What to Watch in July: Familiar Tales & Veteran Casts
The 2017 New Hampshire Film Festival featured an eclectic range of films, three of which we’re focusing on for this month’s watch recommendations.
One is a futuristic film with a veteran cast (including everyone’s favorite: Jon Hamm), another has zero dialogue, and the third is about one of the most incredible athletes of our time. All are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. We think there’s something for everyone on this month’s list, so take a look at the three films below!
Marjorie Prime (2017)
At a time when artificial intelligence is the norm, 86-year-old Marjorie (Lois Smith) spends her final days with a computerized version of her deceased husband (Jon Hamm). Her companion is programmed to retell the story of her life back to her, which inevitably deepens their interactions and creates diverging recounts from other family members. Ultimately, the film and its veteran cast explore the meaning of memory, identity, love, and loss.
Drama
Director:
Michael Almereyda
Producer:
Uri Singer
Starring:
Lois Smith, Jon Hamm, Geena Davis, Tim Robbins
Available on: Amazon Prime
Ma (2017)
Ma is a modern-day telling of Mother Mary’s pilgrimage, where a woman crosses the scorched landscape of the American Southwest. Told without dialogue and entirely through movement, the film is a journey into the visceral and surreal, and leads the viewer to imagine a new ending to the familiar journey.
Fantasy
Director:
Celia Rowlson-Hall
Producers:
Aaron Schnobrich, Lauren Smitelli
Starring:
Celia Rowlson-Hall, Andrew Pastides, Amy Seimetz
Available on: Amazon Prime
Serena (2016)
This was definitely a fan favorite at the 2017 New Hampshire Film Festival. Narrated by the queen herself, Serena dives into all sides of the athlete-designer-businesswoman’s life, including glimpses into her personal world. This documentary is a genuine, authentic film about what it takes for an athlete to make it to the top.
Documentary
Director:
Ryan White
Producers:
Valerie Bishop, Brandon Carroll, Ryan White
Starring:
Serena Williams
Available on: Amazon Prime