The summer season is coming to an end, and with it, the big blockbuster releases at the movies. As the cinematic landscape quiets down until the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to discover hidden gems on streaming platforms. This month, we’re highlighting three underrated films that deserve a second look.
Adventureland (2009)
Few movies capture the bittersweetness of summer’s end as accurately as Greg Mottola’s ‘Adventureland.’ Set in 1987, the film follows recent college graduate Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) who takes a summer job at a local amusement park after his European travel plans fall through. There, he meets and falls for his alluring co-worker, Em (Kristen Stewart). While ‘Adventureland’ might seem like a typical coming-of-age dramedy, it offers a surprisingly insightful and charming story of love, maturity, and self-discovery. Eisenberg delivers a captivating performance, and his chemistry with Stewart is undeniable. ‘Adventureland’ will make adults nostalgic for simpler times and resonate with younger audiences navigating the uncertainties of growing up. This film truly has something for everyone. You can find ‘Adventureland’ streaming on Paramount+.
August: Osage County (2013)
‘August: Osage County’ is a cinematic adaptation of Tracy Letts’s acclaimed play of the same name. The film follows a dysfunctional family reunited after the patriarch’s disappearance. At the heart of the chaos is Violet (Meryl Streep), an erratic and drug-addicted woman battling cancer, and her three daughters: Barbara (Julia Roberts), Ivy (Julianne Nicholson), and Karen (Juliette Lewis). Don’t expect subtlety in this movie. ‘August: Osage County’ is a feast for those who enjoy seeing actresses at their most intense. Streep delivers an over-the-top performance that might feel a bit overblown at times, but it’s undeniably entertaining. However, the true star of the film is Julia Roberts, whose ferocious and confrontational portrayal earned her a well-deserved fourth Oscar nomination. Beloved character actresses Nicholson and Margo Martindale also shine in this film. While the adaptation might not perfectly translate the stagey feel of the play onto the screen, it allows these phenomenal actors to showcase their raw talent. You can stream ‘August: Osage County’ on Tubi.
The Shallows (2016)
Blake Lively is making headlines for her box office hit ‘It Ends With Us’ and her involvement in the drama surrounding ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’ But almost a decade before these projects, Lively starred in a more understated, yet far superior survival drama. ‘The Shallows’ follows Nancy (Lively), a surfer stranded on a rock in the middle of the ocean after a great white shark attacks her. While Ben Affleck’s ‘The Town’ already showcased her versatility, ‘The Shallows’ truly highlighted her star power and ability to carry a film. Although a box office success, the film often goes unnoticed in the context of her career, overshadowed by flashier films like ‘A Simple Favor’ and ‘It Ends With Us.’ However, if Lively’s recent work has shown you she’s a talented actress, you should definitely check out ‘The Shallows.’ ‘The Shallows’ is available for streaming on Starz.
