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‘The Curse’ review: Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie are here to break your brains

Posted on: November 6, 2023

“The Curse” stars Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder as a couple with an upcoming HGTV show, and Benny Safdie plays their producer.
A man and woman smiling in front of a mirrored house; a boom mic hangs over them.

From the bizarre business schemes of Nathan for You to the mind-melting experiments of The Rehearsal, Nathan Fielder has always had a knack for interrogating the “reality” behind reality television. Now, he teams up with Benny Safide — co-director of nail-biting films like Uncut Gems and Good Time — to continue breaking our brains with the new scripted series, The Curse.

Starring Emma Stone, Fielder, and Safdie, and produced by A24 and Showtime, The Curse defies easy categorization. It’s the perfect storm of wince-worthy comedy, HGTV spoof, and surreal (and possibly supernatural?) drama, with plenty of commentary on everything from race to social media thrown in for good measure. As tough as it can be to watch at times — I dare you to go five minutes without cringing — there’s no doubt that The Curse is one of the funniest, strangest, and most unsettling shows of the year.

**What is The Curse about?**

A man and woman are interviewed by a news crew.

Nathan Fielder, Emma Stone, and Tessa Mentus in “The Curse.”
Credit: Richard Foreman Jr. / A24 / Paramount+ with Showtime

Stone and Fielder play Whitney and Asher Siegel, a married couple at the center of an upcoming HGTV show awkwardly titled Flipanthropy. (Say it three times fast.) Their goal is to build eco-friendly homes in the city of Española, New Mexico, and “revitalize” the community by bringing in upscale coffee chains and jeans stores. It’s textbook gentrification, but Whitney and Asher want to distance themselves from that label. In Whitney’s perfect world, these new businesses will only employ locals, everyone will buy her passive homes, and she and Asher can subsidize any higher rent Española’s current residents may face. “Everybody’s a winner,” Asher tells a local reporter (Tessa Mentus) when she brings up the dreaded “G word.”

Of course, Asher’s blithe statement couldn’t be farther from the truth. The new businesses are more a front for Flipanthropy than they are new staples in Española, and Whitney’s plan to subsidize rent is just a Band-Aid lazily slapped on America’s much bigger issues. Then there are the passive homes themselves, with their garish mirrored facades that Whitney proudly says, “reflect the community.” If anything, the constant reflection is more of a visual nuisance for Asher and Whitney’s neighbors. It doesn’t help that the deceptive mirrors lead to the deaths of birds who fly smack dab into the walls. When bird corpses are a common occurrence around your house, maybe it’s time to rethink whether it’s as environmentally friendly as you claim it is.

Capturing Whitney and Asher’s so-called service work on camera is their producer Dougie Schechter (Safdie). He’ll try anything to make the show as entertaining as possible, no matter the ethics. Take the very first scene, which sees him pouring water on a woman’s face to create the illusion of a tearful response. It’s just one of many exploitative tricks he’ll use on his subjects in order to shape a new reality for the camera. Whitney and Asher are initially put off by these methods, unable to see that they, too, are exploiting the residents of Española.

One of Dougie’s filming plans leads us to The Curse‘s titular malediction. When he sees a young girl named Nala (Dahabo Ahmed) selling sodas in a parking lot, Dougie tells Asher to give her some money, thinking it’ll make good B-roll for the show. Asher hands her the only cash he has on him — a $100 bill — and immediately tries to take it back once they’ve stopped filming. Nala, understandably upset by this turn of events, proceeds to fix her gaze on Asher and deliver three fateful words: “I curse you.”

From there on out, things are… off with Asher, Whitney, and the production. There’s conflict with potential home buyers, complications with Asher and Whitney’s plans to conceive, and even discord in their marriage. Are all these bumps in the road Nala and the curse’s doing? Or were these problems always there, and did Asher and Whitney only start to notice them with the threat of a curse hanging over their heads? (Notably, the two also argue about whether it’s racist to assume Nala is even capable of cursing them.)

The Curse skewers reality TV with surreal stylings and a tinge of horror.

A camera crew discusses how to film something in a parking lot.

D.J. Arvizo, Nathan Fielder, Benny Safdie, and Oscar Avila in “The Curse.”
Credit: Richard Foreman Jr. / A24 / Paramount+ with Showtime

The Curse plays with just how real Nala’s curse is over the course of its 10 episodes. Strange events on the set of Flipanthropy are commonplace, yet they could just as easily be attributed to human error as to magic. However, The Curse doesn’t rule out the supernatural outright. Horror-adjacent imagery appears throughout, from the dead birds to long shots tracking characters’ movements that would be right at home in a slasher. Discussions of troubled pregnancy invoke the subgenre of motherhood horror, and composer John Medeski (working with music producer and frequent Safdie collaborator Daniel Lopatin) crafts a soundscape that wrings unease out of even the most mundane moments.

The ambiguity of the curse plays into the show’s larger fascination with how we engineer and interact with false narratives. Reality TV serves as the prime source of artifice here, with Asher and especially Whitney crafting how their marriage and their work comes across onscreen. If enough people believe the fantasy they’re being sold, does that make it true? And if you spend your relationship living for the camera, how can you tell what’s real or not?

To further hammer home these ideas of warped reality, The Curse makes liberal use of mirror shots and distorted mirror imagery. It pairs these with shots of conversations framed in windows or doorways, or filmed from a great distance, lending the show a voyeuristic quality. What are we truly meant to be seeing?

The Curse‘s main characters will make you cringe and laugh (but mostly cringe).

A woman in a white T-shirt and green bucket hat walks in front of a mirrored house.

Emma Stone in “The Curse.”
Credit: Richard Foreman Jr. / A24 / Paramount+ with Showtime

The Curse‘s preoccupation with artifice manifests itself most in Whitney. She cares so much about her self-image that she forces Asher to recreate their cutest moments beat-for-beat for her Instagram followers. Her activism is a facade as well — although she may not be self-aware enough to realize that. She fervently claims to support Española’s residents, including the Pueblo people of New Mexico. However, she frequently uses and tokenizes the Native Americans she meets, like her artist friend Cara Durand (Nizhonniya Luxi Austin). In a show full of moments that make you want to crawl out of your skin, Whitney’s interactions with Cara are among the most horrifying.

Asher is no stranger to fantasy either, with The Curse relishing unpicking his self-imposed ideas of masculinity. Between jokes about penis size and being called Whitney’s “jester” instead of her “king,” Asher goes through the humiliation gauntlet with a brave face that is always seconds from slipping. Then there’s Dougie, whose sleazy producer persona masks a deeper sadness and some wildly unhealthy coping mechanisms.

With these three characters and their conflicting senses of self firmly in place, The Curse simmers with an at-times unbearable awkwardness. Will you feel a combination of embarrassment and disgust toward Whitney, Asher, and Dougie’s actions? Yes. Will you occasionally recognize yourself in them? Horrifyingly, also yes. When broader moments of comedy arise — like the aforementioned penis jokes — they come as a welcome, tension-breaking relief. Yet The Curse refuses to let you get comfortable for long. Often, these laugh-out-loud jokes will resurface down the line in an even more squirm-worthy scene, as if The Curse is wielding your own prior comfort against you.

**Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie make for an excellent trio in The Curse.**

A man and woman sit on a white couch, while another man stands up and shows them something on TV.

Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie in “The Curse.”
Credit: Richard Foreman Jr. / A24 / Paramount+ with Showtime

The Curse wouldn’t work half as well as it does without the total commitment of Stone, Fielder, and Safdie, who make for an unlikely (but well-matched) supergroup. Stone has already proven her comedic chops ten times over with films like Easy A and The Favourite, but The Curse may be her funniest turn yet. Whitney’s eco-influencer jargon is gold in Stone’s hands, but she blends it with a discomfiting sense of artificiality completely in sync with the tone Fielder and Safdie have created. It’s pitch-perfect work, and when paired with the release of Poor Things, it helps mark a banner year for Stone.

In a departure from shows like Nathan for You and The Rehearsal, Fielder is not playing a version of himself but rather an entirely new character. Still, you’ll recognize elements of his prior performances in Asher’s awkward deadpan. He’s a total punching bag for the show, with Flipanthropy focus groups wondering why Whitney would even marry him. That disbelief makes it all the funnier — and uncomfortable, naturally — when Asher inevitably loses his cool. Prepare yourself for some angry, desperate rants from Fielder that will leave you speechless, and some especially inspired physical comedy in later episodes.

As Dougie, Safdie is slippery and scummy, the ideal contrast to Whitney’s earnest(ish) idealism. While shooting Flipanthropy, he reads as a dirtbag Machiavellian schemer looking to get the perfect shot — even at the expense of people like Asher. But in his personal life, he’s a flailing mess. Here, Safdie must shoulder some of The Curse‘s most painful revelations, resulting in tragi-comic scenes like a first date gone off the rails.

These three off-the-wall performances combine with The Curse‘s ambitious genre-bending to make for one of 2023’s most original TV series yet. It’s densely layered with bizarro comedy, bold set pieces, and pertinent social criticism. Yes, Asher, Whitney, and Dougie’s convictions may be hollow, but The Curse is filled to the brim with things to say — and some absolutely wild ways to say them.

The Curse premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime on Nov. 10.

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Tech / Technology

The best movies on Peacock for when you need some wild fun

Posted on: November 4, 2023

From Harry Potter to Fast & Furious and “Bridesmaids,” Peacock has the hits you need to see (again).

Some days, it feels like there are too many streaming services and too many options. How can you possibly choose what movie to watch next?

For those of you who have Peacock (and why wouldn’t you? Their TV offerings are stacked!), we’re here to help. We’ve combed through the streaming service’s catalog to bring you the funniest comedies, the most moving dramas, the most suspenseful thrillers, and the all-around best movies for your viewing pleasure. All you need to bring is the popcorn!

1. Asteroid City

Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks talk on the phone in "Asteroid City."

Credit: Focus Features

The most “Wes Anderson” of Anderson’s prolific and twee oeuvre, Asteroid City is not for everyone. If you’ve never found meaning in the stylistic artifice of an Anderson film, then you might feel similarly baffled here. But if Anderson’s whimsy has spoken to you in the past, then take comfort knowing this most recent offering might be his most intricate and affecting film to date.

Existential and gentle, Asteroid City is a movie about a show about a play, a nesting doll artistic endeavor keenly interested in the nature of storytelling. Is it about an alien encounter in a fictional desert town or the playwright and actors who brought the fictional desert town to life? Or is it about Anderson himself, an explainer on his hyper-specific body of work? The answer is all of this and more. Asteroid City is a fanciful, emotional triumph, popping off the screen with vibrant technicolor and a stacked cast of familiar faces and vibrant newcomers. A must-see film for Anderson-fans. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer

How to watch: Asteroid City is now streaming on Peacock.

2. Bridesmaids

Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper in "Bridesmaids"

Credit: Suzanne Hanover / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

If you haven’t seen Bridesmaids, written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, we’re so sorry that you’ve obviously been trapped in a siren’s cave for the last 11 years — because there is simply no other excuse. Bridesmaids was an era-defining film. In 2011, there were still prominent male comedians claiming women couldn’t be funny! Bridesmaids put an end to the debate.

Wiig stars as Annie, a wayward thirtysomething who feels out of step with her best friend Lillian (a perfect Maya Rudolph) when she meets the other women in Lillian’s bridal party. What follows is both romantic comedy and buddy flick, stuffed to the brim with punchlines, physical gags, and a repulsive and unforgettable gross-out scene. The entire cast here is flawless: Rose Byrne is delightfully haughty. Jon Hamm is perfect as a hot idiot. Chris O’Dowd is a swoon-worthy love interest, and Melissa McCarthy was nominated for a dang Oscar for her scene-stealing performance as another misfit bridesmaid. Please escape the siren’s cave and see this legendary comedy — for your own good! — K.G.

How to watch: Bridesmaids is streaming on Peacock.

3. John Wick

Credit: David Lee / Thunder Road / Lionsgate / 87eleven / Mjw / Summit / Kobal / Shutterstock

Currently, all John Wick properties, including the so-so prequel series, The Continental, are streaming on Peacock. This highly stylized and violent neo-noir thriller franchise tells the story of John Wick (Keanu Reeves), the best assassin there ever was, who gets drawn back into the underworld after a personal tragedy leaves him set on revenge. Wick’s body count is prodigious and creative, but his cause is just. You can’t help but root for the quiet, brooding antihero. He wanted out of the game — but the game won’t let him say goodbye that easily. John Wick is a nonstop action spectacular with stunning cinematogaphy and positively mesmerizing fight choreography. — K.G.

How to watch: John Wick is now streaming on Peacock.

4. The Outfit

Mark Rylance and Zoey Deutch in "The Outfit."

Credit: Focus Features

This cleverly twisted crime film was written and directed by Graham Moore, who won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of The Imitation Game in 2015. The incomparable Mark Rylance stars as a soft-spoken British tailor who makes beautiful, bespoke men’s suits in 1950s Chicago. Unfortunately, most of his clientele are ruthless mobsters. The majority of the movie takes place in the span of one shocking and breathless night when his gangster clients seek shelter in the shop after an unexpected shootout from a rival organization.

The Outfit is a sophisticated and constantly surprising thriller. As Rylance’s assistant, Zoey Deutch is as charming as always, and Johnny Flynn thrives while playing against type as a no-good ’50s gangster. It’s an absolute gem of a film that will keep you guessing the whole way through. — K.G.

How to watch: The Outfit is streaming on Peacock.

5. Dayveon

Kordell Johnson, Devin Blackmon in "Dayveon"

Credit: Mama Bear Studios / Kobal / Shutterstock

Devin Blackmon stars as Dayveon, a young kid in Arkansas struggling in the aftermath of his brother’s death. Unmoored and spending his days listlessly wandering the little town he lives in, he is increasingly drawn to the sense of belonging he finds in a local gang. Directed by Amman Abbasi, with a script by Abbasi and Steven Reneau, Dayveon is a sophisticated and deeply intimate film made even more incredible by the fact that its cast is primarily composed of non-actors. It’s a moving and beautifully shot story that feels wholly, heartbreakingly real. — K.G.

How to watch: Dayveon is streaming on Peacock.

