We’re heading into another long weekend. And I think some of us might be running out of ideas on how to keep ourselves entertained. Started a puzzle? Check. Baked banana bread? Check. De-cluttered your cupboard? Check. So, why not get back to basics with a blanket, a bowl of popcorn and these brilliant new movies you can watch from home?
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These new movies to watch from home are bound to keep you entertained…
Colette
This sumptuous art house drama is based on the true story of French novelist Colette, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. In late 19th century Paris, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightley) marries writer Willy (Dominic West), who convinces her to ghost-write for him. A series of best-selling novels about a bold country girl named Claudine follows. But despite (or because of) their success, Willy refuses to reveal the true authorship to the world. Colette is the story of an artist’s fight for creative ownership, and one woman’s challenge to society’s norms and sexual mores.
Stream on Showmax from 23 April.
Extraction
If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers, this is just the kind of new movie you should be watching from home. Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), is a fearless black market mercenary. He embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he’s enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. But in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible, forever altering the lives of Rake and the boy.
Stream on Netflix from 24 April.
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Bad Education
The film is based on the real-life scandal that went down at writer Mike Makowsky’s high school. A student journalist uncovered the single largest public school embezzlement scheme in America’s history. The movie follows Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) and Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney), whose reign over a prestigious school district is threatened by the embezzlement scandal. This forces Frank to take drastic steps to maintain order and secrecy.
First on Showmax from 1 May.
Phantom Thread
Vanity Fair called it, “The most surprising love story of the year,” back when it was released in 2018. And the film went on to win an Academy Award and a BAFTA. Starring Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis, as well as acting doyenne Lesley Manville, this masterful drama is worth all the hype. A society dressmaker (Day-Lewis) falls for a young waitress who becomes his lover and muse. Set in London’s haute couture world of the 1950’s, Phantom Thread is beautiful on every level.
Stream on Netflix from 2 May.
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Dumplin’
Willowdean (‘Dumplin’), the plus-size teenage daughter of a former beauty queen, signs up for her mom’s Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant. It’s a protest that escalates when other contestants follow in her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town. Danielle MacDonald (Unbelievable) stars as Dumplin’, with Jennifer Aniston as her mother. Dolly Parton and Linda Perry’s song from Dumplin’, Girl In The Movies, was nominated for Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Grammy Awards.
Stream on Showmax from 7 May.
Boy, Erased
Jared Hedges is the son of a Baptist preacher in a small town. He’s confronted with an ultimatum after being forcibly outed to his parents – attend a church-sponsored conversion therapy programme, or lose his family, friends, and faith. Based on author and LGBTQIA+ activist Garrard Conley’s acclaimed memoir, this true story is written and directed by actor Joel Edgerton, who also stars. The all-star cast includes Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Lucas Hedges.
Stream on Showmax from 7 May.
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Once upon a time in… Hollywood
Legendary director Quentin Tarantino’s ode to 1960’s Hollywood, and the film that earned Brad Pitt his first Oscar. As well as a Golden Globe, SAG Award and BAFTA. It follows the story of Rick, a washed up actor, and Cliff, his trusty stunt double, as they navigate the industry and their failing careers. The all-star cast includes Leonardo Di Caprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, who plays the beautiful and beguiling Sharon Tate.
Stream on Netflix from 10 May.
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
