Stream Warriors: May 27, 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: THE SADNESS (2021)
What It Is: After a year of combating a pandemic with relatively benign symptoms, a frustrated nation finally lets its guard down. This is when the virus spontaneously mutates, giving rise to a mind-altering plague. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things they can think of. Murder, torture, rape and mutilation are only the beginning. A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they try to reunite amid the chaos. The age of civility and order is no more.
Where It Is: Shudder
Why You Should Watch It: “This is one horror movie that definitely lived up to the hype. Brings to mind EBOLA SYNDROME (1996), NIGHTMARE CITY (1980), and CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE (1980), but with much higher production values. Not for your casual horror fan, strictly for the gore hounds. Loved it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Shafi Malik: AXONE (2019)
What It Is: Follows a group of girlfriends from northeastern states in India, gathering in the back streets of Delhi to throw a secret wedding party for a soon-to-be bride. Terrorised by their rottweiler of a landlady and with their boyfriends utterly useless as help, the group's already-disorganized plans soon go further awry. As the women cook the traditional Axone wedding stew (a pork stew with pungent local herbs), neighbors complain about its powerful smell. With the challenges brought on by cultural difference and the pressures of being migrants in a seemingly unfriendly city, are food and love enough to save the day?
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “Exploring themes of racism, castism and cultural divides, this North Indian dramedy is funny and hits the right emotional notes as a group of friends attempt to cook a dish for an upcoming wedding in their local town. Plus Sayani Gupta is just dang adorable!”
Rob Dean: VALLEY GIRL (1983)
What It Is: Julie Richman is a sweet-natured, if shallow, Valley Girl. After breaking up with her jerk boyfriend Tommy, she is at her friend Suzi Brent's party ("the social event of the season") when two boys from Hollywood crash the scene. One of them, the sensitive and adventurous Randy, is immediately smitten with Julie, and she with him. Julie's friends, however, are not smitten with Randy purely because he is from "Holly-weird" and want Julie to dump Randy and get back together with Tommy. Julie must decide which is more important: her heart and the boy she loves, or the approval of her friends.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “A time capsule of fashion with a killer soundtrack and a tremendous performance by Nic Cage, VALLEY GIRL is a great time that turns the ROMEO & JULIET template into an electric teenage romantic dramedy that is more than just ‘80s nostalgia but a true cultural touchstone.”