6. Girls Trip

Credit: Michele K Short / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

2017’s raunchy comedy about a group of friends traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival made Tiffany Haddish a household name. And once you watch the scene of her zip-lining above a partying crowd on Bourbon Street, you’ll know why. Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, Girls Trip is boisterous, outrageous, and ridiculously lovable. The jubilant cast, starring Haddish, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah, is clearly having so much fun celebrating female debauchery, it’s hard not to be on board with Girls Trip. — K.G.

How to watch: Girls Trip is now streaming on Peacock.

7. Trainwreck

Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

The mid-2010s brought us ombre hair, planking, and #YOLO, but its most enduring cultural addition was a wave of movies about imperfect women. More female-led films at the box office meant there was finally enough space for leading ladies who didn’t have to meet every standard to which we hold the modern women. Movie theaters were flooded with bad moms, antiheroines, and the sloppiest drunks you’ve ever seen in your life. Enter Trainwreck, a hilarious and irreverent rom-com directed by Judd Apatow and starring Amy Schumer in a role that’s basically her hot mess stand-up persona come to life.

In this hysterical comedy, Schumer and Bill Hader are surprisingly charming together as opposites attract. Plus, John Cena and LeBron James both add an unexpected sparkle to a fun and cheeky romance. — K.G.

How to watch: Trainwreck is streaming on Peacock.

8. Ip Man

Credit: Dreams Salon Culture / Pegasus Motion / Kobal / Shutterstock

Ip Man is an exciting Hong Kong martial arts biopic about the extraordinary life of the Wing Chun grandmaster who was Bruce Lee’s martial arts teacher. The film tracks Ip Man’s journey from the Southern Chinese village where he was well known as a skilled martial artist to his family’s displacement during the Japanese occupation of the Second Sino-Japanese War, his eventual rise as a fighter, and his establishment of a school in Hong Kong.

Starring the skillful Donnie Yen, Ip Man doesn’t skimp on character development; it’s an electrifying rumination on philosophy, power, and honor in addition to its stunning action. Ip Man is a deeply influential film in the martial arts genre and, to everyone’s delight, has inspired three equally stirring sequels, all of which are available on Peacock. — K.G.

How to watch: Ip Man is streaming on Peacock.

9. Harry Potter (the entire series!)

And now the franchise that needs no introduction: Harry Potter. The original eight-movie series starts as a charming coming-of-age tale about a boy wizard learning about magic and ends as a serious and emotional allegory about fighting fascism and the lengths we will go to protect the people we love. J.K. Rowling notwithstanding, Harry Potter is our hero, Ron Weasley our goofy best friend, and Hermione our actual hero, because duh.

The quality of the movies vary based on the different directors at the helm and the age of the young leads, but the strength of the source material — paired with the prodigious gifts of the many, many storied British actors who fill out the sparkling supporting cast — assure a satisfying watch. Most agree that the final two movies, each covering half of the last book in the series, are the most enthralling in the group — but you’ll have to watch them all to get what’s going on. So, you might as well start with number one, The Sorcerer’s Stone, and go from there. Poor you! You’re about to have a really great time! — K.G.

How to watch: Harry Potter is streaming on Peacock.

10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Credit: Patrick Rideaux / Shutterstock

You haven’t seen E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, yet? So you’ve been politely laughing along every time someone has said “E.T. phone home” for the last 50 years?! It’s time to get on it already. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved family movie classic for a reason — it’s simply fantastic.

Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece tells the story of Elliott Turner, a 10-year-old who finds an alien in his backyard. With his siblings, he must help his new friend get back home or risk his being turned over to the government. It’s an exciting, heartwarming adventure that makes you feel like a kid again and inspired a half-century of copycats and homages (Stranger Things, anyone?). Despite being filmed five decades ago, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has not lost an ounce of its charm and emotional punch, a testament to its enduring quality. If you haven’t seen it, put E.T. at the top of your queue, immediately. — K.G.

How to watch: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is now streaming on Peacock.

11. Long Way North

This absolutely stunning, hand-drawn film hasn’t garnered as much attention as, say, Pixar’s latest, but that’s no reason to skip this immensely affecting French-Danish tale. Sasha (Christa Théret) is a 15-year-old aristocrat living in 19th-century St. Petersburg, Russia. Determined to find her missing grandfather, a famed explorer, and clear her family’s name, she locates a vessel and sets off with a motley crew into the unforgiving Arctic landscape.

Directed by Rémi Chayé, Long Way North is both an epic adventure and a human drama, exploring themes of empowerment and empathy. What truly makes this 80-minute movie special, though, is its unique artistic style. The snow-covered landscape might be stark, but Long Way North makes the icy world feel both beautiful and alive. — K.G.

How to Watch: Long Way North is streaming on Peacock.

12. Melancholia

Part of Lars von Trier’s “Depression Trilogy,” (which includes Antichrist and Nymphomaniac), 2011’s Melancholia is an artsy, atmospheric sci-fi thriller about the end of the world. A rogue planet is due to collide with Earth, and everyone must come face-to-face with the inevitable nothingness ahead of them. The cast is magnetic (Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, and more) and the cinematography is unforgettable. A memorable, piercing rumination on grief that stands alone in its category. — K.G.

How to watch: Melancholia is now streaming on Peacock.

13. Back to the Future

Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

There’s no way you haven’t heard of 1985’s Back to the Future, the comedy science fiction romp — and honest-to-god American classic — that made the world fall in love with Michael J. Fox. Fox is Marty McFly, a bored teenager who befriends an eccentric scientist (Christopher Lloyd) and finds himself transported to the 1950s, where his presence threatens to wreak havoc on the future. Marty has to make sure his parents still fall in love, or he’ll be wiped from history forever. It’s a fantastic premise that somehow never feels absurd thanks to the Fox’s aching humanity and Lloyd’s charisma. From the very first utterance of “Great Scott!” we’re along for the ride on a journey where we won’t need roads. — K.G.

How to watch: Back to the Future is now streaming on Peacock.

14. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Jason Segel in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

Credit: Apatow Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock

Jason Segel is Peter, a television soundtrack composer whose life revolves around his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (a deliciously bratty Kristen Bell). That is, until she abruptly breaks up with him. While he’s naked. Cue the full-frontal sobbing!

To get his mind off of her, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii, but turns out, Sarah is vacationing at the same resort with her new rock star boyfriend, Aldous Snow (unfortunately played by Russell Brand). Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a sweet and raunchy breakup rom-com full of characters that are flawed, idiosyncratic, and incredibly human, including Mila Kunis as Peter’s cool new love interest and Paul Rudd as a hippie-dippie surf instructor. And let’s not forget the singing vampire puppets! — K.G.

How to Watch: Forgetting Sarah Marshall is streaming on Peacock.

15. Emma

A sumptuous and charming adaptation of the Jane Austen novel, 2020’s Emma is unique among Emma iterations because it leans into a secret truth: the heroine, Emma Woodhouse, is kind of a brat. She floats above everyone else, pulling strings to set up matches that serve her purposes instead of what her friends actually desire. Clueless always understood this — and now, thanks to director Autumn de Wilde, we can watch the naive and loveably self-centered character face her comeuppance while sporting the dazzling Regency-era costumes she was made for. Anya Taylor-Joy hits all the right notes as Ms. Woodhouse herself, and Johnny Flynn is magnetic as Mr. Knightley, her prickly neighbor who sees through her act. But it’s Josh O’Connor as a delightfully offputting Mr. Elton, a nightmare suitor, who steals every scene he’s in. — K.G.

