Brief Encounters, A Streaming Review
Here are six streaming picks to sink your teeth into and watch, stat!
Brief Encounters
Brief Encounters
The Life Ahead (Netflix Italy)
This one is easy, two words—Sophia Loren. But in fact, it’s the Senegalese child actor Ibrahima Gueye who actually caught my eye. Directed by Sophia’s son, it’s about a Holocaust survivor in Bari, who runs an unusual shelter for the children of prostitutes. And when motherless Momo (Gueye) enters the scene, this becomes a tale of seeming opposites finding a way to relate, and be of value to each other. Compassionate and touching, there is predictability, but it’s Loren, so who’s complaining?
Utopia (Amazon Prime)
Originally an inventive and cult favorite British series some 5 years ago, this US adaptation comes from the pen of Gone Girl’s Gillian Flynn. For those who like their sci-fi, comic books, nerds, and conspiracy theories on the weird side; this limited series does fine in staying on the fine side of fast-paced and visually arresting. It is also visceral and sparked by sudden shots of violence; so be forewarned. You will love the motley crew of comic book enthusiasts who become our ragtag group of unlikely heroes.
Love & Anarchy (Netflix Sweden)
You start this limited series with a scene of a young mother playing with herself after breakfast, while her son is banging the bathroom door, whining about how he’s misplaced his ice hockey gear—and you know you’re in sexually liberated Sweden. But sorry, it doesn’t really get any racier from that opening sequence. This is more about office politics, relationships, dreams unfulfilled, and a game of one upmanship, daring each other to do crazier things in the office. Engaging cast with what’s really a slim storyline and shouldn’t have taken so many episodes.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix USA)
Reminiscent of what The Wiz did to The Wizard of Oz, here’s it taking on Charles Dickens Christmas Carol and giving it an African-American twist. Add elements of a Master Toy Maker who isn’t Santa Claus, and make Tiny Tim become a spunky little girl. For enthusiasm, and sheer joy in bringing this to us, this original film can’t be faulted. Especially if there are young children in the house, this will be a welcome ‘drop’. Forest Whitaker and Keegan-Michael Key lead the cast.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (Netflix USA)
If you’re one of the fans of the 2018 original that starred Vanessa Hudgens in a dual role similar to what happens in The Prince and the Pauper and The Parent Trap, then I don’t even have to tell you this is Vanessa x3! That will either make you giddy with joy, or raise your eyebrows in disgust. So if you like your films super-sweet, predictable, and cheesy, you now know what to watch. Scary to think what the third installment will bring.
Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (Netflix USA)
Recorded right in his living room, with wife and kids waiting upstairs, this is Hart showing he actually has the muscle for making Netflix cough up the money and create this mid-pandemic comedy special. The guests are all wearing masks and situated around his sala. It’s Kevin blowing off about being a celebrity today, social media, parenting, and COVID-19. Timely, yes; but funny? You’ll have to decide for yourself!
Photos from IMdB
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