Another day in lockdown is here. Don’t fret, there’s plenty more to view on Netflix. Here’s a rundown of what’s new on Netflix right now.
Killing Them Softly (2012)
An American neo-noir crime film directed by Andrew Dominik. Killing Them Softly stars Brad Pitt as Jackie Cogan, a hitman hired to kill three men who robbed a Mafia poker game. The story follows Johnny “Squirrel” Amato, Frankie and Russell as they rob the game and flee before meeting their eventual demise.
Killing Them Softly scooped the best film at the Crime Thriller Awards. It garnered a rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 6.9 out of 10. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as, “…a darkly comic, visceral thriller, that doubles as a cautionary tale on capitalism, whose message is delivered with sledgehammer force”. If you want to watch a crime film with a bleak edge then this is the film for you.
Screwed (2000)
Screwed is a simple crime comedy about a kidnapping that goes extraordinarily wrong. It was directed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, and features a number of big names including Norm Macdonald, Dave Chappelle and Danny DeVito. Norm Macdonald stars as an overworked and underpaid chauffeur, Willard, who works for a mean-spirited pie heiress named Mrs Crock. Willard tires of being mistreated, and works with his friend Rusty, to kidnap Mrs Crock’s beloved dog and hold it for ransom. Naturally, everything goes comically wrong.
Screwed received negative reviews, but the reviews are improving over time. If you want something different and a bit silly, then check out Screwed on Netflix today.
Blood Father (2016)
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Blood Father is an English-Language French crime thriller, that was directed by Jean-François Richet. Erin Moriarty stars as Lydia, a young addict, who accidentally kills her gang-member boyfriend. In desperation, she contacts her estranged father John Link, an ex-convict played by Mel Gibson, who takes her back to his trailer house. One night the gang members attack the trailer but retreat as other armed residents rush to intervene. The film follows Lydia and John as they go on the run in an attempt to find a sanctuary.
Blood Father has decent reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an approval rating of 88% with an average rating of 6.5/10. According to the site’s consensus, “Blood Father meets every expectation a film fan could have for a latter-day Mel Gibson action thriller…and even, in some respects, handily succeeds them”. Mel Gibson’s performance John Link is great and well worth a look in Blood Father.
There’s Something In The Water (2019)
A Canadian documentary film, that explores how environmental damage disproportionately affects minority groups. It was directed by Ellen Page and Ian Daniel. The film starts by documenting the conditions in the black community outside of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. It shows how the community is negatively affected by contaminated well water. There’s Something In The Water also chronicles how other Nova Scotia communities, including Boat Harbour, have been negatively affected by water pollution.
The film has received positive ratings but doesn’t have many reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an 80% approval rating. If you’re interested in social issues and want to watch something new on Netflix, take a look at There’s Something In The Water today.
The Decline (2020)
A French-language drama thriller directed by Patrice Laliberté. It follows the participants of a survivalist training camp after a fatal accident. Tensions escalate until the participants divide into two camps that are both chasing each other across the snowy wilderness. It chronicles a familiar story, of how we might be able to escape human society but not human nature.
The Decline has some good reviews and has been praised for its characterisation and suspenseful scenes. That said, according to some reviewers the ending is a tad anticlimactic and neutral. Overall, The Decline is a relevant and strong film that is definitely worth a look. If you find the lockdown more interesting than terrifying, then this might be a great film for you.
Uncorked (2020)
Directed by Prentice Penny, Uncorked is a solid drama film. Elijah is a young man who works at a wine business and his family’s barbecue restaurant. His father wants Elijah to take over the family business but Elijah is more interested in wine. The film follows Elijah on his journey to become a sommelier.
Uncorked received favourable reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds an 88% approval rating, with a weighted average rating of 6.03/10. Likewise, on Metacritic, the film received an average rating of 63 out of 100. Praised for its character portrayal, realistic drama and conflict, Uncorked is well worth a look if you’re interested in other people’s lives.
Watch Something New
Tired of watching the news? It’s time to watch something new during the lockdown. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into neo-noir crime films, silly comedies, social documentaries, survival thrillers or realistic drama, there’s something for you. Park yourself on the sofa and grab the popcorn and watch a new film on Netflix today.
For more exciting film possibilities check out our article on how to watch the latest cinema releases at home.
