What to watch April 19, 2024: Movie awards contenders
It’s a slow weekend for theatrical releases but a great one for streaming debuts. The hottest title is a surefire Oscar candidate, and the others have become fan favorites with long shelf lives ahead.
The contender to watch this week: “Dune: Part Two“
Denis Villeneuve‘s first “Dune” won six of its 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. His second, 2024’s highest-grossing movie to date, could show up in many of the same categories next year. Timothée Chalamet probably has a better shot at a nomination for the Bob Dylan biopic he’s currently shooting, and if Zendaya deserves recognition for anything, it’s “Challengers.” But even without acting contenders, “Dune: Part Two” could rank among next season’s biggest players. It’s still in theaters, but you can now ride the sandworm at home by renting or purchasing the film on VOD.
Other contenders:
- “Problemista”: Julio Torres‘ directorial debut is what the Independent Spirit Awards were made for. It’s a singular experience, kooky but profound. Torres plays an aspiring toy designer who takes a gig working for an outlandish New York art critic (Tilda Swinton) hoping to mount an exhibit on behalf of her cryogenically frozen husband (the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA). If you know Torres’ work, particularly his brilliant HBO special “My Favorite Shapes,” you know what you’re in store for. Catch “Problemista” on VOD.
- “Late Night with the Devil”: One of spring’s sleeper hits, this IFC Films release follows a ’70s late-night host (Villeneuve regular David Dastmalchian) whose occult-themed Halloween episode turns into a full-on conjuring. At a time when possession movies are played out, co-directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes find fresh ways to juice the subgenre. Their results are streaming on Shudder and AMC+.
- “Immaculate”: Let’s keep the horror coming. Sydney Sweeney‘s turn as a pious nun joining a sinister convent in Italy has grossed $21.3 million and counting on a reported $9 million budget. It’s a bit undercooked as a whole, but the jaw-dropping final 10 minutes make up for it. Say three Hail Marys and find “Immaculate” on VOD.
- “Hundreds of Beavers”: If you’ve found yourself missing “Looney Tunes” lately, you’re in luck. Director Mike Cheslik‘s acclaimed indie is part live-action, part hand-drawn animation, and all slapstick absurdity. This black-and-white farce about a fur trapper (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews) battling the eponymous colony does indeed feature hundreds of beavers. Following a spirited theater tour, the movie is available on VOD.
- “Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel”: This reverential 2022 documentary about the Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer is newly streaming on Netflix.
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