For more recommendations, check out our lists of the bestmoviesandshows on Prime Videoor thebest hidden gems on Netflix.
‘Beast’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Written and directed byMichael Pearce,Beastis a British psychological thriller film. The movie starsJessie Buckleyas Moll, a young woman who discovers that the charming poacher she’s falling in love with is a suspect in a string of murders and rapes. Besides Buckley, the film also starsJohnny FlynnandGeraldine James.Beasthad its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. The movie received great reviews from critics. It’s a bleak but captivating film with some great performances and visceral cinematography. The movie is inspired by true events, specifically the crimes of serial rapist Edward Paisnel, which further elevates the film’s complex psychological exploration. The film may not be as well known as some of Jessie Buckley’s other work, butBeastis a great example of the layered character work that has made her such a critical darling.
Watch on Prime Video
‘Summer ’03’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 5.5/10
Summer ‘03
Summer ‘03is a comedy-drama film that was the feature directorial debut ofBecca Gleason, who went on to become one of the writers of Prime Video’sThe Summer I Turned Prettyseries. Gleason wrote and directed this film, which starsJoey Kingas a 16-year-old girl struggling to cope with family secrets while navigating the difficulties of teenage love. The movie also starsJack Kilmer,Andrea Savage,Erin Darke,Kelly Lamor Wilson,Stephen Ruffin,Paul Scheer, andJune Squibb.Summer ‘03premiered at the 2018 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival. At the time, the movie received mixed but largely positive reviews. Though the film didn’t make a strong impression on audiences of the time,Summer ‘03is a delightfully entertaining coming-of-age movie. A surprisingly realistic work of YA romance dramedy, the movie has some solid performances and a relatable story. Though the writing does hit some uneven patches,Summer ‘03is ultimately an enjoyable romp that deserves more credit than it gets.
‘Cyrano’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Joe Wright’s moving adaptation of the classic play fromEdmond Rostand,CyranostarsPeter Dinklage(Game of Thrones) in the titular role. Together, Dinklage and Wright capture the enchanting romance of the tale while adding a clever twist by making this version ofCyranoa movie musical. The inclusion of catchy original songs, performed by Dinklage and co-stars, including the captivatingHaley Bennett,who shines as Roxanne, allows thisCyranoto soar. An underappreciated stellar supporting cast, especiallyKelvin Harrison Jr.as Christian andBen Mendelsohn(Captain Marvel) as De Guiche, thisCyranois a charming addition to the lineage.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘Afternoon Delight’ (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 5.7/10
Afternoon Delight
Written and directed byJoey Soloway,Afternoon Delightis a touching comedy with smart dialogue and undeniable performances from its incredible cast. Though it features some outdated views on sexuality and sex work,Afternoon Delightcontinues to hold strong in its ability to entertain.Kathryn Hahnstars as Rachel, a mother and wife who attempts to spice up her life by befriending a charismatic young stripper, played delightfully byJuno Temple(Ted Lasso). With effortless chemistry and irrefutable quips,Afternoon Delightmanages to stay funny and light even while tackling complex subjects.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘Thirteen Lives’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Thirteen Lives
Ron Howard(Solo: A Star Wars Story) directsThirteen Lives, a harrowing story about a rescue mission for a group of young boys and their soccer coach who found themselves trapped in the flooded underground caves of Thailand. Written byWilliam Nicholson(Gladiator) andDon MacPherson,Thirteen Livesis a tense drama starringViggo Mortensen(Crimes of the Future),Colin Farrell, andJoel Edgerton(Obi-Wan Kenobi), embodying real-life people who participated in the rescue on which the film is based. Allowing the fears of reality to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and critically praised for its accuracy,Thirteen Livesdoes not shy away from the horrific truth of what truly happened in Thailand.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘Suspiria’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Horrifyingly fascinating,Suspiriais a terrifyingly dark story set in 1970s Berlin about witches who run a dance company. When an ambitious young woman (Dakota Johnson) strives for success in the haunting conservatory, she uncovers a mystery and that things are not as they seem.Luca Guadagnino’s direction supplies a uniquely enthralling visual, playing with darkness and color, movement and mirrors.Tilda Swintongracefully encompasses scenes, floating through her three roles, including that of grieving psychotherapist, Dr. Klemperer. As the thriller unfolds, it’s clear thatSuspiriais absolutely stunning to see and grisly to watch.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.1/10
The Handmaiden
From critically acclaimed directorPark Chan-wook(Oldboy) comesThe Handmaiden, an engrossing yet dark crime drama about a secluded young Japanese heiress and a Korean con-woman she hires as her handmaiden. Beautifully shot,The Handmaidenallows the director to show off his unique talents while also emphasizing intricacies throughout the intriguing story. Based on the novel bySarah Waters, screenwriterSeo-kyeong Jeongcrafted the script along with Chan-wook, weaving a provocative web of mystery and sensuality starringKim Tae-riandKim Min-hee.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘All the Old Knives’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 6.1/10
All the Old Knives
All the Old Knivesis a riveting spy caper starringChris Pine(Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) andThandiwe Newton(Westworld) as Henry and Celia, former lovers and former colleagues at the CIA. Reunited to close a case that ended in tragedy, Henry is investigating a potential leak in the agency and a suspected mole. Based on the book by Olen Steinhauer,All the Old Knivesis a gripping story of passion, espionage, and betrayal, with clever direction from acclaimed directorJanus Metz,who blurs lines as audiences watch with bated breath to uncover the truth.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘The Voyeurs’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 44% | IMDb: 6.1/10
The Voyeurs
The Voyeursis a hypnotic erotic thriller about a young couple, Pippa and Thomas, played bySydney Sweeney(The White Lotus) andJustice Smith(Detective Pikachu), who move in together and begin an unexpected obsession watching through the window into the home of their sexy neighbor (Ben Hardy). The more Pippa and Thomas get involved with their captivating neighbors, the darker they become, as does the path they find themselves on. A suspenseful and mesmerizing film about fantasy and fixation,The Voyeurs’ directorMichael Mohanlures audiences to unexpected introspective revelations.– Yael TygielWatch on Prime Video
‘Val’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Val Kilmeris having a big comeback this year thanks to the overwhelming success ofTop Gun: Maverick, which respectfully incorporated Kilmer’s real-life health struggles into the narrative. Kilmer has struggled with throat cancer and lost his ability to speak without enduring pain. Kilmer told his life story in this intimate, emotional documentary from A24. Included inValis incredible archive footage from throughout Kilmer’s career. It sheds insights on some of Kilmer’s most renowned projects and how he struggled to overcome the expectations of fame. The emotional voiceover narration was provided by Kilmer’s son Jack. -Liam GaughanWatch on Prime Video
