Current Streaming Recommendations - 5/15/20
The Last Black Man In San Francisco (Amazon Prime Video) - On South Van Ness, between 20th and 21st, there is a beautiful Victorian house that stands out amongst its huddled neighbors. In this film, Jimmie’s lifelong desire to reclaim what was once his family’s home raises so many questions about myths, legacy and belonging in this city many of us know so well. The pulsating message at the center of the film is that where you are is not who you are, and perhaps it is okay to let go of a place once it lets go of you.
Shoplifters (Hulu) This Japanese winner of the Palme d’Or revels in exploring the underpinnings of what makes a family. Choices we make and those we don’t, are at least as meaningful as the blood that unites. While the narrative is primarily one of poverty and petty theft, you will undoubtedly see your own family if you look closely enough.
Back to the Future (Netflix) - When I was a kid, I thought Marty McFly was the coolest person this side of Zack Morris and the Power Rangers. If you watch this today, the effects are, of course, dated, but its entertainment value is intact. Its depiction of a kid coming to grips with who his parents were is timely in any era. The blend of genres and the ‘not-so-serious’ tone makes this the perfect family affair.
Lady Bird (Amazon Prime Video) - Straight Outta Sacramento, Greta Gerwig’s semi-autobiographical coming of age dramedy finds its protagonist at a pivotal moment—she is coming to grips with how little she actually knows about life. Saoirse Ronan’s performance is a pitch-perfect encapsulation of that inflection point between certainty and surrender. And Gerwig’s direction (and whip smart screenplay) belies the fact that this was her feature debut as a filmmaker. Everyone involved brings their A-game.
Hell or High Water (Netflix) -This neo-Western comes with a facade as old as film, but is infused with sensibilities that will likely surprise you. Two brothers are robbing banks and being pursued by the law, but this is more than mayhem. Beneath the bedlam is a meditation on justice and what it feels like to lose your grip. And while the film offers loads of unexpected value beneath its expansive dusty exterior, it also manages to be a taught crime drama, a thoughtful family tale, and a commentary on ever-shifting societal norms. The film's central theme is an almost No Country For Old Men redux—it is a meditation on what it means to age and watch the world change around you.
Free Solo (Hulu / Disney+) - The story itself is incredible enough—man defies death by scaling El Capitan without the aid of ropes. If you have ever visited Yosemite (or simply used a Mac), you are likely familiar with ‘El Cap’ and its towering smooth face. However, you have likely never thought to yourself, “I should climb that.” Luckily, Alex Honnold has thought that for years. But what makes this adrenaline-filled doc worth the watch is the filmmaking techniques. Jimmy Chin & Co. put you right there for every risky maneuver and excruciatingly close call. It is immersive in a way few things are and will leave you in awe of what human beings are capable of if they are determined enough.
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