What to watch this weekend: Grief in space and true stories of terror

I would be lying if I said that I've been impressed at the theater these past couple of weeks. The usual hustle that comes with trying to keep up with all of the awards season movies has left me a little bit disappointed so far this year. BUT. There are a lot of great films on the horizon as some of my most anticipated films roll out in the coming weeks. I've been more impressed sitting on my couch at home watching Netflix than I have in a movie theater seat. Private Life, a family drama about infertility is currently streaming on Netflix and it's well worth your time.

Whether you plan to catch a movie at your local theater this week, or you're looking for something to stream, here are a few recommendations to carry you into the weekend.

First Man

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While I can't say I was blown away by this film like I was hoping, I did find Damien Chazelle's take on Neil Armstrong's story compelling. Following the success of La La Land, Chazelle continues to impress with his elevated approach to storytelling.

Honing in on the personal life of Armstrong rather than the moon landing event itself, this film is beautifully crafted from a technical standpoint and gives a unique glimpse into the life of a man who has left such an important mark on our country's history. It's worth your time at the theater this weekend.

A Star Is Born

I had mixed feelings about this film. It's stunning, but thematically problematic. It's hard to deny the swoon-worthy quality of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga and Cooper gives his audience a lot to look at, listen to, and process in his version of this well-worn story. 

Despite its conclusion, the film is a great cinematic experience and I would recommend making time to see it. You're going to be hearing a lot about it as awards season picks up.

22 July

Netflix continues to push out great content in this banner year for the platform. Currently available to stream and in select theaters is the true story of the worst terrorist attack in Norway's history. Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) does a phenomenal job capturing the terror that those impacted by the attack must have experienced.

Excellent performances all around from Anders Danielsen Lie who is quite literally the face of terror in this film to Jonas Strand Gravli who embodies what it's like to be a survivor in light of such a horrific event.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

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Foodies will rejoice when they come across this show on Netflix. The premise is based on Samin Norsat's belief that a good meal is comprised of four basic components: salt, fat, acid, and heat and her book by the same name.

Her joy of cooking is contagious and she pays as much respect to the cultures represented as the food itself. The show is educational, but also gives you a chance to take a deep breath and be swept away. Be prepared to drool a little (or a lot) when you see the delicious Ligurian focaccia and homemade pasta and pesto. And that's just the first episode.

Whether you are going to cozy up on your couch this weekend or venture out, happy watching!

Private Life is a painful and beautiful story about infertility

Despite the proliferation of programming, quality doesn't necessarily come at the cost of quantity when it comes to Netflix. This year is a benchmark year for the streaming service with the acquisition of Roma and the fact that it snatched up Annihilation, which isn't available on the U.S. version of the platform, but was released in theaters earlier this year.

Though it was screened in a handful of theaters and debuted at Sundance in early 2018, Private Life is one such example of an award-worthy film that's easily accessible for Netflix subscribers. In fact, the movie was nominated for Best Screenplay and Kathryn Hahn received a well-deserved nomination for her performance by the Gotham Independent Film Awards.

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Tamara Jenkins, who wrote and directed Private Life following her highly praised 2007 film, Savages, draws from deeply personal experiences to tell her stories. She accomplishes what alludes many filmmakers by giving us a great gift: empathy. Having our eyes opened to someone else's experience is one the most important functions of a film.  

Jenkins helps her audience experience empathy in a variety of nuanced ways. She juxtaposes the intimacy that is supposed to go along with trying to have a baby with the pain that many couples experience during the ups and downs of fertility treatments. She paints an honest portrayal of a couple going through the emotional upheaval of trying to get pregnant. She communicates the struggle of infertility in a way only a woman who has walked the same path can.

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Watching this film came at a poignant time for me as Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) and Richard (the brilliant Paul Giamatti) navigate life in the East Village and squeeze into their Manhattan apartment with their two dogs. A recent New York transplant myself, I couldn't help but smile about what my new big city life might hold for me. The couple captures the career-focused New Yorker perfectly. They have been consumed with their art and hit mid-life with the panicked realization that it might be "too late" to have a family just when they want to more than anything else.

The process of trying to have a baby while struggling with infertility is an experience that so many couples face, and Jenkins has the creative dexterity to capture both the pain and even humor that can go hand in hand. Jenkins tells their story in an honest and beautiful way and she presents an unflinching look at questions that need to be wrestled through, especially when it's not always black and white.

The complexity of their situation is best portrayed when their niece, Sadie (Kayli Carter), comes to visit. Sadie is an undergraduate student trying to find her way and discover her purpose. When Richard and Rachel are looking at "last resort" options to get pregnant their doctor recommends embryo donation. What better person to go on this wild ride with them than someone they know and trust like family (though, thankfully is not technically related to them).