How to watch: Emma is now streaming on Peacock.

16. Frankenstein

Most of pop culture’s most enduring monsters — Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man/Werewolf — got their first screen time in Universal Studios films made between the 1930s and 1950s. These incredibly influential classic horrors are the reason we all picture a square-headed Frankenstein and a Dracula with an indulgently high collar. The first impression is the one that sticks.

Peacock is still home to most of the Universal Classic Monsters, including The Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man Returns, Werewolf of London, Phantom of the Opera, and more. None are as iconic, however, as 1931’s Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff as Dr. Frankenstein’s monster. The story, adapted from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, is one so well-known it does not need repeating, but if you were wondering where the almost-full century of film and TV jokes about little girls befriending villains came from, look no further. This is the movie that turned a monster into a legend. — K.G.

How to watch: Frankenstein is now streaming on Peacock.

17. Man on Wire

In 1974, Philippe Petit walked a high wire between the two towers of the World Trade Center in NYC. Petit was later arrested for the stunt. In 2008, documentarian James Marsh made Man On Wire, a moving, awe-inspiring chronicle of Petit’s audacious feat, based on Petit’s own book about the event. Suspenseful, mischievous, and paced like a heist movie, Man On Wire is a riveting watch sure to keep even the most ardent documentary-avoider on the edge of their seats. — K.G.

How to watch: Man on Wire is now streaming on Peacock.

18. How to Train Your Dragon

Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) doesn’t quite fit into his dragon-fighting viking village of Berk. The seasoned warriors, including his father, the chief (Gerard Butler), think he’s too much of a weenie to fight their fearsome dragon enemies. But Hiccup has a secret: He’s found a wounded dragon who has quickly become his best friend. Will his village change its mind about dragons, or will Hiccup and his dragon be forced to hide for the rest of their lives? It’s a fun family romp that makes the incredibly smart choice of giving dragons the eager, earnest personalities of everyone’s favorite family dog. It doesn’t matter how old you are, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a total treat! — K.G.

How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon is now streaming on Peacock.

19. Traffic

The movie that won Steven Soderbergh the Academy Award for Best Director, Traffic is a complex, captivating exploration of drug trafficking in the USA and Mexico. Following multiple intersecting storylines, audiences watch the effects of illegal drugs ripple in all directions, from manufacturers and distributors to the politicians trying to combat them and the users who are hooked. Shot like a documentary and including multiple cameos from actual U.S. congresspeople, Traffic is a riveting, powerful piece that feels utterly real.

What’s more, the cast is stellar, with Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán all at the top of their game, and Benicio Del Toro in particular winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a Mexican police officer. — K.G.

How to watch: Traffic is now streaming on Peacock.

20. The Northman

Alexander Skarsgård plays a viking in “The Northman.”
Credit: Focus Features

Written and directed by Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse), The Northman is a dark, suspenseful retelling of a Scandinavian myth that also happens to have been the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Alexander Skarsgård is Amleth, a young prince who swears revenge after his uncle murders his father and marries his mother. Years later, now a berserker Viking, Amleth has an encounter with a seer that convinces him the time to collect on that childhood promise is nigh.

The Northman is a tense, atmospheric, and brutal historical thriller, told as if it were a story recounted around a medieval Scandinavian fire, grounded in an ancient point of view. This visually-stunning but bloody revenge saga also stars Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gustav Lindh, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Björk, obviously.* — K.G.

How to watch: The Northman is now streaming on Peacock.

21. Point Break

Point Break is an iconic and insane ’90s movie in which Keanu Reeves plays rookie FBI agent Johnny Utah, who has to — and we’re not kidding here — infiltrate an L.A. “surf gang” suspected of robbing banks. Very little in this movie makes any sense (the large reason Utah is assigned the undercover role is because he used to play football in college?), which is exactly why it’s so dang wonderful. You’ve got Patrick Swayze as the enigmatic leader of a surfing cult, Gary Busey as Reeves’ gruff veteran partner, and again, Keanu Reeves plays a former college football star named Johnny Utah who has to learn to surf as a matter of life and death. Point Break is ludicrous, magnificent, and fantastically, perfectly ’90s. Vaya con dios, baby. — K.G.

How to watch: Point Break is now streaming on Peacock.

22. Fast X

Credit: Peter Mountain / Universal Pictures

If loving Fast & Furious is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Across 11 bonkers movies that scoffed at physics and grunted about the importance of family, this franchise hasn’t slowed down. Not only has it raised the bar on out-of-this-world action, but also, it’s grown the Fast family by leaps, bounds, and long-lost siblings. So what could Fast X possibly do to keep this momentum going strong? It went hard in every way fans demand.

In the tradition of its predecessors, Fast X retcons to bring a new ferocious foe into the fray. Jason Momoa stars as the flamboyant, fashion-forward, and gleefully anarchistic Dante, who’s seeking revenge against Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and all of his extensive family. Momoa is wild fun as a villain who is Dom’s polar opposite in attitude and outfit choices. That alone is enough to enjoy this ride. But Fast X also includes gonzo fight scenes with the likes of Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Sung Kang, and many, many more. There are also jaw-dropping cameos and a climax that had fans shocked and cheering. The only thing not to like about this one is how it left us hanging, waiting for whatever Fast and Furious 11 might bring.* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Fast X is now streaming on Peacock.

(*) denotes writeup came from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2023, 2:18 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect Peacock’s current streaming selection.

Tech / Technology

Missing ‘Dune: Part Two’? Check out these three ‘Dune’-related books.

Posted on: November 3, 2023

“Dune: Part Two” may be delayed, but these three books make for the perfect antidote.
Three books against a backdrop of sand dunes.

There is an alternate universe where, come Nov. 3, we’d all be seated for Dune: Part Two‘s theatrical run. But Dune: Part Two‘s release has been pushed back to March 15, 2024.

Luckily, there are still several ways to get into the Arrakis spirit while we wait for March. This fall saw the release of three non-fiction books that delve deep into the world and cultural impact of Frank Herbert’s classic science-fiction tome. From examining the places and people Herbert drew inspiration from to a juicy, behind-the-scenes look at David Lynch’s maligned adaptation and more, these books offer something for Dune novices and experts alike.

Here are three books to read if you’re looking for some extra Dune goodness.

The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies by Ryan Britt

For a comprehensive look at all things Dune, look no further than The Spice Must Flow. Ryan Britt charts the entire history of the franchise, beginning with Frank Herbert’s scrapped article about sand dunes and ending with Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 film adaptation. In between, you’ll learn about the writing and publishing process behind each Dune novel, as well as the many proposed Dune films that never saw the light of day.

Perhaps most fascinating here is how Britt lays out just how influential Dune is to sci-fi as a whole. Yes, it’s one of the seminal works of the genre, but several Dune-related connections also led to some of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. How did an unmade Dune movie influence Ridley Scott’s Alien? Or Scott’s involvement in Blade Runner, for that matter? And what did Herbert really think about Star Wars, with it many overt similarities to Dune?

