July Streaming Roundup: The Best New Movies Now Available to Watch
Greetings, dear readers! As we enter the month of July, it’s time for our monthly selection of the finest new films hitting the streaming platforms. Completed your cinema trips for this month already? No worries! We’ve handpicked the cream of the crop from Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), Prime Video, and Hulu. Our collection includes James Cameron’s iconic romantic disaster film Titanic, the Palme d’Or-winning drama Shoplifters by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the Coen brothers’ neo-western crime thriller No Country for Old Men, and several other outstanding movies. Let’s dive right in!
New on Netflix: Titanic
Year: 1997
Genre: Historical romance, disaster
Run time: 3h 14m
Director: James Cameron
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
The recent events highlighting the destruction of the Titan submersible and the spectacle of orca whales ramming boats in Spain and Portugal have sparked a newfound sense of fear, awe, and reverence for the ocean across the internet. This makes it an ideal time to indulge in James Cameron’s epic portrayal of the infamous sinking of the Titanic. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as two star-crossed lovers aboard the ill-fated ship, Cameron’s film remains as breathtaking and heart-wrenching as it was when it first premiered. A mesmerizing tale of love, pride, class, and survival, Titanic is undeniably a cinematic experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t let the film’s lengthy running time discourage you – it’s guaranteed to leave an indelible impression.
New on Netflix: Pride & Prejudice
Year: 2005
Genre: Romantic drama
Run time: 2h 9m
Director: Joe Wright
Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn
For devoted Jane Austen fans, it remains a topic of spirited debate as to which screen adaptation of Pride & Prejudice reigns supreme. However, those who haven’t considered themselves fans of Austen’s works should not miss Joe Wright’s dazzling 2005 adaptation. This rendition bathes the beloved story in radiant light, offering a more relatable and modern take on the tale of longing and rejection. Keira Knightley shines as the resilient heroine Elizabeth Bennet, opposite Matthew Macfadyen as the rich and aloof Mr. Darcy. Supported by a stellar cast, featuring Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, and Rosamund Pike, among others, this adaptation bears resemblance to Greta Gerwig’s delightful Little Women, both in its splendid cinematography and in its portrayal of distinct, captivating young women. If you loved Gerwig’s film, Pride & Prejudice is a worthy next watch for you.
New on Max: Shoplifters
Year: 2018
Genre: Drama
Run time: 2h 1m
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Cast: Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka
Among the standout movies of recent years, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters presents a poignant exploration of the meaning of family and the lengths we go to survive. The film tells the story of a makeshift family living in poverty, who resort to odd jobs and shoplifting to make ends meet. When they encounter a young girl, they embrace her into their circle, despite the added challenges. Shot stunningly on 35mm film, with exceptional performances that deeply immerse viewers in its narrative, Shoplifters showcases Kore-eda’s talent as a perceptive and empathetic filmmaker. During his research, Kore-eda was moved by a young girl who defiantly read the entire picture book Swimmy aloud despite being told to stop. This incident inspired a scene in the film, making it a touching homage to the little girl and her resilience. Shoplifters, winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or in 2018, is a testament to the power of cinema and well worth experiencing.
New on Max: Under the Silver Lake
Year: 2018
Genre: Neo-noir black comedy
Run time: 2h 19m
Director: David Robert Mitchell
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Riley Keough, Topher Grace
David Robert Mitchell’s enthralling follow-up to his breakout horror film It Follows is a perplexing yet captivating watch. Under the Silver Lake revolves around Sam, an aimless resident of Los Angeles who becomes entangled with his attractive neighbor Sarah after an encounter in their apartment complex. When Sarah and her roommates mysteriously vanish, Sam embarks on a journey into a labyrinth of conspiracy theories and ambiguous clues in search of her. A blend of Raymond Chandler’s mysteries with a millennial twist reminiscent of Inherent Vice, Under the Silver Lake explores the quest for meaning and identity in unconventional places, leading its disenchanted protagonist to a realm far stranger than he ever imagined. This film, with all its imperfections, never fails to surprise, leaving viewers with new interpretations upon each viewing. The enigmatic and thought-provoking nature of Under the Silver Lake makes it a must-watch.
New on Hulu: Aliens
Year: 1986
Genre: Sci-fi Horror
Run time: 2h 17m
Director: James Cameron
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser
Seven years after Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi horror film Alien left an indelible mark on Hollywood, James Cameron took the franchise to new heights with his explosive and action-packed sequel. Fifty-seven years after her first encounter with the acid-spewing Xenomorph aboard the Nostromo, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) finds herself back in the midst of danger as she sets out on a mission to save a doomed terraforming colony. Teaming up with a formidable unit of colonial marines, Ripley must utilize her wit and strength to rescue as many people as possible while escaping the horrors of the moon LV-426. Aliens remains a staple in pop culture, with its influence felt across various video games like Halo, Starcraft, and Dead Space. With the franchise expanding through the upcoming release of Aliens: Dark Descent, Fede Álvarez’s highly anticipated sequel, and the TV series by Noah Hawley, now is the perfect time to revisit Cameron’s exceptional contribution to this enduring saga.
New on Hulu: Deja Vu
Year: 2006
Genre: Sci-fi action
Run time: 2h 6m
Director: Tony Scott
Cast: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton
Before John David Washington’s recent starring role in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, his father Denzel Washington took the lead in his own enthralling time-bending sci-fi action film. In Deja Vu, the elder Washington portrays ATF agent Doug Carlin, who joins a secretive government program following a devastating terrorist attack on a New Orleans ferry. Equipped with experimental technology in the form of a special headset, Carlin delves into the folds of spacetime to unravel the events of that fateful day as they unfold. Deja Vu offers a thrilling blend of science fiction and intense action, providing viewers with an exhilarating experience. It serves as a testament to Denzel Washington’s acting prowess and sets the stage for John David Washington’s own rise in the genre. Consider taking a journey into the intricate world of Deja Vu.