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 Netflix – The Piano Lesson
Playwright August Wilson had a knack for powerful writing and rich characters, and another of his formidable works translates beautifully here.
The Piano Lesson is about the Charles family, whose collective history is etched into a family heirloom – A priceless antique piano. When young, ambitious Boy Willie shows up at the home of his sister Berniece and Uncle Doaker, he attempts to convince his sister to sell the item.
She clings to the history and sentimentality of it and the family as a whole begin to quarrel about its significance. Produced by Denzel Washington, the film is also directed by his son Malcolm and stars other son John David.
Joining them is an Oscar-worthy Danielle Deadwyler and strong turns from Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, and Corey Hawkins.
It’s a film that asks tough questions about a family’s legacy and how hard we should fight to protect it.
On Amazon Prime Video – Twisters
The original film delighted generations of movie-goers and is seen as a genre classic. I can’t tell you this stand-alone sequel is just as good, but it’s still a whole lot of fun.
Twisters follows Kate, a tornado-chaser who quits following an event that kills her partner and friends. She’s approached by Javi – the only other survivor – and asked to consult on a job in Oklahoma.
But she soon finds herself in over her head and charmed by a rival tornado-chaser, the brash Tyler.
The real strength here is in the cast, led by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell. Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Sasha Lane, and Maura Tierney are all also fantastic.
It’s a win of a blockbuster film, but just don’t expect some life-altering, earth-shaking achievement. Enjoy Twisters for the rollicking ride it is.
On Crave – Edge Of Winter
This little indie was barely noticed when it came out in 2016, but the performances are too good to ignore.
Two brothers head out into the wilderness with their estranged father, but the three soon become trapped in the wilderness.
However, the children soon realize their dad may be a bit more terrifying than they realized.
Co-writer and director Rob Connolly doesn’t make a particularly inventive film, but it’s buoyed by its cast.
Joel Kinnaman is fantastic, and he’s joined by Tom Holland (of Spider-Man fame) and Percy Hynes White (Wednesday) in roles before they hit it big.
It’s an interesting little thriller that never got the credit it deserved, and a great hidden gem.
On Paramount+ -- Thelma
I had absolutely no interest in seeing Thelma, but it ended up being one of the most charming flicks of 2024.
Thelma Post spends most of her days with her grandson. She’s increasingly out of touch with the world and technology, and her family worries the 93-year-old may be losing her faculties.
When a phone scammer defrauds Thelma out of $10,000 by pretending to be her grandson, it causes those around her to worry more. She sets out on an adventure to reclaim the money taken from her and prove she still has plenty of life left to live.
June Squibb is wonderful, and Richard Roundtree, Fred Hechinger, Parkey Posey, and Clark Gregg all get moments to shine.
Writer-director Josh Margolin makes a solid debut, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from him.
On Apple+ -- Blitz
This front-runner for some important Oscar nominations is a remarkable film with a beating heart.
It follows Londoners who are forced to take cover from German bombings during World War II. Specifically, it tells the story of Rita, who sends her son George away to a safe place away from the violence.
But George flees the train he’s on and begins a journey home. Writer-director Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave, Small Axe) makes his best film in a decade.
Watch for Saoirse Ronan to nab an Oscar nomination, and Harris Dickinson, young Elliott Heffernan and Stephen Graham are all fantastic also.
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]
