Stream Warriors: April 15, 2022
Each week, Neon Splatter contributors offer up some viewing options found on streaming (U.S. unless otherwise noted). Movies, TV shows, specials, and more. New and old, from all sorts of genres and nations. Most importantly, we deem them worthy of your time.
Shafi Malik: GULLY BOY (2019)
What It Is: Murad is a 22-year-old from a ghetto in Mumbai. His parents worked hard to get him educated so that he could have a white collar job. Meanwhile, Murad realizes his calling to be a rapper. This story is about Murad's journey from realizing his love for rap and chasing his dream to inadvertently transcending his class.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “If there was a modern Indian movie that had the potential to break across to the Western mainstream, I was certain it would be Zoya Aktar's Feel-Great Hip Hop Musical. The lead character, Murad, is so damned likeable that you're happy to spend two-and-a-half hours with him and see the street rapper's rise to stardom. Even though it may have some saccharine moments, I'm so happy that it uncovers the rising Indian Rap scene. Plus, this may contain one of my favourite Alia Bhatt performances so far.”
Alexis M. Collazo: Halfworlds (2015—)
What It Is: A parallel world of bloodthirsty creatures from South East Asian mythology has lived alongside humans for generations. They take on the appearance of humans themselves, and have been carefully concealed for centuries by a powerful family.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “A nice change for fantasy fans tired of the same old tropes, plotlines and mythological creatures. I was intrigued by the Southeast Asian mythology it draws from and the story never felt predictable. The characters kept me guessing and whether human or demon it was no easy task distinguishing whose intentions were good or bad.”
Rob Dean: THE RAID 2 (2014)
What It Is: After surviving a bloody fight with powerful gangsters, Jakarta cop Rama’s exploits have attracted the attention of even deadlier criminals. His family at risk, Rama has no choice but to go under cover. He gets himself thrown in prison, where he befriends the son of a prominent crime kingpin. Rama must lay his own life on the line to finally destroy the criminal empire.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “I think even the most seasoned of action-junkies have to recognize that Gareth Evans’ epic gangland tale is one of the best action films made in the 21st century so far (and there have been some truly excellent ones). Iko Uwais, Cecep Arif Rahman, and Julie Estelle shine in their frenetic sequences—but truly the entire cast turns in brilliant bone-breaking moments that will linger with audiences long after the credits roll and shall influence filmmakers for decades to come.”
Kiley Fox: MURDER PARTY (2007)
What It Is: A random invitation to a Halloween party leads a man into the hands of a rogue collective intent on murdering him for the sake of their art, sparking a bloodbath of mishap, mayhem and hilarity.
Where It Is: Tubi, Amazon Prime (leaves in 4 days)
Why You Should Watch It: “This is definitely a must for October viewing, but I saw that it's on Tubi and needed to share. A wild always entertaining ride of wtf and gore. It's a movie on drugs, the fun kind.”
Jeremy Lowe: THE MANOR (2021)
What It Is: After suffering a stroke, Judith Albright moves into a historic nursing home, where she begins to suspect something supernatural is preying on the residents. In order to escape she'll need to convince everyone around her that she doesn't actually belong there after all.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “I loved this movie. I thought turning the trope of nobody believing kids to nobody believing the elderly was very smart. It had a “LORDS OF SALEM-meets-FRIGHT NIGHT-with a little folk horror thrown in” vibe. Also, it gets extra points for cameos by Mike Mendez and Mick Garris. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”