Looking for your next binge-worthy series or film to add to your streaming queue? Check back with Village Life every Friday for Jordan Parker's comprehensive insights on the week's most buzz-worthy programs from top streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Amazon Prime, and beyond.
On Amazon Prime Video – Renfield
One of the most outlandish films of 2023 comes in the form of vampire romp Renfield.
The film has its issues, but the story of Dracula’s henchman Renfield is the centre-piece here. He does the Dark Lord’s bidding during the day, giving in to Dracula’s various demands and bringing him fresh blood.
But Renfield longs for a life of his own, and when he tries to strike out alone havoc breaks loose.
I won’t lie – the script from Ryan Ridley and Robert Kirkman (known for The Walking Dead) is a bit lacklustre at times. But the performance elevated this film significantly.
Nicholas Hoult as Renfield gives his best turn in years, and Nicolas Cage chews the scenery with his fangs as Dracula, in a campy, wonderful turn. He ignites the screen in a way only his signature madcap style can.
Co-stars Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, and Shohreh Aghdashloo are all great as well, and Renfield mostly delivers on what it promises. Full of gory scenes, blood spatter, and great comedic moments, this is a silly B-movie you’ll feel comfortable getting lost in.
On Paramount+ -- Bandit
Josh Duhamel hasn’t had the easiest go lately. His tentpole Netflix series Jupiter’s Legacy was cancelled after one season, and he’s been mostly relegated to VOD fare for the last few years.
This film about real-life Canadian bank robber The Flying Bandit is Duhamel’s best vehicle in years and proves he still has some star power in him.
It follows Robert, who escapes from prison in Michigan and gets a new identity in Canada. He robs a record 59 banks while also being a family man to his wife and child.
But with a detective hot on his trail, he’s consistently looking over his shoulder.
Elisha Cuthbert, Nestor Carbonell and Mel Gibson (in a wonderful supporting turn here) all lend some real craftsmanship to the film.
Director Allan Unger makes an interesting, charming film here, and his only real issue is a plodding pace. Save for that, this is a heck of a crime caper film.
On Apple+ -- Sharper
The only thing that keeps the twist-a-minute film Sharper from becoming a farce is the absolutely enthralling performances.
Thei Apple+ original is a rollercoaster ride where absolutely no one is what they seem, and it pulls most of its audience trickery off well.
It follows a billionaire and a con artist, and the many people in the middle as they all become connected through tragic events.
Director Benjamin Caron – known best for directing television series like The Crown and Andor – makes a competent, stylish adult thriller here.
Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, John Lithgow, Justice Smith and Briana Middleton are all fabulous here. There honestly isn’t a single sour note in the cast, and they make a great ensemble.
Seeing all these actors share the screen and spew crackling dialogue was reason enough to give Sharper a recommendation.
On Crave – Living
I put off seeing this film for so long, assuming it was just another formulaic, Oscar-bait movie designed to make me cry without earning my emotions.
Readers, I was so wrong.
This drama represents the best performance I’ve ever seen from lead Bill Nighy, who received an Oscar nomination for his turn as Mr. Williams, who is a town employee in 1950s London.
He learns he’s terminally ill, and soon realizes he’s been sleepwalking through his life, and begins experiencing new things and taking a new approach to the things he deems important.
Aided by young former employee Margaret, he sees movies, goes to bars, and attacks work life with new vigour and purpose. The Oscar-nominated Adapted Screenplay is beautiful, and you’ll fall in love with these characters.
Nighy hits a career-high, and Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp and Adrian Rawlins give lovely turns.
This is a film worth seeing just for Nighy alone, but the splendid screenplay will leave you bawling as well. You will get emotional, but it will be so worth it.
On Netflix – To Catch A Killer
Serial killer crime thrillers are among my favourite films to get engrossed in and To Catch A Killer separates itself in enough ways to warrant a closer look.
At nearly two hours, it’s a film that could have shaved at least 10 minutes off its runtime, but this psychological treat is never boring.
When a sniper shoots and kills a number of people on New Year’s Eve in Baltimore, a police officer with personal trauma and a lauded FBI chief investigator try to profile and track down the assailant.
But as tensions grow and more violent actions occur, they’re against the bureau who no longer has faith in their efforts, as well as a criminal who prefers calculated tactics.
Shailene Woodley has come a long way since fare like The Fault In Our Stars and Divergent, and paired with the incomparable Emmy-winning Ben Mendelsohn, the two are flawless. Their easy chemistry elevates director Damian Szifron’s effort.
It’s an engaging – if not consistently engrossing – genre film that represents an underrated gem for 2023 so far.
Serial killer crime thrillers are among my favourite films to get engrossed in, and To Catch A Killer separates itself in enough ways to warrant a closer look.
At nearly two hours, it’s a film that could have shaved at least 10 minutes off its runtime, but this psychological treat is never boring.
When a sniper shoots and kills a number of people on New Year’s Eve in Baltimore, a police officer with personal trauma and a lauded FBI chief investigator try to profile and track down the assailant.
But as tensions grow and more violent actions occur, they’re against the bureau who no longer has faith in their efforts, as well as a criminal who prefers calculated tactics.
Shailene Woodley has come a long way since fare like The Fault In Our Stars and Divergent, and paired with the incomparable Emmy-winning Ben Mendelsohn, the two are flawless. Their easy chemistry elevates director Damian Szifron’s effort.
It’s an engaging – if not consistently engrossing – genre film that represents an underrated gem for 2023 so far.
About The Author:
Jordan Parker is a freelance journalist and runs entertainment firm Parker PR. A huge lover and supporter of the local arts scene, he’s an avid filmgoer and lover of all genres.
A 2SLGBTQIA+ professional, he also works doing Events & Fundraising for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia, and has a passion for giving a platform to queer events and artists.
His writing often skews toward local businesses, productions, events, and covering arts & entertainment. He’s also an avid sports fan and spends every May getting let down by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs.
Jordan believes in an open-door policy, and welcomes story pitches and questions from readers.
Email: [email protected]
