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?
Potato Dreams of America (4 stars) – VOD
Who doesn’t love a good “immigrant chasing the American Dream” story? What makes them even better is when they are unique and interesting! We have seen plenty of stories like this…but I can guarantee that Potato Dreams of America is not like any you have seen before. This is a big bold, queer, and abstract take on this kind of tale. Potato is a young gay boy who grows up in Soviet Russia. Racism and hate are all around. But when his mother becomes a mail order bride, his life changes forever. Plenty of humor, bold storytelling, and plenty of emotional punches makes this one a must see. The game cast and fun characters help you forget about the messy approach to the story. This is an inspired and wonderfully fun journey to get on.
Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (4.5 stars) – Netflix
What do you think of when someone mentions a Netflix true crime documentary? Probably manipulative and sleazy (but they are so much fun that way). But that is not what your get when you hit that play button on Downfall. This is a biting takedown of the crimes committed by Boeing airlines. This is a respectful and emotional case presented of the horrible loss for so many affected by the 2019 crashes involving Boeing aircrafts. This documentary balances experts investigating the events and the heartful commentary of the loved ones left. This is a compelling documentary worth your time that is packed full of meaningful themes of loss, corruption, and accountability.
The Tinder Swindler (4 stars) – Netflix
Speaking of sleazy Netflix documentaries, right? This is quite the bold and fascinating story to take in. Dating apps, pyramid schemes, and affairs…oh my! This is a crazy story presented from the perspectives of three women who were taken advantage of and left in immense debt. This mystery, The Tinder Swindler, is a sleek and melodramatic ride which checks all the boxes you might want for a sleazy true crime documentary. There is plenty of raw emotion packed into this film as it gives these victims a chance to be heard and their experiences brought to light. Head on over to Netflix, hit play, and experience an unbelievable story.
The Sky is Everywhere (3.5 stars) – Apple TV+
Grief is a powerful and affecting emotion, isn’t it? The Sky is Everywhere is a beautiful story about a young woman’s processing the loss of her sister, falling in love, and finding her passion in music again. Director Josephine Decker can convey this story with bold and fresh visuals along with some beautiful character work. There are some elements that feel familiar (much of the romantic elements of the film) but there are some deeply emotional stakes that help the film standout. Grace Kaufman is a great breakout star in the film, and she gets plenty of support from Cherry Jones and Jason Segel (so great to see him in a new film). Apple TV+ has a quality coming-of-age story to serve up to the audience.
Charli XCX: Alone Together (3.5 stars) – VOD
Who is ready to let the music play? Pop star Charli XCX takes a page out of Billie Eilish’s playbook offering up this new documentary focusing on her world. Is Along Together the next The World’s a Little Blurry? Not quite but this new music documentary is able to pull the curtain back to show the life that Charli XCX lives. This film balances Charli’s life, her creative process, and the connection that she makes with her fans. Focusing on her time stuck in quarantine, Alone Together is an engaging and interesting look into what makes a record.
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