With cinemas closed and everyone (hopefully) practising social distancing, here are some suggestions to help you get by until things (hopefully) get back to normal. We’ll also provide some alternatives for films that were meant to come out in cinemas this week.
Let us know your own recommendations in the comments below or on Twitter.
Cinema Alternatives
The High Note
Directed by: Nisha Ganatra
Written by: Flora Greeson
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Zoë Chao, Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard, Ice Cube
Synopsis:
Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes the story of Grace Davis, a superstar whose talent—and ego—have reached unbelievable heights. Maggie is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who still dreams of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace hatch a plan that could change both their lives.
The High Note is scheduled to be released on May 29 via video on demand.
Alternative:
Judy
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
IMDb: 6.9
Metacritic: 66
Year of Release: 2019
Directed by: Rupert Goold
Written by: Tom Edge (screenplay), Peter Quilter (based on End of the Rainbow)
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon
Synopsis:
Winter 1968. Showbiz legend Judy Garland arrives in swinging London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. Thirty years since The Wizard of Oz, Judy’s voice may have weakened but its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians and fans, and embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans, her wit and warmth shine through.
Rationale:
Also featuring a performer in the later part of their career, Judy earned Renée Zellweger the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Find out where you can watch Judy here.
Alternative:
A Star Is Born (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
IMDb: 7.7
Metacritic: 88
Year of Release: 2018
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Written by: Eric Roth (screenplay), Bradley Cooper (screenplay), Will Fetters (screenplay)
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Elliott
Synopsis:
After falling in love with struggling artist Ally, seasoned musician Jackson Maine coaxes her to follow her dreams while he battles alcoholism and his personal demons.
Rationale:
One of the best recent films set in the music industry. With brilliant live performances by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Shallow.”
Find out where you can watch A Star Is Born here.
Run
Directed by: Aneesh Chaganty
Written by: Aneesh Chaganty, Sev Ohanian
Starring: Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen
Synopsis:
They say you can never escape a mother’s love… but for Chloe, that’s not a comfort—it’s a threat. Raised in isolation and controlled at every turn by her mom, Diane, Chloe begins to uncover unsettling secrets about her life.
Aneesh Chaganty’s follow-up to Searching was originally slated for release leading up to Mother’s Day after an initial January 24 date. There is currently no new release date.
Alternative:
Carrie (1976)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
IMDb: 7.4
Metacritic: 85
Year of Release: 1976
Directed by: Brian De Palma
Written by: Lawrence D. Cohen (screenplay), Stephen King (based on the novel)
Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, Nancy Allen, William Katt, P. J. Soles, Betty Buckley, John Travolta
Synopsis:
Carrie White is a shy teen and frequent target of cruel pranks. Her fanatically religious mother has kept her ignorant and fearful. When a reprehensible prank is engineered at the school prom, Carrie unleashes a horrifying display of her telekinetic powers.
Rationale:
Piper Laurie’s performance as the fanatically religious, abusive mother earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Find out where you can watch Carrie here.
Alternative:
Precious
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
IMDb: 7.3
Metacritic: 78
Year of Release: 2009
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Written by: Geoffrey Fletcher (screenplay), based on the novel Push by Sapphire
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Synopsis:
Pregnant by her own father for the second time, 16-year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her mother. Offered a chance to transfer to an alternative school, Precious begins the journey from oppression to self-determination under the firm, patient guidance of Ms. Rain.
Rationale:
Mo’Nique’s searing performance as Precious’s abusive mother, Mary, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Find out where you can watch Precious here.
Movie of the Week
Whip It
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
IMDb: 6.9
Metacritic: 68
Year of Release: 2009
Directed by: Drew Barrymore
Written by: Shauna Cross (screenplay), based on her novel Derby Girl
Starring: Elliot Page (credited as Ellen Page), Drew Barrymore, Alia Shawkat, Marcia Gay Harden, Daniel Stern, Carlo Alban, Landon Pigg, Jimmy Fallon, Kristen Wiig, Zoë Bell, Eve, Andrew Wilson, Juliette Lewis, Ari Graynor
Synopsis:
Restless Texas teen Bliss (Page) discovers a passion for roller derby and joins a rag-tag team, the Hurl Scouts, against her pageant-minded mother’s wishes. As “Babe Ruthless,” she finds confidence, friendship, and a new sense of self on the track.
Rationale:
Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is a light-hearted, coming-of-age sports story with a funny, likeable ensemble. A breezy, feel-good watch.
Find out where you can watch Whip It here.
TV to Binge
Battlestar Galactica
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
IMDb: 8.7
Metacritic: 89
Years: 2004–2009
Developed by: Ronald D. Moore (based on the 1978 series created by Glen A. Larson)
Episodes: 76 × ~44 minutes (+ two-part miniseries pilot)
Starring: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park
Synopsis:
After the Cylons annihilate the Twelve Colonies, a rag-tag fleet led by the Battlestar Galactica flees through space, searching for the fabled refuge of Earth.
Rationale:
Arguably the best sci-fi series of the 2000s, this reimagining balances space opera, political drama, and character-driven stakes across four gripping seasons.
Find out where you can watch Battlestar Galactica here.
