Stream Warriors: February 18, 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.
Jeremy Lowe: BLOODLINE (2018)
What It Is: In this crime horror thriller inspired by the style of ‘70s horror films from directors like Brian De Palma and Dario Argento, an introverted husband and father named Evan (Seann William Scott), who works as a high school guidance counselor, becomes a brutal vigilante serial killer who targets all those who abuse the children who confide in him, especially if the abusers are their parents.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: I first saw BLOODLINE as part of the Windy City Horrorama 2019 film festival. I was apprehensive about it starring Seann William Scott, but he's amazing in this dramatic role. BLOODLINE is a blood soaked suburban take on the psychological breakdown brought on by domestic violence. Fans of the show Dexter need to check this out!
Rob Dean: Smiling Friends (2022—)
What It Is: Smiling Friends Inc. is a small charity whose mission is to bring happiness to the world. The series follows the day-to-day lives and misadventures of its representatives—cynical Charlie and cheerful, optimistic Pim—as they try to help out the troubled people who call their charity's hotline, though this task usually proves to be more challenging than anticipated due to the often deep-seated nature of their clients' problems.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “This new animated series by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack is a great blend of bizarre absurdity, clever parody, and the sort of kitchen sink approach to its worldbuilding matched only by kids playing pretend. It’s hilarious with clearly defined characters and relationships that veer down unexpected pathways for delightfully insane results. There’s also a great blending of art styles to emphasize certain moments and characters.”
Khayla McGowan: In From The Cold (2022—)
What It Is: A single mother's life in suburban New Jersey is turned upside down when the CIA arrests her and forces her to make a choice: confront her long-buried past as a highly trained, bio-engineered Russian agent, and become an asset against Russia's underworld drug trade, and shadow war on U.S. elections or put her family and the new life she has built at risk.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “I just started this one last weekend and am almost done, but don't want to get off this wild ride! While there are similarities to Killing Eve (Russian spy/assassin), the show also has major ties to the DNA of The Blacklist and I think that's its biggest strength. I love that when you strip away the action and thrills, you're left with a woman trying to connect to her teenage daughter giving a look at strained familial relationships...which rounds this show out nicely!”
Kiley Fox: The Japanese Film Festival Online 2022
What It Is: The Japan Foundation proudly holds its second Japanese Film Festival online, as a part of the JFF projects with the aim to share the allure of Japanese cinema with the world. A total of 20 Japanese films will be streamed for Free in 25 countries for February 14 – 27, 2022 (Some of the lineup films will not be available in certain countries).
Where It Is: Festival’s Website
Why You Should Watch It: “This free online Japanese film festival is super easy to access and runs until the end of the month. It has a wide range of genre variety in its festival selections. I started with THE GOD OF RAMEN, because I love documentaries!”
Rob Dean: SHADOW IN THE CLOUD (2020)
What It Is: On a stormy night during World War II, a female pilot with top secret cargo talks her way on board a bomber plane about to take-off. The crass all-male crew reluctantly agrees, but their suspicions about her identity and the mysterious cargo quickly grow. Just then a shadow appears in the clouds - was it the incoming Japanese fleet? Or caused by some other sinister stowaway?
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “Go into this as cold as possible—only that small bit of synopsis above and this recommendation. Because it is bugnuts crazy on many levels that practically defy description. There are plot elements and action sequences that are baffling, but in an exuberantly-inventive-yet-covered-in-flopsweat kind of way. Outstanding direction by Roseanne Ling who imbues it with a lot of fun, cleverness, and unexpected style—including the great score by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper.”