Amazon cranks out movies. Here are the ones you need to see.
Over the last 20 years you’ve probably noticed how Amazon has gone from making it much easier to buy books, electronics, and Christmas presents to one of the biggest companies in the world.
Considering its power and popularity as a website, it made complete sense when Amazon decided to start making its own streaming service and content. What was a little surprising, though, was just how good they were at it.
Not only were they quickly able to serve up several critically acclaimed films that fared very well during awards season, but they’ve since seamlessly broadened their catalogue, delivering horror films, comedies, rom-coms, indies and international movies that have appealed to both cinephiles and the masses.
Amazon’s inventory might not rival the directory of its main rival Netflix, but the quality certainly does. Which original movies from Amazon are more worthy of your time, though? We here at Downtime have been pondering that very same question, and you can check out our picks below.
The Vast Of Night
Andrew Patterson’s mysterious sci-fi went somewhat under the radar when it was originally released towards the end of May, 2020. Set in New Mexico during the 1950s, and loosely based on various UFO incidents, it revolves around Sierra McCormick’s young switchboard operator and Jake Horowitz’s radio DJ, who discover a bizarre audio frequency that they speculate could be from aliens. Patterson’s direction is exemplary, especially since it’s his feature debut, as he manages to make a movie that’s obviously low-budget feel both epic and intimate, as well as compelling and terrifying.
Blow The Man Down
Another feature debut, this time from co-writers and directors Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy,Blow The Man Downis a dark comedy about two sisters who have to cover up a gruesome crime. In the process they dive deep into the underworld of their small town. Cole and Krudy stupendously buildBlow The Man Downin an increasingly exciting and surprising manner, that’s as smart as it is funny, while it’s also always gorgeous to look at, too.
Sound Of Metal
If there was any logic to Awards season Riz Ahmed’s incredible performance as a metal drummer losing his hearing would be up for every Best Actor gong available. Ahmed is stupendously watchable, visceral, and relatable throughout every moment of this searing drama, which also features an incredible turn from Olivia Cooke as his struggling girlfriend/bandmate. Sure, its ending is a tad too long, but its original use of sound and co-writer and director Darius Marder’s approach means it’s always captivating.
Manchester By The Sea
Kenneth Lonergan’s masterful drama about a depressed New Englander looking after his nephew following the death of his brother really established Amazon’s cinematic credentials and ambition. Mostly because it garnered six Academy Award nominations, with Casey Affleck and Lonergan picking up the Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay prizes. It deserved this recognition, too, as it covered grief and recovery in an authentic, engaging and profound manner.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
It says a lot about just how funny, shocking and all round entertainingBorat Subsequent Moviefilmis that any worries about it damaging the reputation of its predecessor immediately disintegrated upon its release. Lest we forget,Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstanis rightfully regarded as one of the funniest films of all time. The sequel doesn’t quite
