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When the temperature drops and the couch calls again, it’s time to explore the libraries of subscription streaming services. This month’s offerings include indie comedy-dramas, genre hybrids, and informative documentaries about outside influencers.
‘The Touching Feeling’ (2013)
Writer and director Lynn Shelton died unexpectedly Last year, he left behind a small but distinctive line of films – smart and insightful comedy-dramas, modest in scope but endless in emotion. This Sundance selection is a community family story that focuses on siblings (Rosemarie DeWitt and Josh Pais) who are in their most compelling personal and spiritual crisis, trying to open their minds and hearts to the inexplicable forces around them. Allison Janney, Elliot Page, and Scoot McNairy round out the cast.
John Carney followed the success of the micro-budget “Once” on a much larger scale, with marquee names like Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley and Catherine Keener in major roles. But his sensibility remained intact; this is another bittersweet musical comedy-drama whose songs are turned into a story about the people who make the music and why they do it. Ruffalo stars (and is attractive) as a dissatisfied record executive who seeks not only talent but also originality; He thinks he’s found both in Knightley’s obscure singer-songwriter.
‘Adult Beginners’ (2015)
Sketch artist and stand-up comedian Nick Kroll shows off his theatrical lineup in this understated yet engaging indie production. The narrative beats are familiar: a teenage hotshot is shrinking in size, so he goes back home and lives, learns, and grows a bit. Yet Kroll’s emotional evolution is persuasive, as is his relationship with his suburban sister, played with equal warmth and rage by Rose Byrne; Her real-life partner, Bobby Cannavale, is in top form as her husband.
When “Back to the Future” star Lea Thompson moved from acting to feature film producer, she made it a family affair. Daughters Madelyn Deutch and Zoey Deutch are cast as sisters, Madelyn is writing the script, and Thompson appears as their mother in a brief but juicy supporting role. But this is not an empty project; The screenplay is witty and insightful, it portrays ’20s boredom with ferocious self-reflection, the fraternal side-game is surprisingly believable, and Madelyn has a successful screen presence. Additionally, “Succession” fans will enjoy seeing Cousin Greg himself, Nicholas Braun, as a romantic lead actor.
‘Don Jon’ (2013)
When Joseph Gordon-Levitt made the leap from actor to director, he went in the opposite direction of Lea Thompson, creating a character and situation that was miles away from his own character. He stars as the lead character, a goofy muscle head with a thick Jersey accent and a ubiquitous leather jacket. Jon is addicted to sex and all its gear, and Gordon-Levitt’s stylish direction focuses on the routines and rhythms of his one-focus pursuit. It’s a mix of humor and “Shame” that shouldn’t go down, but somehow it does.
‘First Date’ (2021)
The filmmaking team of Manuel Crosby and Darren Knapp write and direct this gleeful homage to the action-comedies of the 1980s “one crazy night”. Tyson Brown stars as Mike, a shy high school kid who unexpectedly goes on a date with the girl of his dreams, Kelsey (Shelby Duclos), and buys a cheap dumpster because he’s out of a car. But the vehicle is a bargain for a reason, putting it in sights of vigilant happy drug dealers, murderers, and cops. Is there a you are very beautiful it goes on, but the young stars keep it intact; He’s endlessly cute, he’s a star in the production (the fight scene is jaw-dropping), and their mood and chemistry poses real risks amidst the madness.
Five Movies to Watch This Winter
‘Cymbeline’ (2015)
Director Michael Almereyda and actor Ethan Hawke’s modernized 2000 adaptation of “Hamlet” is one of the weirdest and most successful films in the cycle of Shakespeare updates of that era – so it should come as no surprise that their reunion is even more so. there, given that the source material is one of Bard’s lesser-known (and therefore more freely interpretable) works. What begins as a tale of warring royalty turns into a jolly, somber tale of biker gangs and corrupt cops, as Roger Corman was influenced by William Shakespeare and all the better for it. Starring Ed Harris, Dakota Johnson, and John Leguizamo.
‘Maggie’ (2015)
This is the weirdest thing in the 21st century: Arnold Schwarzenegger has become a great actor. He always had an undeniable charisma and presence, but he was never (by his own admission) much of a theater actor – nevertheless, a wealth of his age and experience, best showcased here in his work as a frightened father. But don’t worry, genre fans, this isn’t a belly button indie drama; He’s a scared dad whose daughter was bitten by zombies in post-pandemic hell, so, you know, something for everyone.
‘No No: A Documentary’ (2014)
Dock Ellis He’s best remembered these days for shooting a hit shot while he was out of his mind (allegedly) on LSD in 1970. Jeff Radice’s free-flowing documentary brings this game to life (with the help of trippy music and animation), but “No No” is about so much more: Ellis’ career, his battle with addiction, and (most importantly) his insistence on speaking out for many Black athletes. when he is reluctant to do so.
‘For Madmen Only: Tales of Del Close’ (2021)
Several figures in contemporary comedy are spoken of in homage to Del Close, the famous impromptu comedian and teacher whose methods and students span the tentacled worlds of The Second City, “Saturday Night Live,” the Upright Citizens Brigade. and more. Heather Ross’ rowdy, energetic documentary brings together the expected treasure trove of archival clips and testimonials of famous faces, while playfully recreating her crazier moments and weirder tendencies.
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