Now Streaming: New Films And Series To Watch This Weekend

CHICAGO (March 19, 2021) — As movie theaters across Illinois make reopening plans, streaming services continue to bring cinematic experiences into audience living rooms. From an outstanding new Marvel series to award-winning performances, ease your film fatigue with these new offerings.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”

In a new TV series on Disney+, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan return to their roles as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, vastly different counterparts to beloved Marvel superhero Captain America. Picking up shortly after the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” the titular characters are forced to figure out what comes next after half of the world’s population has “blipped” back into existence - and many of their super counterparts are no longer there to help. The surprisingly character-driven drama has signature Marvel moments of action and humor, but the first installment in the six-part series shows a unique depth and a firm foundation for the future of the show. With dynamic lead actors and cinematic scenes both epic and subtle, episode one begins streaming March 19 on Disney+ with new episodes every Friday. Full review here.

“Martha: A Picture Story”

Two women were nominated this week for a Best Director Oscar for the first time in the 93-year history of the Academy Awards. Continue celebrating Women’s History Month and the strides of female artists with this new documentary from Selina Miles, following the trailblazing career of photojournalist Martha Cooper. Most known for documenting New York City graffiti in the 1970s and 1980s, the hopeful and informative film reminds viewers of the journeys they can take - from snapping their first photograph to becoming an well-known messenger and creator of iconic images. In a time when everyone has a camera, “Martha” is a reminder of what a skilled professional can see that we don’t. Now available on VOD.

“The Courier”

Emmy winners Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Brosnahan lead the cast of this Sundance hit, set during the Cold War in the events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. An everyday businessman is swept up in the British government’s intelligence mission in the Soviet Union, leading to potentially catastrophic events in his personal life - a risk he considers worth taking, if it could save others. Cumberbatch’s transformation is reason enough to see the stunningly-shot if sometimes-dry depiction of how one man played a part in preventing nuclear war in the 1960s. Now playing in select theaters. Full review here.

“Groomed”

Discovery+ is a worthy investment for any entertainment fan, with new episodes of Oprah’s “Super Soul,” content from Chip and Joanna Gaines, plus thousands of hours of cooking and home and garden episodes to stream. But something different hit the service March 18: Gwen van de Pas’ documentary “Groomed,” in which she travels back to her hometown to heal and learn more about the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse. Informative, emotional and timely, “Groomed” is an unsettling and important depiction of adulthood trauma from childhood horror - and the timely courage of one filmmaker sharing her story.

Academy Award Nominees

Most major Best Picture nominees this year were produced by streaming services with easier-than-ever access for the viewing audience. Though the stirring dementia drama “The Father” is playing only in theaters until it becomes available to rent March 26, find these titles to stream ahead of the belated April 25 ceremony.

HBO Max: “Judas and the Black Messiah,” with subscription
Netflix: “Mank,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” with subscription
Amazon Prime Video: “Sound of Metal” with subscription, “Minari,” “Promising Young Woman,” with rental fee
Hulu: “Nomadland,” with subscription