With the spread of coronavirus running rampant, movie theaters across the country have shut down. It’s a stressful and uncertain time for everyone. As a movie fan, it’s unprecedented. However, studios have taken some of their current releases and made them available to rent at home. Here are the current (and upcoming films) you can watch during this time of self-isolation.
Emma
This was the last movie I saw in theaters before they all shut down indefinitely. It left me with a wonderful memory until I can return to the cinema again. I’m just thinking about all of the social events Emma got to attend: parties, lunches, dances. How nice it must be to go out and live life, unfazed by COVID-19. How naive I was just 3 weeks ago when I saw this, unfazed by it. Don’t worry, we’ll get back to that place soon. Emma is a fantastic adaptation of Jane Austen’s iconic novel. Every actor is perfectly cast and each set is ornately designed. You can rent Emma on iTunes for $19.99.
Onward
Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis Dreyfuss
Onward follows two brothers who go on a mythical journey to spend one more day with their father who died when they were young children. Now is a great time for some Pixar fairytale escapism! Although it is exciting to see a Pixar movie available to watch at home this quickly after theatrical release, my advice is to wait it out just two more weeks. On April 3, the film will head to Disney + where members can stream it without spending $20. Times are tough and it’s good to save money where you can.
The Invisible Man
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Truthfully, I wasn’t a big fan of this movie, but most people feel differently than I do about it. Elisabeth Moss plays the victim of a toxic, abusive relationship only to find out her boyfriend has committed suicide. When strange events begin happening to her, she believes that he’s somehow stalking her even though no one can see him.
The Hunt
Starring: Betty Gilpin, Hillary Swank, Ike Barinholtz, Emma Roberts
The Hunt has the worst luck imaginable in terms of getting a theatrical release. It was supposed to release in September of last year but was deemed “too controversial” so it was pushed to March 2020. Perfect timing for a global pandemic to break out! I haven’t seen “The Hunt” and don’t have much desire to, but you can rent it on iTunes for $19.99 if you want to see what all of the fuss is about.
Upcoming Streaming Releases
The Way Back
Starring: Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Al Madrigal, Brandon Wilson
Not to be confused with The Way, Way Back a Sam Rockwell coming-of-age dramedy, The Way Back is a sports drama about an alcoholic who is asked to coach his former high school basketball team. The job could help him return to a path of redemption. This is supposedly a moving film with an excellent performance by Ben Affleck. I wasn’t able to see it in theaters because a global pandemic hit, but I do hope to check it out at home.
Available: March 24
Birds of Prey
Starring: Margot Robbie,
The candy-coated DC film is a lot to process. It isn’t exactly my cup of tea. However, if you love hearing about Harley Quin and “Mista Jay” breaking up while Ewan McGregor plays a villainous mob boss with an affinity for masks, then this is the movie for you.
Available: March 24
That’s all for the major movie streaming options at home this week! I hope everyone is staying safe out there and entertained with good movies!