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 – Nobody Wants This
This is perhaps the most charming show I’ve seen in at least five years, and I cannot get enough of it.
It follows agnostic podcaster Joanne, whose life is anything but chaste. She falls tor Noah, a rabbi just out of a serious relationship. Their lives couldn’t be any more different, but they can’t escape their undeniable chemistry.
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody star, and it’s an absolute pleasure to see two of the most amiable, adorable people in show business get a project worth their talents.
Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, and Emily Arlook co-star in a show that tackles love, sex, faith, and fighting the odds for someone you care about.
On Amazon Prime Video – The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal
There are few things branded more Canadian than rock band The Tragically Hip, and this original TIFF-selected series gives an in-depth look into their history like never before.
As a casual Hip fan who became really interested in their music following frontman Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis, this documentary served as a way to involve myself with the ins-and-outs I missed out on.
Downie’s archival interviews and the incredible amount of footage that was caught of him over the years is so stunning. He may be dearly departed, but Gord’s memory lives on through this doc.
The other band members as well as their managers, Canadian staples like Will Arnett, Jay Baruchel, Dan Aykroyd, and more shed a ton of light on the band’s highs and lows.
Directed by Gord’s brother Mike, it’s an honest, raw and beautiful dive into this legendary band, and I watched all four hours in one sitting. It’s a fantastic watch.
On Crave – The King Tide
This was one of the most surprising, beautiful films I saw in 2023 and it deserved a much larger audience than it got.
When the Mayor of a small Canadian fishing village finds a child washed ashore, he and his family take her in. But they soon realize she has many powers.
Years later, the community ends up in a growing dispute over when – and how – to use her gifts, and things soon become violent and unsafe for the young girl.
Lara Jean Chorostecki, Alix West Lefler, Michael Greyeyes, and Frances Fisher star, but the real surprise is Clayne Crawford, who continues to impress in indie roles following his firing from hit TV show Lethal Weapon.
Director Christian Sparkes makes a difficult drama, and I can’t recommend this film enough.
On Disney+ -- Beaches
I wouldn’t go as far as to say Beaches is the classic it’s portrayed as. The 1980s drama is a very flawed film.
However, as tearjerkers go, it packs a wallop.
It follows San Francisco’s wealthy Hillary and her relationship with struggling songstress C.C. Bloom. This chronicles their childhood first meeting and the entire relationship they form.
It’s a testament to friendship, for better or worse, and will definitely strike a chord with many. The performances from Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey are fantastic. I also really enjoyed John Heard here.
Garry Marshall’s film has waned in its effectiveness over the years, but for fans of romantic-dramas and sentimental flicks, it will hit the right notes.
On Paramount+ -- The Mexican
Movie star charm goes a long way, and Brad Pitt makes magic with Julia Roberts in this romance.
It follows Jerry’s journey to transport an ancient gun dubbed “The Mexican” across the border. But along the way, his girlfriend Samantha pushes him to stop his lifestyle and go straight.
Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean), this is a wonderful rom-com with a splendid cast.
James Gandolfini, J.K. Simmons, and Gene Hackman also star, and its the kind of movie you can just relax, kick back, and enjoy.
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]
