There’s a film purist in every one of us. That unequivocal sense of magical excitementwhen entering the cinemato watch the latest blockbuster. The popcorn, the dusty seats, the mesmerizing silver screen, and a shared sense of community brought together by one common denominator, the movies. For most of usduring the COVID-19 pandemic, the joy of cinema was temporarily taken from us and many were forced to seek alternative methods of film consumption, with increasing numbers turning tostreaming sites like NetflixandAmazon Prime.
For many, there was a brief spell of reluctance, and even hesitancy—the fear that this relatively newfound form of film streaming would soonsend cinema into a gradual decline. Moreover, for the discerning film fan, until fairly recently many Netflix andAmazon Primeoriginals were ostensibly lightweight, cheaply made, and manufactured to cater to the masses.
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However, in recent years, this view has evolved. Movies like the Oscar-winningRoma,Manchester by the Sea, andSound of Metalhave been birthed by the aforementioned streaming sites; even this year’sCoda, from Apple TV+, is nominated for Best Picture.Amazon Prime Videohas made some of these great original movies, and these are a few of the best.
5Honey Boy
Shia LaBoeufis one of those actors who consistently provokes curiosity. Whether it be his outlandish comments and beliefs, or the various controversies he’s been embroiled in over the years, his life remains far from dull. Written by and starring Shia LaBoeuf,Honey Boycaptures the early years of LaBoeuf’s childhood as a child television actor while living with his complex, overbearing father.
The film examines the trials and tribulations of a father (James) and son (Otis), and the ramifications of abuse. As criticSheila O’Malley states, “Honey Boyis a cry of pain for the neglected boy Otis was, but it is also a cry of pain for James. The most painful truth of all may be that James was doing the best he could.”
4Sound of Metal
Director Darius Marder’s critically acclaimedSound of Metalwas nominated for six awards at last year’s Oscars, winning two for Best Editing and Best Sound Design.Sound of Metaldetails the failing ears of heavy metal drummer Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed), as he attempts to navigate through the insidious, perilous, and isolating terrain ofdeafness. Heavy Metal duo, and lovers, Ruben and Lou (Olivia Cooke) tour America in their RV, performing gigs across the country.
It becomes apparent that Ruben is suffering from onset hearing loss, and seeks help via a refuge for deaf recovering drug users run by Joe (Paul Raci), a Vietnam War veteran. Mark Kermode ofThe Guardian encapsulatesthe movie’s sentiments perfectly: “Just as addiction is a central theme, so Ruben’s desperate desire for surgery becomes a metaphor for a wider crisis of faith, and identity struggle embodied in the multilayered sound design.”
Jai Bhimtranslates to “Victory for Bhim,” and was used by the followers of late Indian advocate, B.R. Ambedkar, the man behind the Constitution of India.Jai Bhimfollows the true story of Rajakannu and his wife Sengeni, poor villagers from the maltreated Irula tribe. Rajakannu is falsely accused of theft from a rich, non-Irula family. Despite his protestations, he is remanded in custody and is subjected, along with other suspects, to torture at the hands of the local police.
Seeking justice, Rajakannu’s family seeks out lawyer K. Chandru, who specializes in matters of tribal affairs. The movie exposes the flaws of the Indian judicial system and utilizes those faults as a voice for change and reform. It serves as a stark and harrowing reminder of the issues of police brutality, public mistrust, and at times, the inadequate practices of world-leading justice systems.
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2Borat Subsequent Movie Film
There is a certain stigma attached to sequels whose predecessors enjoyed vast success; this can be predominantly attributed to the fact that the expectations, precedent, and standards of the initial creation are held in such high regard that drinking from the same pool may well be a poisoned chalice.Borattruly embodies that sentiment, so when it was announced that Sacha Baron Cohen and Amazon had teamed up to create the sequel,Borat Subsequent Movie Film,some eyebrows were raised.
The sequel documents the American explorations of the Kazakhstani Borat, recently released from prison, and his daughter. While it is largely conceded that theBoratsequel doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of the first installment’slegendary mockumentarystatus,Borat Subsequent Movie Filmstill provides belly-laughs and painfully awkward encounters while taking a real hold on the state of the world through Trump’s America and social media.
1Manchester By the Sea
Manchester by the Seais possibly Amazon’s most decorated of feature films, with it scooping Academy Awards for Best Actor for Casey Affleck’s rendition of protagonist Lee, as well as for Best Original Screenplay. It details a period of life for Lee and his nephew Patrick, who he has recently assumed guardianship of following the death of his brother, Joe. Throughout the film, Lee experiences flashbacks of the fateful night when his three children perished in a house fire that he blames himself for.
The award-winningManchester by the Seatraverses themes of love, devastating loss, grief, and acceptance. Casey Affleck’s depiction of Lee is a triumph, both in embodying the true nature of that level of grief, but also laying bare the vulnerability, and raw emotion of his character as he battles his demons, all while simultaneously remaining steadfast for his nephew.Michelle Williamsis featured less but is equally emotionally devastating.
