Stream Warriors: March 4, 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: JALLIKATTU (2019)
What It Is: Set in a remote village in the hill ranges of Kerala, Jallikattu unfolds during the course of a day and night. The events are set off when a butcher’s buffalo breaks free and runs amok.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime and Kanopy
Why You Should Listen To It: “What if someone like Werner Herzog made a 90-minute chase movie set in a Keralan village about an escaped buffalo?
Lijo Jose Pellissery delivers a modern masterpiece full of gorgeous visuals, heart-thumping sound design and bonkers action. You'll never see anything quite like it!”
Kiley Fox: CLOTILDA: THE LAST AMERICAN SLAVE SHIP (2022)
What It Is: In July 1860, on a bet, the schooner Clotilda carried 110 kidnapped Africans to slavery in Alabama. The traffickers tried to hide their crime, but now, archaeologists explore the sunken wreck. In a dangerous dive, they find physical evidence of the crime. Descendants of the passengers tell the story of how their ancestors turned a cruel tragedy into an uplifting story of courage and resilience.
Where It Is: Disney+
Why You Should Watch It: “I loved this because—beyond the archaeology—it’s an exercise in public history and how to bridge the past with the present. It humanizes a trauma we can’t wrap our mind around.”
Jeremy Lowe: THE LAKE VAMPIRE (2018)
What It Is: Desperate to find a subject for his next novel, an author follows the tracks of a mysterious killer obsessed with drinking blood and becoming immortal.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime (with ads) and Tubi (with ads)
Why You Should Watch It: “The "based on a true story" gimmick is nothing new in genre film, but it can give interesting insight into under represented true crime. I had never heard of Zacarías Ortega—the Venezuelan serial killer known for drinking his victim's blood—before watching THE LAKE VAMPIRE (2018). It is a true crime exploitation film that is on the same level of SUMMER OF SAM (1999) and ZODIAC (2007). This is a brilliant psychological thriller, for fans of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) and True Detective’s first season.”
Khayla McGowan: The Librarians
What It Is: The Library has chosen a new group to help safeguard magical cursed artifacts throughout time and around the world; an art historian, a thief, a mathematician, and a warrior, are sent through the doorway to help bring back the others who are protected by the Library.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “As a total nerd, I have always loved hanging out in libraries and cafes...little did I know, I could be hanging out in the world's largest library that has portals into other dimensions/stories/what have you. Add in the fact that a secret Knights Templar-esque evil force is attempting to steal the magic of The Library and take over the world, and this series keeps you on the edge of your seat while threatening your lungs with the heartiest, quirkiest laughs!”
Rob Dean: RICOCHET (1991)
What It Is: In this action thriller, Denzel Washington plays Nick Styles, a cop on the LAPD. During a carnival, Styles and master criminal Earl Talbot Blake (Lithgow) confront each other, during which Blake is wounded and sent to prison. Seven years later, Blake escapes from prison to carry out his revenge against Styles, now Assistant District Attorney, and what follows is a violent series of events that destroys Styles' career and life.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “This bombastic film from the director of HIGHLANDER and the writer of DIE HARD is delightfully over the top bonkers in a way akin to Hong Kong gun ballets and Tony Scott excess. Buoyed by terrific performances from Washington and Lithgow, plus a bunch of great folks in smaller roles, and incredible action set pieces.”