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 – Leave The World Behind
This is one of the most talked-about films of 2023, and with good reason.
I don’t think I’ve seen an ensemble like this for a major blockbuster-type event film in at least a decade, and they come together perfectly.
Ethan Hawke and Julia Roberts play high-strung couple Amanda and Clay, who head for a family vacation with their kids to an idyllic home to get away from it all. But things shift when two people claiming to be the owners of the home show up, claiming cyber-attacks are beginning in major cities.
The adults are frantic, as their smart-watches, phones, televisions, and even navigation systems in their cars stop working, and are helpless to find solace and safety without technology.
Co-writer and director Sam Esmail creates a big-budget thriller with all the bells and whistles, but this is also a disquieting meditation on our reliance as a society on technology, and what we would do if it ceased to exist.
Roberts is the clear highlight here, but Mahershala Ali, Hawke, young Myha’la, and Kevin Bacon are all fantastic as well.
It’s a movie that’s divided people, but to me that’s the mark of thought-provoking cinema.
On Amazon Prime Video – The Affair
This show came out and surprised absolutely everyone when Showtime premiered it in 2014. It managed to thrill and surprise for five seasons, even if the first few were the strongest.
It follows struggling writer and family man Noah, who has a happy home with Helen and his children. But the weight of expectation plagues him.
When he meets Alison, the two hit it off. She sparks renewed joy in him, despite her tragic past with her own partner Cole. The two begin an affair that will lay havoc on the lives of those around them, even when they just want to find happiness.
Told in very distinct perspectives from Noah, Alison, Cole, and Helen, the marked differences in how things unfold based on which character we follow shows the truth is told in shades of grey.
This is Dominic West’s best post-The Wire role, and Maura Tierney finally got the kudos she deserved after decades in show business. Ruth Wilson was the undoubted gem here, but Dawson’s Creek alum Joshua Jackson also found a major career resurgence following this one.
It dips between highs and lows, and isn’t the most consistent show in terms of quality. But you will always be entertained, and will find a profound care for these imperfect characters.
On Crave – Gran Turismo
This was genuinely the biggest surprise of 2023, marking a rare instance where a film based on a video game ended up being worthwhile big-screen entertainment.
It’s actually based on the true story of a Gran Turismo gamer who became a real professional race car driver. The film follows Jann Mardenborough, a struggling young man who gets his shot after his video game prowess translates to a chance to actually race.
Coached by a flamed-out former driver and propelled forward by an ambitious executive, he pushes to the top of the sport.
Archie Madekwe stars in his first true leading role, and trust me, he’s going to be a star. With supporting turns in Midsommar, Saltburn, and Heart Of Stone, he’s already built an impressive resume.
Making this an even bigger event, Stranger Things star David Harbour and a bounce-back turn from Pirates Of The Caribbean alum Orlando Bloom bring some charisma to this one.
Director Neill Blomkamp was once an Oscar darling for District 9, though his stock has since fallen. If nothing else, Gran Turismo proves he has plenty left in the tank.
On Disney+ -- The Creator
A sci-fi adventure that didn’t get the fanfare it deserved this year, The Creator is a really exciting entry into the genre, even if it’s not a game-changer.
As a war between humans and the AI robots they created wages, a former soldier with a tragic past is strong-armed by his government to find the secret weapon the AI possesses. The one issue is it takes the form of a small, robotic child with plenty of emotion.
Director Gareth Edwards co-writes with Chris Weitz (who got his start co-directing American Pie with brother Paul) and the two make a really inventive, solid feature.
Edwards obviously has an affinity for the genre, following his Star Wars effort Rogue One, and The Creator is a really interesting gem.
I am convinced John David Washington (son of Denzel) is still not getting his fair due, and he’s fantastic here. Joined by the young Madeleine Yuna Voyles and supporting stars Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, and Ken Watanabe, it’s a stellar cast.
It won’t make your top 10 in the genre, but it’s definitely a worthwhile effort that was made with a sincere love of the genre.
On Paramount+ -- FinestKind
I’m a bit conflicted recommending FinestKind. It was a good movie that could have been great, but it does jump the shark at the end.
The final 15 are a bit cliché, but overall, I actually really enjoyed this tale of a fishing crew who begin getting entangled in illegal activity to pay off debts.
Gruff, hot-tempered Tom is the captain, and when step-brother Charlie ditches law school to board the boat, the two form an uneasy bond. But soon they realized their dealing might have them in over their heads.
Ben Foster, Toby Wallaca, Jenna Ortega, and Tommy Lee Jones star, and there isn’t a missed beat between the four of them.
Writer-director Brian Helgeland is an Oscar winner for his L.A. Confidential script, and his previous work as a director on Payback, A Knight’s Tale, and Legend marks an impressive resume.
This does not match those heights, but it’s still an entertaining watch if you’ll suspend your disbelief.
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]