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Sadie is sweet and well-intentioned, though naive. She's the stereotypical undergrad student who knows a little bit about a lot and is not afraid to share her opinions with the world. She is a breath of fresh air in Rachel and Richard's life and she just might be the key to helping them fulfill their longing to have a baby. Sadie's parents (played by Molly Shannon and John Carroll Lynch) and are not such big fans of the idea and their concerns are well-founded, but the film doesn't shy away from discussions around the "best" or most conventional ways to start a family and it gives us an opportunity to wrestle with that as well.

If you're looking for a feel-good movie, this isn't it. If you're looking for an affecting story that is brutally honest and carries a twinge of hope throughout, Private Life is a good pick as you're browsing Netflix. It's one of my favorite family dramas of the year. Hopefully we don't have to wait so long for another gem from Tamara Jenkins.

What are the best films of 2018 so far?

It's hard to believe it's the last day of August. While we still have a ways to go until the Academy Awards, 2018 has had a strong start and thrown us a few films up for award contention with Black Panther opening the year, some great Indie films sprinkled in between the summer blockbusters, and a strong mid-point with films like BlackkKlansman closing out the summer lineup.

As we enter fall awards mania, you might want to catch up on some of these films that have been released this year so far...

Isle of Dogs

While stop motion might not be everyone's cup of tea, Wes Anderson delivers an unprecedented achievement in the genre to date and an endearing story to go along with it. Despite the controversy around Anderson's handling of the Japanese culture, the imagery alone is worth the watch.

A Quiet Place

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John Krasinski's directorial debut is nothing short of phenomenal. The marketing and trailers may have turned some viewers off because of the jump scares, but this film is so much more than the thriller/horror genre can contain. I can't say much more without spoiling it, but you'll just have to trust me and see the film. I promise it's not too scary :)

Mission Impossible 6: Fallout

I know, I know. It seems like six Mission Impossible movies is too many. Well, that's where you're wrong my friend. With the strongest offering to date, Fallout gives a thrill that reminds us why we go to the movies. As usual, Tom Cruise does most of his own stunts and the action sequences are phenomenal. But what makes this movie standout in the genre is the exceptional storytelling and continued development of a character we have come to know and love. Try to see this one in theaters if you can!

BlackkKlansman

SO many great conversations about the relationship between racism and our country's history have come from this film. Spike Lee handles these weighty topics with a deftness that only he can pull off and the performances, screenplay and direction all point to Oscar nominations. Go see this movie. Not just because it's an achievement in filmmaking, but because it's important.

Hearts Beat Loud

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Not many people saw this movie and it's a damn shame. Whoever said Ron Swanson...ehh.. Nick Offerman couldn't lead an Indie drama was mistaken. To be fair, I'm a sucker for music movies, especially ones with a good dose of coming-of-age tropes and family drama, but hey, I think this movie has something for everyone.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Fred Rogers inspired a generation to strive for greater kindness and humility. Why wouldn't they make a movie about him? For those of us who grew up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, it's hard to hold back the ugly cry while learning more about him. For anyone who wants to be inspired by a life and legacy that impacted a generation, this film is a must watch.

Death of Stalin

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Another film that flew under the radar, this movie, helmed by the creator of Veep is one of the best comedies of the past decade. The satirical humor might not be for everyone, but the physical comedy and performances are some of the best of the year. You don't want to miss it.

Incredibles 2

After a 14-year-break from adventures with the Parr family, the incredibles are back with an important message for our current cultural environment. The film subverts expectations and takes us on a wild ride in the process. Brad Bird delivers another animation classic for the Pixar vault.

Black Panther

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To say that this film had an impact is an understatement. One of the best received stories from Marvel to date, there's hope yet for more representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The story is helmed by the supremely talented Ryan Coogler who continues to be a director to watch.

Eighth Grade

I wasn't initially interested in seeing Bo Burnham's feature directorial debut because the trailer alone was so full of awkward moments. I wasn't sure if I could sit through two hours reliving my middle school years. After finally accepting that the hype was real, I decided to catch a showing with a Q&A live stream with Burnham and the cast afterwards. This film is affecting and deftly executes on themes that anyone can relate to, regardless of whether you've been a 13-year-old girl or not. You can read my review over at Reel World Theology.

Leave No Trace

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I didn't find out until afterwards that this film is based on a true story about an actual father and daughter in Oregon. I watched this movie right before taking a trip to the area that serves as the setting for this story, which caused me to think about it long after viewing. You probably won't get to take a trip to Oregon, but Debra Granik's interpretation of the story will give you plenty to digest afterwards. 

Lean on Pete

While there weren't any major stunts or action sequences to get my heart rate up like Mission Impossible: Fallout, I still sat at the edge of my seat during this film about a young boy trying to find home. It's a beautiful story and not your typical horse movie. While the relationship between Pete and Charley is endearing, Charlie Plummer's performance ensures you'll ultimately feel invested in him and his well-being. This is a tough watch, but so worth it in the end.