Movies I've Watched During quarantine
If you’re like me, then you’ve probably spent a lot of time this quarantine watching movies. If you’re looking for some more viewing material, then fear not; I got you!
Below is a list of some movies I’ve seen so far. Just as a side note, some of the movies I’m mentioning are available from Kanopy and hoopla-two streaming services that are free when you sign up for an Ecard on the Los Angeles Public Library’s website.
Getting an Ecard is completely free and gives you access to Ebooks. It also has several more movie options that Netflix and Hulu don’t have. If you live in LA, all you have to do is use your address and an email!
If you don’t live in LA, most universities and local libraries give you access to Kanopy and/or hoopla with a college ID or library card. Make sure to check out your options if you can’t get an Ecard from the Los Angeles Public Library!
The One I love-Netflix: The last movie I saw in theaters before everything shut down was “The Invisible Man”. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. Elisabeth Moss is in it and wow, can she act! This lead me to some of her other movies including, “The One I love”. In this romantic comedy, a struggling married couple (Elisabeth Moss & Mark Duplass) go on a romantic weekend getaway to mend their relationship. Simple right? It is until it isn’t. There is a twist in this movie that I won’t reveal because it’ll spoil the entire thing. However, I will say that it’s funny and a little dark.
What We Do In The Shadows-Kanopy: Chances are, if you know me in real life, then you’ve heard me talk about director Taika Waititi. Well, here’s another one of his films! “What We Do In The Shadows” is a horror-comedy and mockumentary film about four vampires living in modern-day New Zealand. Together, they live in a dilapidated home and navigate modern life and all it has to offer. This film will put a big smile on your face and make you wish you were a vampire.
How I live Now-hoopla: If you don’t know who Saoirse Ronan, then maybe you’re living under a rock. “How I Live Now” is perhaps one of her lesser-known films. The film takes place in the near future and Ronan plays an American teenager sent to live in the English countryside with her British aunt and cousins (which include a very young Tom Holland). She soon adapts to her new life and falls in love with one of her cousins (not Tom Holland). When a war breaks out and they are separated, Ronan fights to survive to be reunited with them.
Ida-Kanopy: “Ida” is visually stunning and won an Oscar in 2015. It’s shot in black and white and every scene looks like it could be a photo. Set in Poland in 1962, Ida is an orphaned young woman ready to take her vows as a catholic nun. At the urgence of her superior, Ida visits her only living relative, an aunt named Wanda. Wanda reveals to Ida that she is actually Jewish and that her parents were killed during World War II. Together, they embark on a road trip to find where Ida’s parents are buried. The film has little dialogue; it relies on visuals and facial expressions as Ida and Wanda learn about each other and themselves. Admittingly, this is not a feel-good film. It’s dark and morose with feelings of guilt and confusion. However, if you are a lover of cinema, you’ll appreciate the direction this film takes to tell Ida’s story.
Hereditary-Kanopy: I am a huge lover of horror movies and somehow, it took me two years to watch “Hereditary”. To be honest, I found this a difficult movie to watch. After her mother’s death, artist and mother Annie Graham realizes her mother’s life was full of dark secrets. This one of those movies where I can’t get too into the plot without giving away spoilers. I will tell you that it’s gory and psychological. At its core, this is about mommy issues and family skeletons. Director Ari Aster also helmed “Midsommar”, which gives you an idea of the level of f***** up this movie is.
Her Smell-Kanopy: This is another Elisabeth Moss film! In this one, she plays Becky Something, a talented but destructive 90’s rockstar. To sum it up, she basically plays Courtney Love. The film is split into 5 segments where you see Becky’s drug-induced meltdowns while her bandmates, manager, and ex-husband, all try to bring her back up. Her outlandish acts towards them show the reality of addiction-think the show “Intervention” but on steroids. Moss is incredible in this. She goes from psychosis to quiet and introspective scenes when she’s finally on the mend. Not to mention the stellar cast which also includes Cara Delevingne, Ashley Benson, and Amber Heard.
The Love Witch-Vudu (free!): Elaine is a beautiful witch living in a victorian apartment where she spends her time making potions and spells (ugh..what a dream). She’s also obsessed with being in love and men loving her. This eventually leads her to lose her mind and murder. “The Love Witch” is campy and a tribute to 60’s horror films. It is also visually striking and was shot on 35mm film, hence it’s beautiful technicolor style.
