The recent box office disappointment of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ might have left you feeling a bit deflated, but don’t despair! While the world grapples with the mediocrity of another DC sequel, there’s still a treasure trove of amazing movies waiting to be discovered. And lucky for you, three of them are currently streaming on Max, offering a cinematic escape from the mundane.
Let’s face it, sometimes the most satisfying film experiences come from unexpected places. These hidden gems might not have garnered the same fanfare as the big-budget blockbusters, but they offer a different kind of magic. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be surprised.
1. Panic Room (2002)
David Fincher, the mastermind behind cinematic masterpieces like ‘Zodiac’, ‘Fight Club’, and ‘The Social Network’, is a director who consistently pushes boundaries. However, it’s surprising how often ‘Panic Room’ gets overlooked in discussions of his best work. This tense thriller, clocking in at a lean 112 minutes, masterfully builds suspense from beginning to end.
Jodie Foster shines as Meg Altman, a recently divorced mother, who finds herself in a terrifying situation when a group of thieves breaks into her swanky NYC brownstone. She and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart) find themselves trapped in the house’s built-in panic room, forced to outwit the criminals, led by a unrecognizable Jared Leto.
As Sarah’s diabetes requires insulin, Meg must find a way to protect her daughter while simultaneously thwarting the thieves’ plans. ‘Panic Room’ is a masterclass in suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment.
2. High Life (2019)
If you’re a fan of out-of-the-box sci-fi films, ‘High Life’ is definitely worth a watch. This strange and mesmerizing movie from acclaimed French director Claire Denis stars Robert Pattinson (the star of the upcoming ‘The Batman 2’ and ‘Mickey 17’) alongside a unique ensemble cast, including musician André Benjamin, screen legend Juliette Binoche, and Mia Goth.
Set in a distant future, the film follows a group of criminals serving their sentences on a spaceship. They are under the watchful eye of Dibs (Binoche), a scientist obsessed with creating a child in space through artificial means. One of her subjects is Monte, a prisoner haunted by his past crime committed as a child.
As the spaceship ventures deeper into space, the passengers begin to act strangely, and the looming threat of a black hole adds another layer of tension. Monte must confront his past and overcome his guilt to secure whatever future remains.
3. The Intern (2015)
For fans of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘The Intern’ offers a delightful twist. Anne Hathaway, reprising her role as a driven, ambitious woman, now heads an e-commerce fashion store in Brooklyn. However, work and her personal life are spiraling out of control, leading her to hire an intern, Ben Whitaker (Robert De Niro), to help manage the chaos.
The twist? Ben is a 70-year-old man, a stark contrast to the typical intern demographic. The film explores the dynamics of age and experience, as Jules (Hathaway) tries to find a balance between her demanding job and Ben’s traditional work ethic. ‘The Intern’ is a heartwarming and relatable story about finding your place in the world and embracing the unexpected connections that can emerge from the most unlikely of places.
So, there you have it. Three incredible movies currently streaming on Max that deserve a place on your watchlist. Each offers a unique blend of drama, suspense, and heart, guaranteeing an engaging and unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s time to ditch the disappointments and discover the hidden gems that Max has to offer!
