Streaming Preview: 8 New Shows And Films To Watch This Weekend

CHICAGO, IL (Nov. 12, 2020) — Illinois officials are recommending state residents stay at home for the rest of November as coronavirus cases surge in the state and across the country. Streaming services are offering ample new entertainment for those sheltering in place, from much-needed holiday cheer to captivating royal drama.

Though it might feel trivial to turn to television during these times, the following options will undoubtedly ease anxious minds and remind viewers of their shared humanity.

“The Crown”

The best season yet of Peter Morgan’s riveting royal family drama drops on Netflix this weekend, introducing Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) as the nation’s first female prime minister. Academy Award winner and Emmy nominee Olivia Colman returns to bring her signature talent and humanity to the sovereign Queen Elizabeth II. But it is the addition of Diana, Princess of Wales, played perfectly by young Emma Corrin, that makes season four especially unique. Josh O’Connor nails the oxymoron-riddled role of Prince Charles as the drama of their forced union unravels in a heartbreaking and captivating season that will be binge-watched around the world this weekend. Begins streaming on Netflix Nov. 15. Full Review.

“Dash & Lily”

Two teenagers fall in love on the pages of a notebook in this charming series set at Christmastime in New York City. What showrunner Joe Tracz has called an homage to Nora Ephron, this smart and sweet new show is adapted from the YA novel “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares.” Directed partially by Fred Savage and from producer Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things,” “Night at the Museum”), this special show might just be what we need this holiday to remind us to appreciate the joy of the season. Now streaming on Netflix. Full Review.

"The Undoing"

Nicole Kidman plays a New York psychiatrist who realizes her husband has been lying to her for years in this unnerving but addictive new series from “Big Little Lies” boss David E. Kelley. Hugh Grant co-stars as her morally-ambiguous husband, a pediatric oncologist who disappears from the city just as a grisly murder occurs on the outskirts of their social circle. Three episodes of “The Undoing” have already aired on HBO, and it’s worth catching up to see these all-star actors at their best before the final three are released in the coming weeks. (That includes young Noah Jupe, who has proven talent beyond his years in “Honey Boy” and “A Quiet Place.”) HBO Max streams new episodes every Sunday.

"Friendsgiving"

New Jersey filmmaker Nicole Paone makes her directorial debut with this funny, simple tribute to the chaos of the holidays. Kat Dennings and Malin Ackerman play best friends at different junctures in life, facing divorce and single parenthood. When a misfit group of friends invade their quiet Thanksgiving plans, it makes for a messy and relatable gathering that we will be missing this holiday season. If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to Christmas movie marathons, “Friendsgiving” offers a funny, fresh in-between option to stream this weekend from producer Ben Stiller. Now streaming on all digital and On-Demand platforms. Full Review.

“Let Him Go”

This Western-style period piece starring Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as grieving parents on a mission was dubbed the number-one movie at the box office last weekend, garnering $4 million from sporadically-open cinemas nationwide. Though staying home is the smart and safe choice this November, save this excellent title for future streaming rentals. Lane and Costner are incredibly nuanced, playing strong George and Margaret Blackledge as the slow-burning thriller follows them on a journey to save their grandson from harm. Now playing in select theaters.

“Dreamland”

Margot Robbie is a bank robber on the run in this beautifully-shot hybrid between a love story and thriller. Set in the Dust Bowl era West, the young outlaw is nursing a bullet wound in a barn when teenager Eugene Abrams (Finn Cole of “Peaky Blinders”) finds her and plans to turn her in for a bounty that could help save his family’s farm. A thrilling story of escape, denial and despair unfolds as the two attempt to escape their own circumstances. Set against a stunning backdrop, “Dreamland” evokes a different era of American history and film-making, with Robbie proving she adapts effortlessly to every unique role. In select theaters Friday, streaming on digital and VOD Nov. 17. Full Review.

"Jungleland"

Down-on-their-luck brothers journey from Boston to San Francisco for a bare-knuckle boxing tournament in this low-simmering family drama from director Max Winkler. Charlie Hunnam and Jack O’Connell are outstanding as morally-conflicted family members living in poverty, and they elevate the emotion of what could otherwise be “just another boxing movie.” The performances in “Jungleland” make it worth watching, and also could serve as a reminder this weekend - that overcoming struggle takes patience, and a whole lot of fighting. Now streaming on all digital and On-Demand platforms.