Sure-Fire Streaming: One Week, The Photograph, Marvin's Room, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
One Week – Available On Netflix
This Canadian film is one of the most affecting I've seen in some time.
It follows Ben Tyler, who heads on a motorcycle trip following finding out he has stage four cancer.
He rides across the country – from Toronto to Tofino, B.C. -- and visits incredible historical landmarks throughout his journey. While he rides, he reflects on his life, and whether it had meaning.
While the performances are great all-round, it's Joshua Jackson as Ben who really anchors this one. Far from his Dawson's Creek days, this is proof he's a fantastic dramatic actor.
Unabashedly Canadian, writer-director Michael McGowan makes a film that will make you absolutely proud to be from here. You might shed a tear or two on the journey as well.
The Photograph – Available On Netflix
It was a breath of fresh air to see The Photograph, a romantic feature that didn't rely on tropes and grand gestures to make a point.
An endeavour that follows numerous love stories throughout the past and present, it's a skillful, beautiful endeavour that I couldn't help but become enthralled in.
Writer-director Stella Meghie shows a growing maturity as a filmmaker with this one, and she lets the softer moments speak for themselves.
The incredible African-American cast is fronted by Insecure's Issa Rae and Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield, who have an instant chemistry.
With Y'lan Noel, Chante Adams, Waves actor Kelvin Harrison Jr., the always-welcome Lil Rel Howery, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Teyonah Parris, Courtney B. Vance and Rob Morgan, there's an embarrassment of riches here.
It's an underrated film I truly with more people saw, because it was one of the more surprising films of 2020.
Marvin's Room – Available On Prime Video
This is a movie I have loved since I was a kid, before I could fully understand and grasp the concepts in it. It's only gotten better over time.
Based on Scott McPherson's play, it follows a woman and her rebellious son, who move back home 17 years later to the family she left behind.
The movie earned Diane Keaton an Oscar nomination, and she's hardly the only one who impresses. With a young Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro also on board, it's a masterclass.
A fantastic drama, you'll find yourself truly invested in these characters until the final frame.
Two Lovers and A Bear – Available On Netflix
This little Canadian feature is one of the most bizarre, interesting flicks I've seen in years.
It follows two people in a small North Pole town who come together following bizarre events. Roman and Lucy find solace in each other.
The cast is fantastic, with Orphan Black's Tatiany Maslany and Dane DeHaan giving incredible performances. They're also joined by Canadian treasure Gordon Pinsent.
It is a supremely weird film – and isn't for everyone – but those who love it won't stop raving about it.
The Illusionist – Available On Prime Video
This film about magic was thrown to the wayside by The Prestige's release, a better-known film from Christopher Nolan.
But this amazing take is fabulous, and it's different from the latter in so many ways.
It follows a magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna who attempts to win the approval of a woman above his social standing, but he is relentlessly chased by the police also.
Director Neil Burger takes a quiet, interesting approach, and it pays off with this effort.
Edward Norton gives a layered performance, and Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, and Eddie Marsan are all fabulous too.
It's a seriously underrated film, and one I have absolutely adored throughout the years.