Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for April 21
“The State of Texas vs. Melissa” (2020)
This heart-wrenching documentary explores the life of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman in Texas to be sentenced to death. In 2008, Lucio was convicted of killing her 2-year-old daughter, who died of blunt force head trauma. However, there is contention surrounding the child’s cause of death, and the film follows Lucio’s last appeal as her team uncovers new and potentially exonerating evidence.
Available on Hulu | 82% Rotten Tomatoes
“Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” (2021)
Using recorded conversations obtained by the FBI, this documentary reenacts the fraudulent methods college counselor Rick Singer used to help wealthy parents get their children into premier universities. In 2019, this public scandal embroiled actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, who conspired to commit fraud and served 11-day and two-month prison sentences, respectively.
Available on Netflix | 88% Rotten Tomatoes
“Run” (2020)
In this psychological thriller, Sarah Paulson plays a controlling mother named Diane who has homeschooled and raised her teenage daughter Chloe in total isolation. Chloe, played by Kiera Allen, makes shocking discoveries that find her questioning who her mother really is. During its opening weekend last November, “Run” became Hulu’s most watched original film ever, according to Deadline.
Available on Hulu | 88% Rotten Tomatoes
“Farewell Amor” (2020)
An Angolan family has spent 17 years living apart since the father Walter, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, left the country to make a better life for his wife and daughter in America. Though the family is finally reunited and sharing a one-bedroom apartment in New York, they still feel worlds apart. This story about love and perseverance captures the family’s journey to reestablish a connection.
Available on Hulu | 97% Rotten Tomatoes
“Villains” (2019)
Described as a black humor horror film, “Villains” follows two criminals who make a shocking discovery as they break into a suburban home — there is a little girl chained in the basement. The saga unfolds as the homeowners do anything to make sure their secret doesn’t get out.
Available on Hulu | 85% Rotten Tomatoes
“Bad Trip” (2020)
In this laugh-out-loud movie, comedians Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery play two best friends who are tired of their daily routine and decide to go on a road trip from Florida to New York City. Their scripted banter is intertwined with real-life pranks they play on people at different stops throughout the country.
Available on Netflix | 75% Rotten Tomatoes
