by Nathaniel R
We're aware that we've been talking about the Criterion Channel a lot in these here parts but we recognize not all of you are subscribers (yet). So here are eight random suggestions of things to watch on mainstream streaming services if you're scrolling zombie-like through your endless quantity-not-quality options.
There's good undiscovered stuff if you know where to look.
Okay, ready? Here are 8 things we like that are available now...
Animals (2015) on Amazon and Hulu
Longtime readers will know that we feel proprietary about the very busy David Dastmalchian after having nominated him at our film bitch awards for Best Cameo back when nobody knew who he was (The Dark Knight, 2008) and having him guest star here on the blog. You'll see him next in Denis Villeneuve's Dune (2020) and The Suicide Squad (2021) but in the meantime check out this moving indie drama he scripted and stars in, loosely based on his own recovery from addiction. Intense performances from Dastmalchian and his leading lady Kim Shaw. Be warned: it's very upsetting as addiction dramas often are.
Harlots (2017-2019) on Hulu
We tried to sell all of you on this series a couple of years ago but you weren't waching (or at least not commenting). It has to count as the most gourmet actressexual feast that actressexuals have yet to discover en masse. Lesley Manville, Samantha Morton, Liv Tyler, and more chew every available set piece in deliciously bawdy costumes and giant wigs.
Hud (1963) on Hulu
We've been wondering when people will realize that Hulu is actually far superior to Netflix when it comes to their movie selection (it's funny because Hulu was once thought of as being for TV obsessives and Netflix was for movie fans. My how times have changed). I once recently did a loooong search on Netflix out of curiousity and realized that they had a grand total of something like 8 feature films made before 1990. Hulu has a much deeper bench of 20th century movies. One classic that too few have seen is this 1963 masterpiece with Paul Newman at his iciest and most seductive. The film won two Oscars for acting but the Academy shoulda made that three and thrown in "Best Picture," too, for good measure. That it wasn't even nominated for the top prize is one of the all-time great travesties of Best Picture snubs.
Itaewon Class (2020 - ongoing) on Netflix
Remember that college student that accidentally kicks off Parasite's deadly plot? Well, that's Park Seo-Joon and he's the lead of this very purple soap opera from South Korea about a stoney-faced high schooler who, when faced with a personal tragedy, gets himself a long term plan for revenge (?). We're talking looooong term, like a decade plus. It takes a while to get used to the show's odd rhythm and frequent time jumps (backwards and forwards) and I have some minor (okay, major) issues with the writing around the female characters but the star of the show works slow-burn minimalist wonders as the impossibly idealistic and stubborn protagonist. Lee Joon-Hyuk is an explosion of crucially adorable charisma as his father (in flashbacks). Nothing about the show (beyond Park's performance) is subtle but it's all gripping in a sudsy kind of way.
Kingdom (2019- ongoing) on Netflix
Yes, we're in a South Korean mood, okay? The country's film and television industry is on fire. We've already mentioned this zombie show but leading with lactor-lust or even calling it a 'zombie show' is tremendously under-selling it. It's so intense and gripping and beautifully directed. The costumes are insane (in the best way) and the budget must be gargantuan for all the eye candy in costuming, production design, effects, and locations. If there is a fetish or a group of people who become sexually aroused by hats, this show will drive them to the brink. Millinery porn.
Mother (2009) on Hulu
You may have heard that Hulu recently added a handful of Bong Joon Ho movies to their service, a very smart move since Parasite has broken their internal streaming records for non English language fare. Our favourite Bong film outside of Parasite is this mystery about an old woman who believes her son has been framed for a terrible murder. It's not as accessible as Parasite (its mood is much stranger) but it's visually mesmerizing and Kim Hye-ja is nothing short of superb in the titular role.
Under the Shadow (2016) on Netflix
If you're in the mood for 'elevated horror,' why not try this Iranian/British production which was an Oscar submission in its year about a wife and mother who fears her house is harboring an evil spirit when her husband goes away on business. It'll remind you that talented filmmakers can do a lot with no money and there's a reason why so many start in horror. The Tehran setting gives this an unusual kick, presenting additional problems for the heroine in terms of escape. The film is a debut from Babak Anvari who recently directed the Armie Hammer Netflix offering Wounds (2019) though we can't vouch for the latter.
Unorthodox (2020) on Netflix
The most unmissable thing on Netflix right now is the miniseries Unorthodox starring Shira Haas. If she doesn't win the Leading Actress in a Miniseries Emmy something is very wrong with the world. We're so proud to have singled out her work when we first saw her (in The Zookeeper's Wife). If the young Israeli actress keeps up this level of quality she's going to become an all time favourite of so many audience members who thrill to the magic of great actors.