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 Reef
Shark movies are a dime a dozen, but very few have any resonance.
The Reef is, fortunately, a film that has grit, staying power, and is genuinely scary.
An Australian production, it’s a taut, gritty thriller about the crew of a sailboat that capsizes in the Great Barrier Reef. Their circumstances become more dire when a great white shark begins hunting them.
It’s based on a true story – and spawned a less-than-stellar sequel – and I have fondly remembered The Reef for nearly 15 years since its release.
The independent film from writer-director Andrew Traucki is filmed wonderfully and will invoke a sense of dread its entire running time.
On Amazon Prime Video – Love Lies Bleeding
This was a surprising film, and one I avoided when it released because I thought it just wouldn’t resonate with me.
But writer-director Rose Glass – who made the incredible Saint Maud – delivers another hit with this thriller.
When gym manager Lou meets drifter and bodybuilder Jackie, she is immediately swept up. The latter is headed to Las Vegas for a competition, but the two quickly fall for each other and begin a romance.
But Lou’s criminal family that she’s tried to steer clear of her adult life soon comes along to muddy the waters.
Stars Anna Baryshnikov and Kristen Stewart have undeniable chemistry, and propel this one forward. Dave Franco and Ed Harris also give intense turns.
This is the type of movie that will only be more enjoyable upon subsequent viewings as well. There’s a depth here I didn’t expect, but fully welcomed.
On Crave – Twister
I won’t argue with you if you tell me Twister suffers from a lack of character development. However, the visuals are so incredible that I’ve loved it since its 1996 release regardless.
A rewatch last week ahead of the release of the long-awaited sequel Twisters reminded me of why I’m so nostalgic for this one. It’s a momentous event film, and one with plenty of heart.
Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt bring some gravitas to main characters Bill and Jo, a separated couple who spend their time chasing twisters.
When they develop technology that will allow for a more advanced weather alert system, they must come together to implement it – even if it means going into the eye of the storm.
The cast is so much fun – watch for turns from young Cary Elwes, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Succession alum Alan Ruck and Jami Gertz.
Director Jan de Bont nails the action sequences, and it’s a wonderful adaptation of Michael Crichton’s book.
On Disney+ – Deadpool
Franchise star Ryan Reynolds pushed for years to get this movie made, and I’m thankful every day he did.
Reynolds nabbed the role-of-a-lifetime as the irreverent, foul-mouthed Marvel hero Deadpool. The mercenary undergoes an experiment to cure his cancer, and becomes immortal. However, he is left with scars all over his body.
He goes out for revenge against everyone who botched the procedure. The film is written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, and is full of hijinks, hilarity, and blood.
Reynolds is perfect, and he’s joined by Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, and Karan Soni. The sequel is also on Netflix.
Before you see the crossover Deadpool & Wolverine in theatres this weekend, a refresh might be worthwhile.
On Paramount+ -- Sleeping Dogs
I had incredibly low expectations for this one, but I was definitely mistaken.
Academy Award winner Russell Crowe is a massive reason why this one works so well, and he gives one of his quieter, more pensive turns here.
He stars as ex-homicide detective Roy, who has undergone a procedure to combat his Alzheimer’s. However, when faced with the prospect that a death row inmate he put away for murder was wrongly convicted, he digs through his memory and files to solve the case.
The murder soon begins to collide with his own past, and he realizes there may be more to the story than he anticipated. Director Adam Cooper makes a fun, pulpy slow-burn film, even if it’s not incredible inventive.
Performances from Crowe, Karen Gillan, Marton Csokas, Tommy Flanagan, and Harry Greenwood elevate the proceedings considerably.
As diverting entertainment with a really fun third act, this one will satiate your hunger for popcorn entertainment.
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]
