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?
Fear (9/10) – VOD
How can the Academy do justice to all the great films around the world with their International Award? They just cannot. There are too many great films every year, and one such deserving film that was overlooked is the Bulgarian dark comedy, Fear. Ivaylo Hristov (the writer and director of the film) expertly combines bleak humor and serious messaging about immigration and xenophobia to deliver an unforgettable romance. Yes… there is an unexpected romance as well! Svetla (Svetlana Yancheva) is an unemployed widow on the edge, and she is slowly broken down by Bamba (Michael Flemming), an eccentric refugee who she finds trekking across her property. There are plenty of laughs as small-town politics and tensions rise along racism rearing its ugly head. This gem could have easily been in that final five at the Oscars, but at the very least, show it some love over on VOD.
Dear Mr. Brody (9/10) – VOD
What is so interesting about a rich hippie giving away money? This new documentary could have easily been a silly ride, but Dear Mr. Brody offers up layers of depth that you will never expect. The heart and soul presented by those who needed the money is heartbreaking and moving. The film boasts plenty of testimonials from people in need and how that money could save their lives. The focus soon shifts back to the titular hippie whose story is much more interesting than you might think. This is a man who tried to buy the end of the Vietnam War! But things only get more tragic and enthralling as the audience finds out more about Brody and his motivations. This is one of the most unexpected emotional journeys that film will offer up this year. It is the kind of story that just gets more and more interesting by the minute.
GameStop: Rise of the Players (8/10) – VOD
Where were you when you heard that GameStop became one of the hottest stocks in the world? I honestly thought the gaming retailer would be dead within a year, like most did. But then the Redditors and fellow shakers turned the finance world upside down. Luckily, GameStop: Rise of the Players captures this insane turn of events with some impressive panache. This is a sleek, fast-talking, fast-moving documentary that breaks down this financial wonder in a digestible way. You will learn a lot about the sad state of our financial institutions, the corruption and decency that permeate it, and you just might get some laughs as well. Rise of the Players fits well in the true crime thirsting culture we have created while spinning a compelling tale on screen.
The Pink Cloud (8/10) – VOD
What could possibly make a one-night stand even worse? Just imagine… you are stuck in quarantine with said person for YEARS. This is the crazy and scary premise that makes up The Pink Cloud. The film obviously draws upon our own present pandemic, but this time, small mysterious clouds arrive and kill people within seconds. This drama is woven together by Brazilian writer-director Iuli Gerbase, who captures this discomfort of relationships, close quarters, and connecting with people in a human way. It is an entertaining and engaging juxtaposition between these relatable elements and the absurd world that everyone is stuck in. Sexy, uncomfortable, and tense in many ways, The Pink Cloud is one of the most unique cinematic experiences of the year so far.
Huda’s Salon (7/10) – VOD
Have you ever had a horrible experience at a hair salon? I can guarantee it was not as bad as Reem’s (Maisa Abd Alhadi). Knocked out and blackmailed, this woman is challenged with an indecent proposal for her life as she knows it will be destroyed. Writer-director Hany Abu-Assad creates a dynamic thriller that is a slow burn and subtle in the ways it grabs you. There are layers upon layers of geopolitical tensions that fill out this story. Meaningful and thrilling in many ways, Huda’s Salon is a hard watch, but it is equally as eye-opening as it is uncomfortable. This thriller shows some cracks, but generally delivers an impactful experience that will educate those unfamiliar with many Middle Eastern political issues.
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