A modern horror classic and a teen film delight: This week’s best and biggest on Netflix

Check out Jordan Parker's 'The week's best and biggest on Netflix' every Friday on CityNews Halifax.

Ammonite

A romantic drama largely dismissed upon its opening in 2020, I thought Ammonite had a fair amount of resonance.

Writer-director Francis Lee made the incredible, iconic queer film God's Own Country. While this one doesn't hit the heights of its predecessor, it's still a great companion piece.

Set in 1840s England, it follows fossil hunter Mary and a woman sent to live by the sea close by. The two fall in love, and the relationship changes them both.

What truly makes this film worthwhile are the performances. Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan do wonders with the lead roles, and add emotional depth at times where the screenplay feels a little stilted.

It's not a perfect film, but if you love these actresses, check it out.

3.5/5 Stars

Do Revenge

This one took me by complete surprise. A cross between Mean Girls and Cruel Intentions, it was absolutely devilish.

It follows outcasts Drea and Eleanor, who decide to sabotage and systematically ruin each other's bullies. But somewhere along the line, their consciences begin holding them back.

Riverdale's Camila Mendes is suitably savage in the lead, and Stranger Things star Maya Hawke just gives us one more reason to love her.

Austin Abrams – the adorable star of Dash & Lily and Euphoria – has a great role here, and to top it all off is former teen icon Sarah Michelle Gellar.

It's a hilarious, camp film that I simply couldn't get enough of. You will absolutely adore it.

4/5 Stars

I Used To Be Famous

This is a little British indie that really surprised me. Devoid of a love interest to win over, it was a bit more pure than your usually light-hearted fare.

The Netflix original follows a former boy band star who dreams day and night of making his big comeback. When he meets Stevie – an autistic drummer with huge talent – he sees a chance for them to collaborate.

But their business arrangement soon turns into a friendship, and a beautiful bond.

This is a film about following your dreams – but not losing sight of the relationships that are really important.

Ed Skrein – mostly known as the villain from the first Deadpool film – proves he has chops here, and deserves more roles. Leo Long is also fabulous here, and makes the most of his debut role.

Co-writer and director Eddie Sternberg made this feature out of his original 2015 short. While it drags at points, it's a mostly-successful endeavour that's full of heart.

3.5/5 Stars

The Road

This film is, without a doubt, one of the most daunting, difficult films I've ever experienced.

Based on Cormac McCarthy's incredible book, The Road is an intense film you won't ever forget.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, every corner you turn brings new danger. A grief-stricken father looks to protect his son as they make a break for the sea.

Director John Hillcoat – a uniformly incredible director who also made Lawless, The Proposition and Triple 9 – ensures he leaves an impact here.

Viggo Mortensen is fantastic, as is young Kodi Smit-McPhee in his first major role. They're joined by Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce.

Overall, it's a bleak but absolutely gorgeous effort, and masterful filmmaking.

4.5/5

Saw (Available Saturday)

One of the best modern horror films made, Saw is a genuinely scary, twisted ride that still packs a huge punch.

It follows two strangers who wake up chained in a room, with no memory of how they ended up there.

In the middle of the room lies a dead man, and they soon realize they're being held captive by a serial killer who wants to entangle them in their own game.

Director and co-writer James Wan – who went on to do Insidious, The Conjuring and more – was introduced as a huge horror auteur due tot his film.

It spawned a decades-long franchise, but this will always be the best. Starring Princess Bride alum Cary Elwes, co-writer Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover and Tobin Bell, it's the perfect way to start your October.

4.5/5 Stars