Do you remember when the start of summer meant nothing but reruns on TV and big blockbusters in the cinemas? If you’re under 25, you probably don’t know that. But that’s life in the streaming age, where there’s always a wide selection of new film and series releases to enjoy, like every week in Consequence‘s Stream On newsletter. (Subscribe here!)
This month there was a new war of stars Story for the smaller screens, the high-profile releases of some Emmy contenders (next year, anyway), and some great independent films that have found their way to streaming platforms. We also have some great documentaries from the world of stand-up, music distribution, and theater, a fresh take on the superhero genre, and however you want to describe the brilliance that comes out of Julio Torres’ wonderful brain. Check out the best of June below, including this month’s pick! (All other entries are in alphabetical order.)
Selection of the month: I’m okay? (Movie)
Am I okay? (Max)
Leaded by: Tig Notaro, Stephanie Allynne
Pour: Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, Tig Notaro, Sean Hayes
Stream on: Max
A small but delightful and funny film about friendship, starring Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno as best friends whose bond is tested by some big life changes, including Johnson’s Lucy realizing at age 32 that her sexuality may not be as straightforward as she thought. Directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne bring so much nuance to every scene and, most importantly, know how to bring out Johnson’s best work (some actors only thrive when properly guided). For more, check out our own review by Mary Siroky, which appeared at the film’s Sundance 2022 premiere.
The Acolyte (TV)
The Acolyte (Disney+)
Created by: Leslye Headland
Pour: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, Carrie-Anne Moss
Stream on: Disney+
I feel like I’m a bit in the minority when it comes to liking the latest war of stars Show as much as I do, but between some solid performances, a fresh perspective on the franchise (no Skywalkers, no Empire, just some Jedi with some complicated secrets) and Carrie-Anne Moss is doing some real damn Jedi-Fuit really convinced me.
The bear Season 3 (TV)
The Bear (FX)
Created by: Christopher Storer
Pour: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson
Stream on: Hulu
I must confess that, for me personally, no episode of season three compares to season two’s “Forks.” But that would be difficult to achieve for any television series (“Forks” is, after all, a masterpiece), and as Clint Worthington details in his review, there’s a lot to appreciate about the return of FX’s award-winning film. Not to mention the fact that the soundtrack is a wild and eclectic experience.
My suggestion: Enjoy this season. Don’t rush through it. There are no epic twists, spoilers, or cameos to guard against (the biggest cameos actually come relatively early in the season). And a slower pace will be rewarded.
Cut off (TV)
Clipped (FX)
Created by: Gina Welch
Pour: Laurence Fishburne, Ed O’Neill, Jacki Weaver, Cleopatra Coleman, Kelly AuCoin, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Rich Sommer, Corbin Bernsen, Clifton Davis, Harriet Sansom Harris
Stream on: Hulu
The latest FX miniseries from executive producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson (who also worked with Ryan Murphy on American crime history series) focuses on a very specific moment: The spring of 2014, when the LA Clippers (yes, Los Angeles has two basketball teams, we are truly blessed) have finally made progress towards a real NBA title. This success was thanks to the new coach Doc Rivers (Laurence Fishburne) and NO Thanks to the team’s grotesque and racist owner, Donald Sterling (Ed O’Neill) – especially after shocking audio recordings were leaked in which Sterling made racist remarks towards his lover V. Stiviano (Cleopatra Coleman).
The scandal itself is fascinating, but the way the show portrays the characters struggling with the aftermath is equally fascinating. Plus, Ed O’Neill is incredible (and I’m not just saying that because he was a great interview) and LeVar Burton not only plays himself, but his scenes with Doc are arguably the best in the series.
Unusual dance (Movie)
Fancy Dance (Apple TV+)
Leaded by: Erica Tremblay
Pour: Lily Gladstone, Isabel DeRoy-Olson, Ryan Begay, Crystal Lightning, Audrey Wasilewski, Shea Whigham
Stream on: AppleTV+
Lily Gladstone gets an incredible stage in this darker-than-expected character drama about a woman trying to track down her missing sister, whose daughter accompanies her. It’s a unique, character-driven story rooted in the indigenous identity of its characters. It’s rich in detail from start to finish and clocks in at a tight 90 minutes. And did I mention how good Gladstone is at it? (She’s very, very good.)
