful film. Pairs well with Showtime’s WORK IN PROGRESS.
(Warning: the trailer is less of a trailer and more of a highlight reel, so you may want to avoid it.)
DEALT (2017)
(AMC+/Hulu/VOD) I have a penchant for films and documentaries about magicians and tricksters, and DEALT is about one of the king card mechanics. This doc could hit harder, but it’s a fascinating look at an unprecedented talent and how he can’t see himself.
LITTLE JOE (2019)
(Hulu/VOD) A film about airborne pathogens that alter your brain might be a tasteless viewing choice right now, but LITTLE JOE is a sleek, patient take on THE BODY SNATCHERS, despite a surprisingly overbearing score that would feel more at home in Bryan Fuller’s HANNIBAL than a film about malicious flowers.