Due to the broad scope of The Spice Must Flow, there’s a lot of fictional and real-world ground to cover. That’s entire decades, not to mention thousands of years’ worth of Dune lore! Still, Britt’s guidance through Dune‘s impact on culture proves assured, especially when coupled with interviews with sci-fi historians, actors and directors, as well as members of Herbert’s own family. The Spice Must Flow takes a daunting wealth of subject matter and makes it an accessible, illuminating read that never lets you get lost in the sands.

The cover of "The Spice Must Flow," which shows rolling sand dunes under a blue sky.

Credit: Penguin Random House

The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies

Amazon

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune — An Oral History by Max Evry

Decades before Denis Villeneuve put his spin on Dune, director David Lynch spearheaded the first onscreen adaptation of Herbert’s work. The result, released in 1984, was a critical and commercial flop. Chiefest among its problems was how the film struggled to fit all of Dune into its two-hour runtime, leading to a nearly incoherent narrative.

Yet Lynch’s Dune is not without its bright spots, boasting stunning production design and truly fun (if occasionally broad) performances from stars like Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, and Sting. Here is a science-fiction film that isn’t afraid to lean into the bizarre, the outlandish, and the ornate — a deep contrast from Villeneuve’s more austere, brutalist interpretation of Herbert’s work. So, how did this wonderfully strange film come to be? And how did it become doomed to fail?

With his book A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune — An Oral History, Max Evry dives deep into every facet of Dune‘s production, assembling interviews with actors like MacLachlan and Young, crew members like casting director Jane Jenkins and costume designer Bob Ringwood, and even Lynch himself. You’ll learn about everything from the challenges the crew faced shooting in Mexico to possible money laundering going on behind the scenes. Movie magic!

Clocking in at over 500 pages long, A Masterpiece in Disarray is a dream come true for anyone who loves or is fascinated by the “black sheep of David Lynch’s filmography,” as Evry calls Dune. The oral history sections are the clear standouts, lending new context and character to some of the film’s strangest bits (like Kenneth McMillan’s Baron Harkonnen). Woven through the entire book is a sense of wonder that this beast of a film got made in the first place, even if it ultimately wasn’t the film Lynch wanted to make. If you’re hungry for a deep dive on the oldest Dune adaptation or just want to take a closer look at this strange stumble in Lynch’s career, A Masterpiece in Disarray is the book for you.

The cover of "A Masterpiece in Disarray," which shows a blue eye against a black background.

Credit: 1984 Publishing

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History

Amazon

The Worlds of Dune: The Places and Cultures that Inspired Frank Herbert by Tom Huddleston

Wonder where Frank Herbert got the ideas for the Bene Gesserit, the Voice, and those sweet, sweet sandworms? The Worlds of Dune by Tom Huddleston seeks to answer all your world-building questions and then some.

Huddleston kicks off our Dune tour on Arrakis before going planet by planet to Caladan, Giedi Prime, and Kaitan. At each stop, he outlines key cultural and geographical aspects of the planet, as well as the real-world inspirations behind them. Some of the inspirations are more obvious, such as Herbert’s use of Arabic words and Islamic theology. Others, like a focus on the field of semantics or anti-Soviet sentiments, are less so, making for some fascinating connections between our world and that of Paul Atreides.

Aside from being well-researched and beautifully printed, complete with illustrations from early editions of Dune and images from the films, The Worlds of Dune is careful to examine Herbert’s legacy. Huddleston pushes back on some of Herbert’s more troubling areas of inspiration, such as the eugenics-based Bene Gesserit breeding program. He also questions whether Herbert’s drawing inspiration from non-white cultures like the San people of the Kalahari Desert or the Quileute tribe of the Pacific Northwest was appropriative, appreciative, or (most likely) a mix of both. Informative and thought-provoking in equal measure, The World of Dune is perfect for people who want a closer look at Dune through religious, historical, and geo-political lenses.

The cover for "The Worlds of Dune," which shows a large yellow sun setting over sand dunes.

Credit: Quarto

The Worlds of Dune: The Places and Cultures that Inspired Frank Herbert

Amazon

Tech / Technology

Best travel deals Nov. 2023: Cruise fares and Universal tickets

Posted on: November 3, 2023

This week, book cheap trips to Europe through Priceline and score cruise fares up to 50% off.
Blue Samsonite hardside suitcase with flower pot in background

UPDATE: Nov. 3, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This post is updated weekly with the latest travel deals on flights, cruises, theme parks, and more.

Best travel deals this week:

Best flight deal

GoWild! All You Can Fly fall and winter pass

Unlimited flights between Sept. 2 and Feb. 29 2024 for a one-time purchase of $299

Best cruise deal

Celebrity Cruises

40% off all cruises

Best hotel deal

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

Up to 20% off three or more nights when booked by Dec. 31

Best luggage deal

American Tourister

30% off select styles

Best experience deal

Universal Orlando

Two days free with a two-park, three-day ticket

We all follow those people on Instagram who are somehow always on vacation. We don’t know their life story, but we’d be willing to bet they didn’t pay full price for that excursion — they just planned strategically. We’re keeping track of the best flight, train, luggage, and hotel deals below to help you do the same. Now get outta here.

Flights

Credit: Frontier

Our pick: Frontier Airlines GoWild! All You Can Fly winter pass

Unlimited flights for $299

Why we like it

The cold weather version of Frontier’s internet-breaking summer pass unlocks unlimited flights to both domestic and international Frontier destinations between Sept. 2 and Feb. 29, 2024, for a one-time fee of $299. Frontier serves more than 100 airports across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with new locations frequently being added to the lineup. This is cheaper than even the summer pass’ debut price of $399 and its long-term sale price of $499.

Frontier also dropped a monthly pass that’s free for the first month (aside from a $49 enrollment fee) and renews for $149 monthly after that. Your unlimited monthly pass begins the day you purchase it and runs for 30 days each period. Be sure to read the fine print before snagging any of the tickets.

More flight deals

PLAY — $99 flights from BWI, BOS, SWF, and IAD to Iceland, Paris, Copenhagen, London, Dublin, Berlin, Athens, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam when booked by Nov. 3
Southwest — one-way fares as low as $89 including Thanksgiving

Trains, cruises, and rental cars

Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Our pick: Celebrity Cruises

40% off all cruises

Why we like it

If you need a sign to book that cruise you’ve been talking about taking since last year, Celebrity Cruise Line’s current offering of 40% off all guests on all trips is that sign. The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Saint Kitts, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and more Caribbean and European destinations are all options, and depending on the itinerary, you can sail for as long as 13 nights or take a quick three-night getaway.

More train, cruise, and rental car deals

American Airlines — save up to 35% on rental car base rates
Amtrak — save up to 60% on eight tickets to various destinations, up to 50% on Northeast trips, up to 15% on California and Virginia trips, and more
Norwegian Cruise Line — save 70% on a second guest’s fare plus a free unlimited open bar, $50 off-shore excursions, and more
Priceline — save 30% or more when you bundle a flight with a Hilton hotel
Princess Cruises — save up to 50% on fares and deposits

Theme park deals

Credit: Universal Studios

Our pick: Universal Orlando

Two days free with a two-park, three-day ticket

Why we like it

Vacation doesn’t feel like vacation when you’re trying to cram a theme park’s full glory into a few short days. You can add three full days at Universal to your trip for free when you purchase tickets for two days (as long as they’re all consecutive). That’s five days for the price of two, so you can really take your time between Universal and Islands of Adventure — or even devote a whole day to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You’d still have to buy separate tickets (starting at $84.99) to Halloween Horror Nights, but the money you’re saving with this deal basically secures those for free.

