Stuck on what to stream this month? Unlike other lists, we’re on hand to recommend a variety of films for every mood, from tear-jerkers to trailblazers. Here are our picks for the best films to stream in the UK this month.
The Silver Screen Classic
The Hitch Hiker (1953) dir. Ida Lupino
Simple and sturdily fashioned, The Hitch Hiker continues to draw genuine terror from a nightmarishly conceivable, realistic premise even after 69 years of release. The true-life story of 1950s psychopathic murderer Billy Cook inspires this taut depiction, focusing on a criminal who takes two friends as hostages during a trip to Mexico. It is a film of ever-mounting suspense illustrated by prominent acting, rugged setting, savage masculine stress, and confrontations. Ida Lupino has brewed this grim little chiller that confines itself to one scenario; hostages held at the whim of a murderer with a short fuse. It achieves its goals without the hindrance of elaborate social messaging trying to break through a compelling storyline. The Hitch Hiker raises a reasonable amount of sweat-inducing chilly suspense with desolate backdrops and a predictable narrative without resorting to artificial theatrics.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime
The Underrated
Jennifer’s Body (2009) dir. Karyn Kusama
In this R-rated horror-comedy starring Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and Adam Brody, a demon assumes control of high school cheerleader Jennifer, who casts a hungry glance toward male students who have never dated her. Her nerdy friend, Needy, learns the truth and vows to put an end to the carnage. This film is an excellent popcorn flick that was a decade ahead of its time, delving deep into feminism, human emotions, and intricate relationships. It’s not perfect, but often the performers charm their way through the genre clichés, creating something entertaining in the best possible way. Jennifer’s Body is an entertaining duplex of jump scares and jokes, from the film’s visuals to the cinematography and soundtrack to the inconspicuous setting, character arcs, and quirky script. The clever dialogue, humour, and horror elements will keep you glued to your couch. There’s more to Jennifer’s Body than meets the eye.
Available to stream on Disney+
The Underseen
ARQ (2016) dir. Tony Elliott
This criminally underrated sci-fi mystery thriller film is a gritty and dark package of entertainment that delivers a whopping punch. It revolves around two old friends entrapped in a lab in a dystopian future who become stuck in a mysterious time loop—one that may have something to do with an ongoing battle between an omnipotent corporation and a ragtag band of rebels. The pair fend off raiders while harbouring an alternative energy source that could save humanity. ARQ has a unique spin on the time-loop trope often cherished by science fiction fans, exploring wildly innovative ideas in the shoes of the main character. Although some plot holes and redundant scenes can feel bland, monotonous, and occasionally confusing, the film unfolds and hooks its audience until the end with a shocking climax. It will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Available to stream on Netflix
The Foreign Language Gem
Darlings (2022) dir. Jasmeet K. Reen
Darlings is a brave attempt at a relatively under-explored theme in Bollywood, portraying stinging critiques of social ills prevalent in India’s conservative society. There are many reasons to watch this blackly comedic, twisted revenge saga, including its humorous, witty, and irresistibly thought-provoking storyline, gloomy setting, and a gut-wrenching message about spousal abuse. But what makes it a compelling watch are the exceptional performances from Shefali Shah, Alia Bhatt, and Vijay Varma. The film explores the lives of two women as they find courage and love in exceptional circumstances. Badru believes that if her volatile husband quits drinking, he would change. But when his rage becomes uncontrollable, she and her mother boldly, albeit clumsily, seek vengeance through their rib-tickling schemes and clumsy execution, with enough mouth-gaping twists with absurdist overtones in the story to keep you hooked till the very end.
Available to stream on Netflix
The Tearjerker
Brokeback Mountain (2005) dir. Ang Lee
One of Ang Lee’s best films to date, this swooning and sad yet captivating film is a romantic love story imbued with heartbreaking universality and adorned by the notable performances of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. The plot centres on two sheepherders who become involved in an escalating and passionate affair, but keep their tormented and erratically distanced relationship hidden for over 20 years. This film is a slap in the face of every ignorant hypocrite with its impactful, gut-wrenching performances and narrative that lingers long after its sorrowful ending that will leave you in tears, so be sure to grab a tissue box. The film’s laudable aspect is how it avoids sensationalising the LGBT+ theme, and instead focuses on chronicling the tale of two passionate lovers and their doomed romance through the lenses of love, truth, despair, and deception.
Available to stream on Netflix
The Feel-Good
The Worst Person in the World (2021) dir. Joachim Trier
This film follows the life of Julie, a woman on the cusp of turning thirty, as she navigates the choppy waters of her love life, existential uncertainty, and struggles to find her career path. She is forced to take a candid look at who she really is and seek fresh viewpoints. The Worst Person in the World is a modern dramedy about the quest for love and meaning in contemporary Oslo. The vivacious actress Renate Reinsve, who won the Cannes Best Actress Award for her breakthrough performance, captures the screen and the audience’s emotions with her gorgeous enthusiasm and welcomes the chaos of life at a crossroads with open arms. Trier’s acclaimed film is an ideal watch if you want to experience utmost thrill, joy, and beauty. Just maybe, it will also help you discover answers to your subconscious questions. Nonetheless, it is no spoiler to guarantee that Julie is not the worst person in the world.
Available to stream on MUBI
The Trailblazing
Rocks (2019) dir. Sarah Gavron
The movie is as solid as its title suggests. Nominated for seven BAFTAs following its release, Rocks is a new and compelling coming-of-age tale with characters grounded in reality and a strong theme. The plot revolves around a young London girl struggling to care for her younger brother after their single mother abandons them, leaving the pair with no choice but to live on the streets. It is an authentic, emotional, and heartfelt portrayal of a young girl on the brink of breaking under the weight of her obligations. It celebrates female strength and optimism while demonstrating grown-up themes in a well-known girlhood trope with a fresh perspective. This adolescent coming-of-age film sets itself apart with its contagious effervescence and endearing, outstanding performances by the lead actors.
Available to stream on Netflix
The Transgressive
Derren Brown: The Push (2018) dir. Jon Richards
Derren Brown, a renowned mentalist and sociologist, has designed an innovative social experiment to demonstrate how manipulation might persuade a regular person to commit an appalling act. The idea behind this hour-long experiment is undeniably fascinating, as it explores the possibility of psychologically coercing a random individual into justifying the murder of another person. For the setup, we find four participants who are to go through a massively choreographed set, which aims to persuade them to do things they otherwise wouldn’t do in their regular lives. Their choices lead to the finale, and the closing minutes reveal which person would push someone over the brink of social pressure. Hold on to the end, as it is almost surely not what you will have been thinking all along.
Available to stream on Netflix
Read More:
- Films To Stream In The UK In August 2022
- Films To Stream In The UK In June 2022
- Films To Stream In The UK In May 2022
- Films To Stream In The UK In April 2022
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