The long Labor Day weekend is here, and while the movie theaters may be offering underwhelming options, there’s a treasure trove of incredible films waiting to be discovered on streaming services like Netflix. Forget the lackluster techno thrillers and biopics, and embrace the hidden gems that are just begging to be rediscovered. Here are three underrated movies that will keep you entertained throughout your Labor Day weekend:
Life (2017)
If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi film that delivers thrills with a touch of realism, ‘Life’ is the perfect choice. Set aboard the International Space Station, the film follows a crew of scientists and astronauts who uncover a startling discovery: a new alien life form. This strange, slimy creature, dubbed ‘Calvin’, was retrieved from Mars during a previous expedition. However, Calvin quickly demonstrates a dislike for being a test subject, escaping its confinement and evolving at an alarming rate, becoming increasingly dangerous. Featuring a stellar cast including Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson, ‘Life’ is a surprisingly effective horror thriller that pays homage to the classic ‘Alien’ franchise. Prepare for a suspenseful ride with a jaw-dropping conclusion.
Reality Bites (1994)
Dive into the complexities of Generation X with ‘Reality Bites’, a film that captures the essence of a time defined by grunge, flannel, and questioning the future. Directed by Ben Stiller, who also stars as a yuppie cable TV executive, the film follows the lives of four friends navigating the post-college world: Lelaina (Winona Ryder), a spirited woman seeking her place in the world; Troy (Ethan Hawke), a TV enthusiast obsessed with ’70s sitcoms; Vickie (Janeane Garofalo), a sarcastic Gap employee with a knack for folding sweaters; and Sammy (Steve Zahn), a charming and openly gay individual. While the film primarily focuses on a strained love triangle between Stiller, Ryder, and Hawke’s characters, ‘Reality Bites’ attempts to offer a generational portrait similar to ‘The Graduate’. However, the film’s charm lies in its nostalgic portrayal of a unique era, capturing the anxieties, aspirations, and contradictions of a generation grappling with their identity.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Prepare for an intriguing journey into a world where fate is controlled by a mysterious organization in ‘The Adjustment Bureau’. Based on a short story by the master of paranoia, Phillip K. Dick, this sci-fi thriller stars Matt Damon as David, a man who finds himself entangled with Elise (Emily Blunt), a woman who embodies everything he desires. However, a shadowy organization known as the Adjustment Bureau intervenes, limiting their interactions. As David defies their rules, he is pursued by an army of men in fedoras, leading to a captivating chase that forces him to question the nature of fate and free will. ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ is a thought-provoking film that will keep you guessing until the very end, leaving you pondering the intricate web of forces that shape our lives.
