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?
Great Freedom (10/10) – Mubi
How far will the human spirit stretch and endure to keep oneself alive? Great Freedom is quite the prison film experience that does not shy away from the realities of this environment. When surrounded by fellow men, there might just be a chance that connections become intimate to feel something in this wretched place. After World War II, a gay man is under threat and danger in his attempts to find love behind bars and to connect with another human intimately. From the opening moments of this film, we see the voyeuristic approach and the different places men will go when many of them are barred from seeing women. This is a deeply moving film that will last longer after the credits than most.
Anais in Love (9/10) – VOD
There is nothing quite like a French romance film, is there? Anais in Love finds a charismatic young woman living her life to the fullest. But when she falls for an older woman who is not available, things get complicated. There is impressive energy with which director Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet injects this story. There is fun to be had, but also some serious emotional weight to match as well. Anais Demoustier makes a splash as our titular young lover becoming a talent to look out for. Then there is the ending… which might be one of my favorites in film this year.
The Innocents (8/10) – VOD
What happens when powers go wrong? We have seen films like Chronicle and series like The Boys that show what happens when incredible powers are given to the corrupt and evil. But what if they are given to children who have no idea how to use them or how to control their impulses? The Innocents offers up a dark and ominous take on this type of tale as we see all the horrible things that could happen. A Scandinavian version of gifted children, equal parts starkly striking and bleakly intense, this film is quite the experience. This is not your standard comic book affair, but an impressive fresh take on this type of story worth experiencing.
a-ha: The Movie (7/10) – VOD
Who is the band a-ha? You know that song, right? This band is forever known in America for “Take on Me”… but that only scratches the surface of their storied career. A-ha: The Movie is quite the intriguing look into a band who have had quite the career. This documentary does not shy away from showing the cracks in the foundations of this pop band. Some of the most compelling elements of the film are the varying perspectives of each member and what they wanted out of their experience. The creative process is at the heart of this film as audiences are treated to behind the curtain elements of the band. But don’t worry… there is plenty of “Take on Me” as well.
The Long Walk (7/10) – VOD
There is so much creativity in science fiction, isn’t there? The Long Walk is quite the intriguing experience. This Laotian film finds an old hermit who is transported back in time to the tragic death of his mother. There is plenty of artful filmmaking to appreciate, as well as beautiful atmosphere that helps elevate this emotional tale. There is so much emotion that is injected into this time traveling scenario. This is certainly abstract and might not be for everyone, but if you can get lost in its mystique, there is a moving journey to experience.
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