by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to Buried Treasure of the Streaming World! This new series will take a month’s worth of content at a time and sift out the buried treasure that exists on all forms of streaming. These films most likely fly under the radar, but now it is time to shine that spotlight on them and give them the attention they truly deserve. Time to dive in!
Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time (VOD)
Who doesn’t love an obnoxiously long title that just screams, “This movie is going to be pretentious”? Don’t let the long and wordy title above fool you… this film has something special waiting for you. Deciding to move across the world for the love of your life is a big step forward, but what happens when they do not even recognize you when you get there? This mysterious drama tackles this terrifying revelation and shows how a woman would process this heartache and rejection. The film stars Natasa Stork in the role of Vizy, a talented surgeon originally from Budapest who returns home to this situation that no one wants to find themselves in. Stork carries this will with the power of her glances and physicality giving an early standout performance that shines in silence. Director Lili Horvat spins a compelling and mysterious story around this impressive performance full of questions… primarily why does Vizy’s lover not remember her? Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time is worth your time as you will experience an engrossing mystery that is impeccably rendered and filled to the brim with emotion and tension.
High Ground (VOD)
When someone tells you that you are about to be a western, what do you imagine for yourself? Cowboys, Native Americans, the Old West. Those certainly have become landmarks of genre for almost a century. But don’t limit yourself because the global cinema certainly knows how to create impressive westerns themselves. You wouldn’t have to look any further than the Italian Spaghetti Westerns that turned the genre on their head. But have you heard of the Meat Pie Western? These unique entries take us to Australia into the outback and the bush. This latest venture, High Ground, is a beautifully shot period drama that tackles deeply relevant themes surrounded by all the great trappings of a great western. Stephen Johnson tackled some relevant racial themes in this film that focuses on the heightened tensions between Aboriginal people and Imperialists. Throw in a wild card in the form of Simon Baker (of The Mentalist fame) giving what might be a career defining performance and we have quite the ride. From the opening slaughter shot so perfectly and brutally to a shocking and poignant finale, this one is worth checking out.
The Killing of Two Lovers (VOD)
What makes a drama resonate so well with audiences? When you look at a raw human drama, you just might be looking into a mirror right at yourself. Many people can relate to the stress and complexities of an ailing relationship — one that might be on its last leg but you still pull out all the stops to make it work. I have definitely been there myself. Maybe that is why The Killing of Two Lovers resonated with me so much. Robert Machoian’s new film caught attention at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards with its story of a man, played earnestly by Clayne Crawford, whose marriage is on the rocks and appeases his estranged wife by agreeing to an open relationship. While she becomes more and more comfortable with a new man, our protagonist David struggles to connect with his kids and to rekindle whatever flame is left in his marriage. From a provocative opening sequence through a series of unfortunate roadblocks, this film provides mounting tension, striking visual techniques, and an unnerving and damaging soundscape. This one will have you emotionally drawn in through its heart and the engrossing camerawork. You will be on the edge of your seat through this finale that will leave you breathless. Be prepared… and take a chance on this indie darling.
The Outside Story (VOD)
What will happen when we all venture out fully into the world again after COVID-19? How will we overcome the trauma that we have all faced during this stressful time? What a time for such a film like The Outside Story to premiere. Brian Tyree Henry stars as a reclusive man whose life has been turned upside down by the loss of his relationship after his love cheats on him. But one fateful day when he has one of the biggest projects of his career, he gets locked outside and must confront his biggest fear: the outside world. Queue a wonderful ensemble of fun characters and situations that help Henry’s Charles grow and find his life again. Casimir Nozkowski acts as the writer-director for this film and is able to expertly tackle mental health and relationship issues in a relatable and meaningful way. The heart of this film is the growth that Charles develops and his new found appreciation for relationships of all kinds. This fateful day is portrayed in a warm yet real way that will bring laughs and tears. But what really makes this one work is the ensemble including Sonequa Martin-Green and Sunita Mani among others. Who would pass on this sincere and enjoyable little slice of life?
The Dry (VOD)
It is a strange feeling coming back to your hometown after years, isn’t it? But most people’s experiences are probably not as complicated as Eric Bana’s Aaron Falk who returns for the funerals of his friend’s whole family after the friend was believed to murder his family. Intense, right? Falk has some skeletons in his closet related to the drowning of his former young love when he was a teenager. Plenty of dark memories and horrifying speculation circle this homecoming for Falk when he is asked to put his Federal agent skills to the test. This crime mystery packs plenty of emotion in its story and a strangely relatable experience of connecting with one’s past. Director Robert Connolly builds great tension through skilled craft delivering a beautifully shot and engrossing mystery. This mystery delivers dual punches as it satisfyingly delivers on Falk’s present case but also the past that haunts him. Bana delivers one of his stronger performances in The Dry and he is surrounded by strong work, including a (personally) exciting appearance by The Road Warrior alum, Bruce Spence. Take a trip down under to uncover the shady happenings of Kiewarra. Are you ready for the ride?