Labor Day is a time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. It’s also the unofficial start of fall, which means the weather is cooling down and the days are getting shorter. If you’re looking to spend some quality time indoors this weekend, you might want to consider settling in with a good movie. But if you’re tired of the same old classics, then why not give something a little less mainstream a chance? Here are five underrated movies that are worth streaming this Labor Day.
Emily the Criminal (2022)
: This brilliant film tackles the realities of living in modern America. Emily, a young woman saddled with student debt, takes a desperate step and gets involved in a credit card scam to try and get ahead. As things inevitably spiral out of control, Aubrey Plaza delivers an amazing performance as Emily, a character we can both sympathize with and judge. Her predicament, though, is one that many can relate to. She was promised a good job, and instead, she’s struggling to make ends meet. You can watch Emily the Criminal on Netflix.Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
: Taika Waititi, director of the popular Thor: Ragnarok, brings his unique brand of humor to this heartwarming story. It follows a delinquent child who is sent to live with a foster family and ends up on a journey through the New Zealand bush with his reluctant foster father. The film is sharp, funny, and sentimental, with outstanding performances from Julian Dennison and Sam Neill. It’s a perfect movie for the whole family to enjoy. You can watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople on Netflix.Dark Waters (2019)
: This harrowing true story, still relatively obscure, tells the story of a single attorney who uncovers a dark truth about a corporation’s polluting practices. He discovers that deaths in a region of West Virginia are connected to the pollution of the DuPont corporation. As he digs deeper, he exposes the sinister nature of DuPont’s actions and their attempts to cover up the truth. Mark Ruffalo delivers a powerful performance as the attorney, and Anne Hathaway is excellent as his supportive wife. Dark Waters is a chilling and thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impression. You can watch Dark Waters on Netflix.Wildlife (2018)
: This emotional drama is set in Montana in the 1950s against the backdrop of wildfires. It tells the story of a marriage crumbling from the perspective of the couple’s son. Carey Mulligan gives a stunning performance as a woman struggling with her unraveling life. Paul Dano, in his directorial debut, crafts a powerful and moving film that explores the complexities of family relationships. You can watch Wildlife on Pluto TV.The Death of Stalin (2017)
: This hilarious comedy is based on actual historical events. It’s set in the immediate aftermath of Joseph Stalin’s death, and it follows his cronies as they scramble for power. The movie is filled with witty dialogue and over-the-top characters, offering a darkly comedic perspective on the political machinations of the time. The brilliant ensemble cast brings to life these power-hungry individuals, reminding us that even those in positions of power can be silly and foolish. You can watch The Death of Stalin on Pluto TV.So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these five captivating films this Labor Day weekend. You won’t be disappointed!