More experience deals

Busch Gardens — save 35% on single day tickets or $70 on two park tickets plus Tampa or save up to 60% on tickets at Williamsburg
Hersheypark — save up to 35% on Hersheypark Christmas Candylane presale tickets or up to 50% on fall weekend tickets

Hotels

Credit: Kimpton

Our pick: Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

Up to 20% off three or more nights when booked by Dec. 31

Why we like it

Quick weekend excursions are society’s sanity staples — but sometimes, you deserve more. If you didn’t get to take that long trip this summer, Kimpton’s extended “Stay Longer and Save” promo is your nudge to get away before 2024. Through Dec. 31, you can save between 15% and 20% on stays three nights or longer at a ton of stylish participating Kimpton locations across the U.S.

If a one or two-night trip is in the cards, however, you can also save up to 20% off the best flexible rate when you book at least seven days in advance.

More hotel deals

B Hotels and Resorts Orlando — save up to 25% on stays of two or more nights when booked by Dec. 20
Casa de Sierra Nevada — stay three nights and get a fourth night free through Dec. 15
The Grove Resort & Waterpark Orlando — 20% off stays through Sept. 3, 2024 when booked by Nov. 19, 2023
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club Bermuda — save 15% on two nights, 20% off three or four nights, or 25% on five or more nights when you book by March 24, 2024, and stay before April 30, 2024
Hampton Inn — save up to 17% on the Best Available Rate when you book at least seven days in advance
JetBlue — save up to 20% on hotels if you have a JetBlue flight
Marriott — save up to 20% on hotel and flight bundles to select destinations
Priceline — save up to 15% on European destinations when you book through the app with code EUROESCAPE, plus save up to 40% on hotel and flight bundles for Europe vacations
Red Roof Inn — save an extra 15% on your stay with Redi Rewards
Sonesta — save up to 30% when you book two or more nights with code SAVEMORE
Walt Disney World — save up to 25% on stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from Jan. 9 through Feb. 22, 2024 when you book by Dec. 15, 2023

Luggage

Credit: American Tourister

Our pick: American Tourister

30% off select styles

Why we like it

Still putting up with your suitcase’s busted wheel? Longstanding luggage icon American Tourister’s extended site-wide Labor Day sale is your excuse to finally replace it. Save up to 30% on hardside and softside spinners, carry-ons, garment bags, and more.

More luggage deals

Bagail — save up to 40% on packing cubes in select colors
Béis — save 10% on a luggage set of two or 15% on a luggage set of three
Calpak — save up to 60% on select best sellers
Delsey — 40% off select pieces from the Paris collection
Herschel — save up to 30% on Forever Classics
Kohl’s — save up to 50% on suitcases from Kenneth Cole Reaction, London Fog, Rockland, and more
Macy’s — save up to 60% on Bric’s Milano, DKNY, Jansport, and more
Mark & Graham — save up to 50% on select personalized totes, handbags, travel pouches, and more
Paravel — save 20% on a set of two Aviator suitcases or 30% on a set of three
Samsonite — save 30% on select styles
TravelPro — save up to 20% sitewide
Tumi — save up to 20% on select styles
Walmart — save up to 50% on hardside luggage sets from Sunbee and Travelhouse

Tech / Technology

WTA Finals 2023 livestream: How to watch WTA Finals for free

Posted on: November 2, 2023

Watch the 2023 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during a match against Jessica Pegula

TL;DR: Prime Video is offering live coverage of the 2023 WTA Finals. Watch for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Prime Video has been the place to be for tennis fans in 2023. This popular streaming platform has offered coverage of every ATP and WTA Tour event this year, and this impressive streaming schedule even includes the WTA Finals taking place in Cancún.

If you want to watch the 2023 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the WTA Finals?

The WTA Finals is the season-ending championship of the WTA Tour. The tournament features the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams based on their results throughout the season.

The players are separated into two groups of four. After every player plays three round-robin matches, the top two players or teams from each group progress to the semi-finals and then final to determine the champion.

When is the WTA Finals in 2023?

The 2023 WTA Finals is the 52nd edition of the singles event and the 47th edition of the doubles competition. It is taking place between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 in Cancún, Mexico.

How to watch the WTA Finals for free

Prime members in the UK and Ireland can watch the 2023 WTA Finals on Prime Video, but there’s no need to spend anything on a subscription. Instead, you can watch the WTA Finals for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Credit: WTA Finals

2023 WTA Finals

Watch for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime

Fans from around the world can also watch this tournament for free, but they’ll need to use a VPN to access the 2023 WTA Finals on Prime Video.

By using a VPN, you can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy process provides access to the tourmanent on Prime Video from anywhere in the world:

Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you’re not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Watch the 2023 WTA Finals from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)

£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2023 WTA Finals on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This clearly isn’t a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the tournament for free.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming, for a number of reasons:

Servers in 94 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to five simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2023 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Tech / Technology

Apple Music shuts down its Siri-only Voice Plan nearly two years later

Posted on: November 1, 2023

Apple Music just shut down its cheapest option—the Voice Plan. The subscription, which launched in 2021 and cost $5 per month, featured a Siri-only experience; the only way […]

Tech / Technology

FAA completes SpaceX Starship safety review as environmental assessment remains ongoing

Posted on: October 31, 2023

The Federal Aviation Administration has finished a key portion of the launch license review for SpaceX’s Starship, bringing the company one step closer to a second launch. Regulators […]

Tech / Technology

A look at how one fintech CEO’s PR decision backfired

Posted on: October 29, 2023

Welcome back to The Interchange, where we take a look at the hottest fintech news of the previous week. If you want to receive The Interchange directly in your […]

Tech / Technology

The 20 saddest movies on Netflix in 2023

Posted on: October 29, 2023

Here are the 20 saddest movies on Netflix right now. Have your tissues ready for these tearjerkers, from “Stand By Me” to “Marriage Story,” and beyond.

A great movie allows us to slip into different feelings for a bit, kind of like putting on an old, reliable coat. Sometimes, we seek something whimsical and romantic. Other times, we want a thrill that’ll give us goosebumps. Still other days, all we crave is the embrace of the warm and fuzzy. But, occasionally, you just want to slide into the sad — slipping into a tearjerker for the sopping, snot-sleeved comfort they can provide.

A good cry can be good for you. So, when you’re looking to let loose with sobs, we’ve got the perfect selection of movies for your queue.

Grab a box of tissues and check out the 20 saddest movies now streaming on Netflix.

1. Dear John

Nicholas Sparks’s stories are basically the tear-jerking version of the scene in A Clockwork Orange where Malcolm McDowell has his eyes pried open and he’s brainwashed with images of sex and violence — they’re ruthlessly efficient in pressing every button on hand in order to wring from their audience the maximum amount of tears possible.

