We are one week closer to normalcy and to theaters opening up again. Though the major theater chains have pushed back their opening plans and they seem subject to change at this point. To that end, we are still largely relegated to what the world of streaming has to offer. Fortunately, this week has abundant options for movie lovers to choose from.
Two rather huge movies of very different sorts are debuting on Netflix and Hulu respectively this week. We also have an indie darling getting a second chance on VOD, a couple of new horror flicks and even a Christmas movie, for those who may be so included for that sort of thing right now. Here are this week’sstreaming selections.
12The Old Guard- Netflix
Netflix has, be intentional or not, made an earnest attempt to deliver us some semblance of a summer movie season.ExtractionandDa 5 Bloodshelped a lot for cinema lovers stuck at home. Now,The Old Guardis here to bring another big comic book movie adaptation our way. Though not of the Marvel/DC superhero variety, this is a big action flick with Charlize Theron at its center. It’s a big movie by any definition. It centers on a group of centuries-old mercenaries who have the ability to heal themselves. They discover someone is onto their secret, and they must fight to protect their freedom. Adapted from Greg Rucka’s acclaimed comic, the cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kiki Layne, Harry Melling and Matthias Schoenaerts. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, it begins streaming on Netflix on July 10.
11Palm Springs- Hulu
Palm Springswas set to be a buzzy, theatrical release as it set a record when it sold to Hulu and Neon in a joint deal. The world had other plans. Instead, the latest comedy from Andy Sandberg and his Lonely Island collaborators is heading straight to streaming, exclusively on Hulu on July 10. The comedy sees two wedding guests who end up stuck in a time loop. They develop a romance as they are forced to live the same day over and over again. Directed by Max Barbakow, the movie boasts an impressive 98 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes currently. The cast includes Cristin Milioti, Tyler Hoechlin, Meredith Hagner, Chris Pang, Camila Mendes, Peter Gallagher and J.K. Simmons.
10Belzebuth- Digital
9The Beach House- Shudder
The Beach Houseis one for the horror crowd and it will be streaming on Shudder beginning June 9. The movie centers on Emily and Randall escaping to a beach house to reconnect with one another. Their trip is interrupted by Mitch and Jane Turner, an older couple acquainted with Randall’s estranged father. The couples let loose and enjoy the isolation, but things take a turn as increasingly strange occurrences begin to warp their peaceful evening. This is the latest from writer/director Jeffrey A. Brown with a cast that includes Liana Liberato, Noah Le Gros, Jake Weber and Maryanne Nagel.
8First Cow- Digital
First Cowis the latest from acclaimed studio A24 and director Kelly Reichardt. Unfortunately, this critically-heralded indie had a tremendously stunted release in theaters, as it arrived in March just ahead of the theatrical shutdown. Now, the studio has decided to give it a digital release and get it out in the world on digital platforms starting July 10. The movie centers on a loner and skilled cook that has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers. Though he only finds a true connection with a Chinese immigrant who is also seeking his fortune. The two collaborate on a successful business, and its longevity is reliant upon a nearby landowner’s prized milking cow. The cast includes John Magaro, Orion Lee, and Toby Jones.
7Homewrecker- Digital
For the horror/comedy crowd, we haveHomewrecker, which is available now digitally. It, rather simply, centers on two women who befriend one another. However, one ends up becoming obsessed with the other. Precious Chong and Alex Essoe star, with Zach Gayne in the director’s chair. For what it’s worth, critics generally like what this has to offer, as it holds an 80 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
6Mighty Oak- Digital
Here we have a sort of under-the-radar VOD release inMighty Oak. The dramedy comes from director Sean McNamara with a cast that includes Raven Symone, Alexa PanVega and Levi Dylan. It centers on a woman who tries to put her life back together after she meets a young music prodigy that reminds her of her late brother. The movie is available on digital platforms now.
5The Wild Goose Lake- Digital
Here we have what might be the critics' choice of the week.The Wild Goose Lakewas selected to compete for the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and was met with rave reviews upon its debut. The Chinese neo-noir crime thriller is directed by Diao Yinan. It centers on a gangster on the run who sacrifices everything for his family and a woman he meets while evading the law. It is available on digital platforms now.
4Archive- Digital
For sci-fi lovers, we haveArchive, available digitally on July 10, the movie takes place in the year 2038. It centers on George Almore who is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready but is entering the riskiest phase. His end goal to be reunited with his dead wife must be hidden at all costs. Gavin Rothery directs, with Theo James, Rhona Mitra, Stacy Martin and Toby Jones starring.
3Volition- Digital
Volitionarrives on digital platforms starting July 10. Directed by Tony Dean Smith, it follows a clairvoyant who tries to change his fate when he sees his own murder. The cast includes Adrian Glynn McMorran, Magda Apanowicz and John Cassini.
