by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to the Buried Treasure of the Streaming World! This series takes a month’s worth of content at a time and sifts 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, shall we?
I Used to Be Famous (7/10) — Netflix
Who doesn’t enjoy a good old fashioned unexpected friendship on screen? Ed Skrein is a former pop star in I Used to Be Famous who, well… used to be famous. But one fateful day, he meets a quiet young man who drums like no other. We watch Skrein go on an unexpected mission to team up with this young man to form a whole new band. This Netflix original is full of heart and soul (even if it is a tad too familiar). The music is legitimately good, and the performances offer up some quality in this sweet and sensitive little flick. You will know where it goes, but it will be the feelings you experience along the way that set it apart.
Young Plato (8/10) — VOD
To what lengths will educators go to give kids a chance at a meaningful and life-altering school experience? Young Plato is a documentary that tells of the bold approaches that one North Irish school takes when developing their young people. They challenge them with philosophy and a deeper grasp of concepts that most kids their age never get to experience. These dynamic educators want to create a home away from home for these kids, which makes them feel welcomed and wanted. This educational family shows off their model and philosophy in this new documentary, and you would be remiss not to experience it. Engrossing, shot well, and engaging from start to finish, take some time to check out this new film.
Carmen (8/10) — VOD
What will one woman do when the chains that have imprisoned her life finally fall from her body? Now this is not THAT kind of film with women literally tied up, but Carmen offers up a tale of a woman who finally gets to live her own life on her terms. When her brother, a priest, passes away, Carmen (Natascha McElhone) is finally able to leave the confines of her religious life. Free to move about her village how she wants, the audience is treated to a liberating romance that finds a middle-aged woman living it up to the fullest. McElhone gets a new role to help redefine her career. Carmen is a dream role for an actress thought to be past her working date. Sexy and engrossing, McElhone helps deliver a fascinating journey full of romance and small-town politics.
Deadstream (6/10) — Shudder
Would you spend the time watching a douchey streamer get tormented in a haunted house for fun? You are in luck! Deadstream is exactly that, and it is over on Shudder right now. This horror comedy finds quite the unlikable jerk to follow as he creates a crazy stunt to stop himself being canceled. Little does he know that this haunting is a lot realer and more genuine than he could ever be. The creators behind this low budget romp have certainly watched The Evil Dead about 100 times, but there are enough fun and spooky scares along the way to make it worth your time. The scares and terrors are schlocky in the best ways possible. The film makes great use of its livestream format. A charismatically abhorrent lead is just icing on top of this spooky cake.
Charlotte (7/10) — VOD
Whoever thought you would watch an animated feature about the Holocaust? Well, if there can be comedies set during it, why not have a mature and moving animated experience? The tale of the titular woman is moving and poignant as audiences take on Charlotte. The animation is quality with a sweet and beautiful feel that starkly conflicts with the dark themes and ideas that such a film tackles. Not only is the backdrop of the Holocaust emotional enough, but the story of this young woman’s family just compounds it. Don’t be fooled by the animated medium; this is a moving and poignant film. The voice cast is most impressive, and the journey you experience is unexpected to say the least. This is certainly the type of hidden gem worth seeking out.
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