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?
Is That Black Enough for You?!? (9/10) – Netflix
Who is ready for a thorough and engrossing dive into the world of Black cinema? From the talented Elvis Mitchell, Netflix delivers this insightful and robust dive into the piece of the cinematic landscape. The main focal point is the 1970s, which was a key time in the progression and visibility of this underrepresented group. This film is a wonderful mixture of archival footage, insightful interviews, and historical context that paints an impressive story. It is an entertaining experience, which is also quite insightful. It is the perfect combination for a film like this.
Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies (7/10) – Disney+
Who says a film must be feature length to be worth your time? This new short film is impressive, even with its runtime of just a few minutes. There might not be a distinct narrative or deep themes, but it is a beautiful and moving little offering that will certainly stay with you. This wonderful collaboration between Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli brings together two adorable characters. Seeing Grogu (of The Mandalorian fame) and Susuwatari (from My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away) on screen together is quite magical.
The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse (7/10) – Disney+
Who is ready for a new crazy romp of Mickey and the gang? This new adaptation of Mickey Mouse is quite interesting. It might not be for fans of traditional Mickey Mouse cartoons, but it does deliver some crazy fun tales with the Mouse. This new short film gets everyone in the autumn mood (for the month of November) with pumpkins… who wreak havoc! This is not a low key romp, as Mickey and the gang have to fight off evil pumpkins in a horror-esque experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Blood Relatives (8/10) – Shudder
How do you shake up a vampire story in a time where they are so overdone? How about a father-daughter story? Shudder offers up Blood Relatives,which finds an established vampire whose life gets turned upside down with the arrival of his estranged daughter. This little flick leans into the human drama without compromising on the vampire flair. Throw in some really effective dark comedy, and you have yourself a fun film to enjoy. The dynamic father-daughter duo delivers a fun and engaging pair, which sells the film as well.
The Eternal Daughter (9/10) – VOD
What do director Joanna Hogg, Tilda Swinton, and A24 have up their sleeve next? Hogg offers up double the Swinton in this haunting ghost drama. The Eternal Daughter has a gorgeous and vintage look, as Swinton portrays an adult daughter and her older mother as they show up to a quiet hotel inside their former family estate. The atmosphere is chilling and haunting, with just the right number of ghostly moments. It has ample human drama, which drives the film home emotionally thanks to a few devastatingly tragic moments. There are unexpected twists and turns along the way, while Hogg balances such an impactful and emotive experience which you will not soon forget.
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