Happy Friday! It’s time for the big weekend question — what should I movie?
With so many movies on Netflix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially when the algorithm keeps pushing the same titles over and over.
That’s why movie With Us is always on the hunt for underrated gems hiding in plain sight. This weekend, our picks include a gorgeously animated dark fairy tale, a sharp comedy about revenge and friendship and a heartfelt indie about unexpected parenting.
These movies may not be the biggest Netflix blockbusters, but they deserve a spot in your queue.
https://www.youtube.com/movie?v=Od2NW1sfRdA
No one does dark fantasy quite like Guillermo del Toro, and this stop-motion version of the story of the wooden boy is considerably darker than the Disney version. Set in fascist Italy between World War I and II, it sees the woodcarver Geppetto (David Bradley) carving a wooden boy as a replacement for the son he lost during a bombing. When Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) is brought to life by the Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton), his lack of a conscience is clear — luckily, he has the help of Sebastian J. Cricket (Ewan McGregor) to teach him about caring for others.
The film’s talented voice cast also features Christoph Waltz, Cate Blanchett, Finn Wolfhard and more. Painstakingly animated and gorgeously designed, Pinocchio isn’t exactly an animated movie for kids — it’s more of a work of visual art. (There’s also an excellent 20-minute film about the animation process that you should check out if you have time.)
https://www.youtube.com/movie?v=qy2__O5oC3I
Grace & Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin reunite in this darkly funny comedy about estranged friends, Claire and Evelyn, who reconnect at a funeral. Both women have unfinished business with the deceased’s cruel husband, Howard (Malcolm McDowell), and they plot revenge against him — but their plan soon takes unexpected turns. Along the way, Claire also reconnects with an old flame, played by Richard Roundtree in one of his final screen roles.
With its blend of sharp wit, touching themes of forgiveness and a powerhouse cast, Moving On is both heartfelt and hilarious. It’s a perfect showcase for Fonda and Tomlin’s considerable chemistry.
https://www.youtube.com/movie?v=8WSz2s-Gemc
Sian Heder, who would go on to write and direct Oscar winner CODA, made her feature film debut with this comedic drama starring Juno co-stars Elliot Page and Allison Janney. Page plays the title character, a homeless teen who impulsively steals a baby from a drunk and neglectful mother (Tammy Blanchard).
Unsure where to go, she shows up at the apartment of her ex-boyfriend’s mother, Margo (Janney), claiming that the baby is Margo’s granddaughter. The two form an unexpected bond while questioning if either of them knows how to take care of themselves or a baby.
Tallulah is a compelling story featuring a talented cast that focuses on parenting, love and responsibility.
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