Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for April 28

“Boom For Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat” (2017)

Never-before-seen art, writing and photographs help paint the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an influential neo-expressionist painter during the ’70s and ’80s. His signature scribbles and elusive symbols were a product of his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and the documentary further explains the city’s youth culture to contextualize Basquiat’s artistic vision.

Available on Hulu | 88% Rotten Tomatoes

“Palm Springs” (2020)

In this science fiction romantic comedy, Adam Samberg and Cristin Milioti play two strangers — Nyles and Sarah — who meet at a wedding in Palm Springs, Florida and become stuck in a time loop. Every day, they wake up in the same location, and it is still Nov. 9. While they are forced to endure this mind-boggling journey together, Nyles and Sarah develop romantic feelings. 

The film was nominated for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy at the 2021 Golden Globe Awards.

Available on Hulu | 95% Rotten Tomatoes

“Gemini” (2017)

Starring Lola Kirke and Zoë Kravitz, this thriller follows the aftermath of the murder of a Hollywood actress. Kirke, who plays the friend and personal assistant blamed for the killing, must unravel the mystery to prove her innocence.

Available on Hulu | 72% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Cleanse” (2016)

After losing his job and fiancée, Paul Berger, played by Johnny Galecki, is depressed and lonely. He enrolls in a self-help program and attends a “purification retreat,” where he is instructed to drink a cleansing formula to rid his life of negativity. Rather than extracting toxins, his body vomits a foreign creature, and he is left to figure out what it is and what it means.

Available on Hulu | 83% Rotten Tomatoes

“His House” (2020)

In his debut feature film, director Remi Weekes paints a chilling picture of the Sudanese refugee experience. Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku play a South Sudanese couple seeking refuge from their war-torn home. After coming to the United States for solace, they have a hard time adjusting as their new residence is haunted by ghosts.

Available on Netflix | 100% Rotten Tomatoes

“Uncut Gems” (2019)

In this crime drama, Adam Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler whose gambling addiction has left him in immense debt. As he faces angry debt collectors, the jeweler embarks on a mission to find a rare uncut rock of Ethiopian gems, but his high-stakes bets don’t come without consequences. 

Sandler was praised for his performance, with many film critics citing “Uncut Gems” as his career-best.

Available on Netflix | 91% Rotten Tomatoes