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 – Will & Harper
There will be few things this year as poignant as this beautiful documentary.
Will Ferrell is best-known as a requisite funnyman in Hollywood, but this look into his decades-long friendship with Harper is anything but.
Harper – a former Saturday Night Live writer – has just come out as transgender, and the two travel the country together exploring how – if at all – it changes their friendship.
What transpires is an eye-opening look at how far we’ve come in acceptance of trans and non-binary folk, but also how far we still have to go.
It’s a frank exploration of a topic that’s so hot-button right now, and it’s quite touching to see Ferrell’s unchanged love of his friend. The two are a hoot together, and I absolutely adore this documentary.
On Amazon Prime Video – Killer Heat
Reviews haven’t been kind for this one, but I’m not quite sure what people were expected.
At the end of the day, this is a trashy, pulpy noir-style detective film with all the normal elements at play. It isn’t going to win an Oscar, but it sure was a lot of fun.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt hasn’t really lived up to the promise his roles in Inception, Don Jon, 50/50, and more promised, but it was really nice to see him in a starring turn here.
He plays Nick Bali, a private detective haunted by his past who is recruited to an island in Greece to solve a suspected murder.
Penelope does not believe her brother-in-law Leo died from a simple accident after falling off a cliff, and covertly asks Nick to look into the wealthy Vardakis family. This means he must play cat-and-mouse with Leo’s twin Elias as well as tough matriarch Audrey.
On an isolated plain where everyone wants the case shut, Nick must follow his instincts.
The trio of main performances from Levitt, Shailene Woodley, and Game Of Thrones alum Richard Madden show they’re clearly having a good time. It’s a twisty romp and not much more, but it’s enjoyable for sure.
On Crave – Caddo Lake
There are few movies that I had as much of an instant reaction to as this one.
Produced by M. Night Shymalan, this is one of the most interesting films I’ve seen in years, and it’s definitely an unforgettable experience.
A number of people’s lives converge in many ways following the disappearance of an eight-year-old in the swampy Caddo Lake.
I can’t tell you any more than that, because the less you know, the better. Frankly, I suggest you don’t even bother with the trailer and go straight to watching it.
Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlan give committed performances, and this is a film that – while you may not understand everything – you’ll thoroughly enjoy if you’re patient.
On Disney+ -- Doctor Odyssey
Soapy dramas are a TV mainstay, and Doctor Odyssey has set sail in style.
Created by Ryan Murphy – the man behind Glee, Scream Queens and Nip/Tuck – this is a gleeful, sun-drenched medical show that shouldn’t ever be taken too seriously.
Dr. Max Bankman boards the Odyssey as its new on-ship doctor and immediately turns heads due to clashes with his small medical team and his commitment to his patients.
The luxury cruise passengers are at the hands of the team of three as cases and emergencies occur on-board the ship, each tackled in a different way.
Joshua Jackson is magnetic and swoon-worthy here, and he’s joined by Don Johnson, Phillipa Soo, and Sean Teale.
It’s all a bit silly, but you’ll have an absolutely great time aboard the Odyssey.
On Paramount+ -- Smile
I’m including this one to celebrate the theatrical release of the sequel, and this is one of the best horror flicks in recent memory.
It follows a psychiatrist who is pushed to the brink following a traumatic experience with a patient. She is pursued by a terrifying entity and soon begins to attempt to figure out what she’s dealing with.
Writer-director Parker Finn creates a shocking, surprising, and wholly memorable film in a landscape where creepy flicks are a dime-a-dozen.
Sosie Bacon is hugely effective in the lead role, and she’s joined by Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, and Kal Penn.
This one is genuinely terrifying and I can’t watch to re-watch it before I see the follow-up in cinemas.
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]