And this love story, told through the love letters between a soldier (Channing Tatum) and the girl (Amanda Seyfried) he left behind when he went off to war, is relentless. There’s a dying father, a dying husband, a break-up, war injuries, autistic children, Habitat For Humanity, horse stables, 9/11. It pulls out all the stops on its way to Weeps-ville. Thankfully, Tatum and Seyfried are able to convey an easy low-key decency, mitigating the soap-opera plotting with their genuine chemistry and warmth. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Dear John is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Stand By Me

Screenwriters Raynold Gideon and Bruce A. Evans took Stephen King’s novella The Body — a coming-of-age tale about four friends who go hunting for a dead teenager while evading the local bullies — and squeezed out every drop of the story’s poignancy and humor. It’s a tear-inducing snapshot of the anxieties, friendships, highs, and lows of childhood. The novella packed a powerful punch of nostalgia, and Rob Reiner’s direction channels this in its own way, placing the boys’ friendships front and center, then considering them through a thoughtful adult lens. “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12,” the grown-up narrator (Richard Dreyfuss) writes at one point. “Jesus, does anyone?”

Keep an eye out for a young Kiefer Sutherland as the brilliantly unpleasant Ace Merrill, Wil Wheaton as budding writer Gordie Lachance, Corey Feldman as the bold Teddy Duchamp, a young Jerry O’Connell as the sweet Vern Tessio, and of course, the exceptional River Phoenix as Gordie’s best friend Chris Chambers. Their performances, like the movie itself, have a well-deserved place in cinematic history.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Stand By Me is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Zookeeper’s Wife

If a historical war drama is your go-to avenue for emotional catharsis but you’re tired of seeing the same stories told again and again, Niki Caro’s The Zookeeper’s Wife will be a welcome discovery. The 2017 film tells the true story of Jan Żabiński and Antonina Żabińska, a Polish couple who used their Warsaw zoo to rescue and hide 300 Jews during World War II. Soon after war breaks out in 1939, Jessica Chastain’s Antonina and her husband Jan (Johan Heldenbergh) are forced to cooperate with a Nazi zoologist (Daniel Brühl). Little does he know, the couple has begun sneaking in local Polish Jews to live in the tunnels under the zoo. It’s an emotional story about a lesser-known piece of Holocaust history, and while it drifts into sentimentality at times, both Chastain and Brühl’s performances ground the film in sincerity.* — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: The Zookeeper’s Wife is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Living

Remaking an Akira Kurosawa masterpiece is not an endeavor that should be generally encouraged, but director Oliver Hermanus managed to beat those impossible odds with his masterful 2022 re-do of Kurosawa’s 1952 tearjerker Ikiru. Perhaps having a script written by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro is the only way to manage it. Giving the legendary character actor Bill Nighy his career-greatest role certainly didn’t hurt either.

Playing an all-business government worker who gets a death sentence from his doctor and decides to spend his last few months making a difference in the world, Nighy wrings a torrent of emotion out of repression, allowing us to see the sweetness long hidden beneath a hardened man’s shell. If you can make it through his rendition of “The Rowan Tree” without shattering into a million pieces, you’re made of stronger stuff than I. — J.A.

How to watch: Living is now streaming on Netflix.

5. A Monster Calls

Lewis MacDougall as the boy who befriends a tree beast in "A Monster Calls."

Credit: Apaches Entertainment / Kobal / Shutterstock

A Monster Calls is a modern fable about loss, suffering, and childhood. In it, a young boy (Lewis MacDougall) copes with the prospect of losing his mother by befriending a tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) that tells him three illuminating stories in exchange for one story from the boy. The movie is based on the fantasy novel by Patrick Ness, who wrote the story based on an idea from Siobhan Dowd, a writer who died of cancer before writing the book herself. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: A Monster Calls is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Paddleton

Mark Duplass and Ray Romano share a moment in Paddleton.

Credit: Netflix

Paddleton may be a movie about cancer — the classic tearjerker subject — but it’s also one of the best. That’s partly because it takes an anti-melodramatic approach to a topic cinema loves to exploit for tears. But it’s also because Paddleton is really about friendship and embracing the moments we have together rather than being consumed by the fear of them ending.

Michael (Mark Duplass) and his neighbor Andy (Ray Romano, in a standout dramatic performance) are best friends, and the only people in each other’s lives. That makes it especially difficult for Andy when he learns Michael has decided to end his life through assisted suicide after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. But much like co-writer/director Alex Lehmann’s previous collaboration with Duplass, Blue Jay, Paddleton takes a very naturalistic approach to such dramatic material by focusing on the day-to-day moments of the men’s sweet platonic relationship. The two spend Michael’s final days watching kung fu movies, playing a sport of their own invention, and taking a road trip. It’s hard to think of a recent film that made me openly cry as hard as Paddleton did, and one that truly earned it through genuine storytelling and heartfelt performances.* — O.W.

How to watch: Paddleton is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Marriage Story

Scarlett Johannson and Adam Driver in "Marriage Story."

Credit: Netflix

Writer-director Noah Baumbach’s tense tale of a couple ending their marriage divided audiences, with some viewers reporting they were surprised by whose “side” they ended up on. But critical reception for Marriage Story was almost universal in its praise of the story’s execution and impact. Leads Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver were singled out for their magnetic scene work. This artful depiction of intimacy remains a triumph of romantic storytelling, venturing far beyond the happily-ever-after audiences know so well. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Marriage Story is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Other People

Molly Shannon and Jesse Plemons star as mother and son in this semi-autobiographical movie from writer/director Chris Kelly about a young gay man who returns to his childhood home to help take care of his dying mother. Other People finds the humor and beauty in the moments that lead up to experiencing loss and features one of Plemons’ best performances. — A.N.

How to watch: Other People is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Pieces of a Woman

Shia LeBeouf as Sean and Vanessa Kirby as Martha in "Pieces of a Woman."

Credit: Netflix

The Crown‘s Vanessa Kirby stars in this heartbreaking movie about a woman whose life is changed forever when her child, delivered at home, dies shortly after birth. Pieces of a Woman explores the emotional complexity of grief, marriage, and blame while telling a devastatingly real story of loss. — A.N.

How to watch: Pieces of a Woman is now streaming on Netflix.

10. The Sky is Pink

The Sky Is Pink is told from the perspective of Aisha “Aishi” Chaudhary (Zaira Wasim), a girl who dies young and narrates the story of her parents’ lives from the afterlife. It’s based on a true story. So yeah, it’s pretty sad. This Hindi language film is one of many Indian gems on Netflix and is a sure tearjerker starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Farhan Akhtar. — A.N.

How to watch: The Sky is Pink is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Call Me By Your Name

Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute

The greatest tearjerkers often only need a single act to realize their full sobbing potential – both Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias are basically sweet mother-daughter dramas for three-quarters of their runtime, until sickness barges into their final acts with sudden, heart-stomping brutality. And so it goes with Luca Guadagnino‘s 2018 coming-of-age masterpiece, which is a sexy Italian summer hang-out movie for its majority as we watch 17-year-old Elio (breakout star Timothée Chalamet) and 25-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) fall for one another in slow, furtive steps, under the watchful eyes of Elio’s parents (Amira Casar and Michael Stuhlbarg) and those equally watchful peach trees.

