Movies to Stream while you’re Stuck at Home

With theaters being closed by the pandemic, streaming services have allowed for new movie-watching experiences in the comfort of our homes. From comedies to documentaries, here are some recently released movies available on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Netflix

---

Enola Holmes

Released on September 23, 2020

Image courtesy of Netflix.

 Based on the novel of the same name, Enola Holmes follows the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes who has a knack for solving mysteries. The film begins as she travels to London in search of her missing mother and must decipher clues along the way. Set in Victorian England in 1884, the film contains elements of the original Sherlock Holmes movies in addition to modernized aspects. Protagonist Enola Holmes often breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the viewer, just one of many stylistic choices that set it apart from other mystery films. The star of the show is Millie Bobby Brown who displays her ability to play dynamic and multifaceted roles. Enola Holmes is a great mix of action, suspense, comedy, and of course, mystery.

American Murder: The Family Next Door

Released September 30, 2020 

Image courtesy of Netflix UK.

This true crime documentary revisits the 2018 Watts family murders in which Christopher Watts pleaded guilty to murdering his two children and his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts. The film dissects motivations behind Christopher’s actions and conflicts within the family leading up to the murders. Containing Facebook footage, law enforcement recordings and text messages between the couple, the film explores the role of social media in telling crime stories. With viewers getting a more intimate look into Christopher and Shanann’s marriage, the result is a powerful yet haunting exposé.

Rebecca

Released on October 21, 2020

Image courtesy of Netflix,

Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca tells the story of newlywed Mrs. de Winter as she moves in with her new husband. However, she soon realizes that the spirit of his first wife, Rebecca, still occupies the estate. While the book was previously adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940, this adaptation takes a more romantic approach to its storytelling. Described by Netflix as a “psychological thriller,” the movie combines elements of classic period pieces and suspenseful horror. Filmed in France, the film’s cinematography is attention-grabbing and aesthetically pleasing.

Hulu

---

Palm Springs

Released July 10, 2020

Image courtesy of slashfilm.com.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival before launching on Hulu, Palm Springs follows two wedding guests as they relive the same day over and over again. While a romantic comedy with a time warp plot is not entirely original, this film stands out with a quirky and unique sense of humor. With actors Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti starring, it is not surprising that Palm Springs has been praised by critics for its hilarity. Both Samberg and Milioti deliver performances full of charm and personality. Besides its humor, the film also has remarkable cinematography which will have viewers missing the summertime.

Bad Hair

Released on October 16, 2020

Image courtesy of Hulu.

Released just in time for Halloween, Bad Hair is not your conventional horror movie. The plot tells of a young woman living in 1980’s Los Angeles and working for a popular TV network. In order to please a white audience, the protagonist is advised to change her hair, but things quickly take a terrifying turn, as she realizes her new weave has murderous intentions. From the same creator of Dear White People, Bad Hair achieves a balance of satire and gory horror. Even while tackling subjects like racism and sexism, the film manages to keep a sense of ridiculous humor. Overall, Bad Hair seeks to expand the traditional view on horror by incorporating both social commentary and comedy.

HBO Max

---

Class Action Park

Released on August 20, 2020

Image courtesy of HBO Max.

Notorious for its dangerous and unruly rides, New Jersey’s Action Park embodied what it meant to be a child in the 80’s. This documentary explores the legacy and controversy surrounding the amusement park and its owner, Gene Mulvihill. Additionally, it breaks down its most popular attractions, including a deadly wave pool and the world’s first looping water slide. However, the core of this documentary is its insight into the fraud, lawsuits, and deaths associated with the amusement park. Including never-before-seen footage from the park and interviews with some of its visitors, Class Action Park examines the social and political climate of the 80’s that allowed a place like Action Park to flourish.

Amanda Gonzalez is a staff writer for the Triton.