Fantasies (TV)
Fantasy (HBO)
Created by: Julio Torres
Pour: Julio Torres, Martine Gutierrez, Tomas Matos, Joe Rumrill
Stream on: Max
In this wild HBO comedy series, the fearlessly inventive, too-brilliant Julio Torres plays an artist named Julio Torres who is bewildered by the world around him but full of great ideas about how to make it better (a recurring theme of his work): Weird, sweet, hilarious, and full of surprises. Fantasies is a true comedy. Stay at least for the Steve Buscemi cameo in episode 1. You won’t be disappointed. Plus, streaming now on Max ProblemistaTorres’ directorial debut, and it’s just as entertaining: at the very least, anyone who’s ever dealt with that hideous entity known as Filemaker Pro will experience a deep, emotional catharsis by the end of this film. Stick around for the end credits, too, because there’s an incredible joke about the Bank of America.
HitMan (Movie)
Hit Man (Netflix)
Leaded by: Richard Linklater
Pour: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao, Gralen Bryant Banks, Molly Bernard, Evan Holtzman
Stream on: Netflix
Although the film is originally based on a true story, this collaboration between director Richard Linklater and star Glen Powell (they co-wrote the screenplay) ends up taking some wild turns. It’s a true mix of genres, including comedy, drama, true crime and thriller. Some scenes really pull off the thriller aspect, while Powell is often hilarious as an undercover fake assassin whose many identities give him a whole new sense of confidence. Adria Arjona is also a real standout here, finally getting a more interesting role as the “lady who might have feelings for Dr. Michael Morbius” and hopefully taking her career to a whole new level.
How music became free (TV)
How music became free (Paramount+)
Leaded by: Alex Stapleton
Stream on: Outstanding+
I was recently describing this two-part documentary to a friend, and it was the words “narrated by Method Man” that convinced her to watch it. However, the rapper’s irreverent narration is just one reason to watch this compelling look back at the digital pioneers (or criminals in the eyes of the federal government) responsible for the rise of online music distribution in the late ’90s and early 2000s. If nothing else, it’s at least amusing to hear how paranoid Eminem became about digital security after The Eminem Show was leaked in 2002 – directly from Eminem (producer and interviewee).
Excellent: A comedy revolution (Movie)
Excellent: A Comedy Revolution (Netflix)
Leaded by: Page Hurwitz
With: Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Eddie Izzard, Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Patti Harrison, Joel Kim Booster, Billy Eichner, Lea DeLaria, Wanda Sykes, Marsha Warfield, Margaret Cho, Mae Martin, Fortune Feimster, Trixie Mattel, Mario Cantone, Scott Thompson, Hannah Gadsby and many more
Stream on: Netflix
The most Pride Month-y thing I’ve seen so far this year (for free), this documentary is an incisive look at the history of queer stand-up comedy. Director Page Hurwitz brings together a remarkable collection of experts—including some unknown pioneers in the field—to analyze how bad it used to be… and how it’s gotten better.
red queen (TV)
Red Queen (Prime Video)
Leaded by: Koldo Serra
Pour: Vicky Luengo, Hovik Keuchkerian, Alex Brendemühl, Nacho Fresneda
Stream on: Prime Video
I’m really taken with the main character of this Spanish thriller. She’s described as “the smartest woman in the world” and that status weighs heavily on her. Although she’s introduced in a very dark way (she imagines several different ways to die, namely suicide), the series itself is very lively, thanks in part to Antonia’s new partner and a compelling mystery at its core.
Slave game. Not a film. A play. (Movie)
Slave Game. Not a movie. A play. (HBO)
Leaded by: Jeremy O. Harris
Stream on: Max
As someone who really enjoys live theater but doesn’t see too much of it, I’m always intrigued by attempts to translate that experience to the screen. Director Jeremy O. Harris does not He doesn’t do that with his documentary about the creation and development of his headline-grabbing play – instead, it’s more of a portrait of the development process and perhaps the best way to understand Harris’ intentions as a creator. So if you saw all the commentary surrounding the play during the original Broadway run but never really understood what was going on, this documentary will give you some Insight.
Supacell (TV)
Supercell (Netflix)
Created by: Rapman
Pour: Tosin Cole, Adelayo Adedayo, Yasmin Monet Prince, Eddie Marsan, Nadine Mills, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Calvin Demba, Josh Tedeku, Rayxia Ojo, Giacomo Mancini, Michael Salami, Travis Jay
Stream on: Netflix
With Marvel slowing down the pace of its superhero content, this is the perfect time for fresh voices in the field, and the new Netflix series Supacell is a perfect example of this. Well directed by the artist known as Rapman, this series features four Londoners living complicated lives and unexpectedly gaining superpowers… as well as a chilling look at a dark future. Some elements may seem a little familiar, but the way they are remixed here is solid, and for Doctor Who Fans – look, it’s Ryan!
For more recommendations like the ones above, subscribe to Stream On to receive new updates every Friday.