And yet, as the last-act train approaches, the film effortlessly channels a palpable feeling of time being lost, of summer vanishing between our fingers, and of romance suddenly, inescapably obliterated, all before we’re anywhere near prepared. The film’s final scenes become an all-out, can-you-top-this symphony of heartbreak — Elio and Oliver say their final goodbye! Elio’s father gives his for-the-ages speech about embracing the moment! All until Elio stares into the fireplace and grabs us by the heart and squeezes every last drop we have left inside of us for good measure. — J.A.

How to watch: Call Me By Your Name is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Boy Erased

A film that’s a little smothered by the very well-meaning intentions of its makers, this 2018 drama about a Baptist preacher’s gay son (Lucas Hedges) who gets sent to conversion therapy by his misguided parents (Joel Edgerton and Nicole Kidman) is very effective at what it sets out to do, which is to speak directly to LGBTQ people’s parents and tell them to get their shit together and stop traumatizing their kids.

And everyone’s excellent here – Hedges and Kidman especially will definitely make you and/or your parents cry profuse buckets. (Edgerton co-wrote and directed the film, as well as co-starring in it.) It’s just that some of us believe the perfect conversion therapy movie already exists in Jamie Babbit’s cotton-candy-colored black comedy But I’m a Cheerleader, since pointing and mocking the hetero-terrorists is the preferred method to take on this subject. But if you want a serious and straight (pun intended) take on the subject, this is your movie. — J.A.

How to watch: Boy Erased is now streaming on Netflix.

13. All the Bright Places

Elle Fanning and Justice Smith in "All the Bright Places."

Credit: Walter Thomson / Netflix

Fans of The Fault in Our Stars will like All the Bright Places, another tearjerker about teens who find love through their personal sufferings. Elle Fanning and Justice Smith deliver heartbreaking performances from a screenplay co-written by Jennifer Niven, who also wrote the novel upon which the movie is based. — A.N.

How to watch: All the Bright Places is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Legends of the Fall

An old-fashioned and epic soap opera starring Brad Pitt at his tip-top peak beauty circa 1994, director Edward Zwick spins the decades-long tale of the three Ludlow brothers (Pitt, Henry Thomas, and Aidan Quinn) and their loves (Julia Ormond, Bert the Bear) with the sort of sweep we’re rarely treated to anymore. At least not with such adult subjects. We watch the first world war and Prohibition take their melodramatic toll on the Montana triad, alongside their father’s (Anthony Hopkins) tyranny and vicious stroke. Children are born, children die, and impossible romances with impossible beauties make us swoon. Oh, and Brad Pitt wrestles a bear, and we really had proper movies, once upon a time. — J.A.

How to watch: Legends of the Fall is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Chadwick Boseman as Levee, Viola Davis as Ma Rainey, and Colman Domingo as Cutler in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is based on the eponymous stage play by August Wilson. In it, Viola Davis portrays real-life blues singer Ma Rainey over the course of one day of recording for her album, during which the personal relationships between her lover, her band, and her producers spill out into a poignant examination of race, betrayal, and ownership. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom also features the late Chadwick Boseman’s final performance, for which he won a posthumous Golden Globe award. — A.N.

How to watch: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Fred Rogers on the set of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood."

Credit: Focus Features

If you’re a person who was a child at any point between the years of 1968 and 2001 (and that adds up to a whole lot of people), then Morgan Neville’s 2018 documentary on the mister named Fred Rogers and the PBS children’s series Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood that he shepherded across those decades will doubtlessly have you in a puddle by the time its closing credits roll.

A portrait of Rogers’s infallible decency and kindness that landed in the thick of the decidedly indecent and unkind Donald Trump presidency, it was hard not to weep for a world where the values Rogers embodied — curiosity and generosity and goodwill toward one’s fellow person — was starting to feel forever lost. Needless to say, those worries remain acute! But Fred Rogers showed us a better way, if we’ll only hop onto that magical trolley and make-believe it can be so again. — J.A.

How to watch: Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is now streaming on Netflix.

17. All Quiet on the Western Front

Two soldiers walk together on a desolate field.

Credit: Reiner Bajo/Netflix

Director Edward Berger’s Oscar-nominated 2022 remake of the 1930 Best Picture winner is a tearjerker built for Dads a la Field of Dreams! The first German adaptation of German writer Erich Maria Remarque’s 1928 book, Berger’s film is an unrelenting deluge of World War I’s myriad horrors being thrust upon one simple shell-shocked soldier, Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) and his regiment, all detailed in claustrophobic vérité. By the end of its two-hour runtime, we feel like we’ve been pummeled into shells ourselves. Bleak and utterly exhausting, it’s about as close to being on those grim battlefields full of young men being blown to bits as most of us will ever get, thankfully. It’s 10 out of 10 hankies for dads everywhere. — J.A.

How to watch: All Quiet on the Western Front is now streaming on Netflix.

18. First Match

A young girl wearing a jersey looks concerned.

Credit: Netflix

Elvire Emanuelle plays Mo, a Brooklyn teen who’s been raised in the foster care system since her father (a never-better Yahya Abdul Mateen of Candyman and Watchmen fame) got sent off to prison. When he gets out, Mo decides to join the boy’s wrestling team in order to prove herself to him, and cue the waterworks. Boasting a stellar cast that also includes Colman Domingo as Mo’s coach and Moonlight‘s Jharrel Jerome as her best friend, the fraught truths that First Match unearths about what are meant to be our closest relationships bypass most of the “inspirational sports story” cliches, instead revealing something far harder to hear. — J.A.

How to watch: First Match is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Roma

Marco Graf as Pepe, Daniela Demesa as Sofi, Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marina De Tavira as Sofia, Diego Cortina Autrey in "Roma."

Credit: Netflix

There is a reason that a great big cry huddle straight out of every Golden Girls episode is the central image on the poster for Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning 2018 masterpiece — it’s a movie that demands a great big cry huddle! Telling the story of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), an indigenous maid to a wealthy family in Mexico City in 1970, Cuarón makes Cleo’s story of survival at the margins seem as enormous as the outer space he sent Sandra Bullock hurtling through in Gravity. — J.A.

How to watch: Roma is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Worth

An older man wearing glasses stands up in a crowded room.

Credit: Netflix

Director Sara Colangelo’s film is a historical drama about lawyers Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros (Michael Keaton and Amy Ryan), who were charged with running the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. It was their unimaginable job to calculate how much money would be given to the people who lost loved ones during 9/11, and how to determine who would get anything at all. And if that concept in itself doesn’t already have you tearing up, just you wait. Worth, which is based on Kenneth Feinberg’s non-fiction book What Is Life Worth?: The Inside Story of the 9/11 Fund and Its Effort to Compensate the Victims of September 11th, is perhaps so far the only fictional movie about that horrible day and its aftermath that has truly worked. It does so by giving voice to the victims and their stories, and the struggle to realize what our lives truly amount to in the end. — J.A.

How to watch: Worth is now streaming on Netflix.

Credit: Netflix

Netflix

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Aug. 23, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT Originally published on April 2, 2021, this article has been revised to reflect the current selections now streaming.