Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch – Oct. 6

“The Edge of Seventeen” (2016)

High schooler Nadine is considered by everyone in her life, including herself, to be an outsider, especially because her older brother is the school’s star athlete. When her best friend starts dating her brother, she has to navigate growing up while dealing with adult problems without support from her friends and family.

Available on Netflix | 94% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Hate U Give” (2018)

When teenager Starr Carter witnesses the violent death of her childhood friend at the hands of a police officer, she takes on the role as the voice for justice as varying racial issues circle through her community. Amid gang violence, police brutality and going to an affluent white school as a Black girl, Starr must find her own voice and learn how to use it.

Available on Hulu | 97% Rotten Tomatoes

“Instant Family” (2018)

“Instant Family” follows a young couple as they go through the foster process to unexpectedly adopt three siblings, an older teenager who has no interest in being a part of their family and two younger children. As this couple tries to navigate the difficult process of being parents, they learn that family doesn’t always have to mean connection through blood or culture.

Available on Amazon Prime | 81% Rotten Tomatoes

“Sleeping With the Enemy” (1991)

Starring Julia Roberts, this bone-chilling thriller follows a young woman as she tries to escape her abusive and controlling husband by faking her death, although she soon finds that her husband doesn’t intend to let her go without a fight.

Available on Hulu | 20% Rotten Tomatoes

“Set It Up” (2018)

Two overworked assistants working for workaholic bosses in New York City try to set them up in order to make their lives easier and less stressful. Through staged kiss cams, not-so-coincidental run-ins and sweet letters attached to flower bouquets, the assistants will do anything to get out of work early.

Available on Netflix | 92% Rotten Tomatoes

“Vice” (2018)

Based on the true events of Dick Cheney serving as running mate and later vice president to former President George W. Bush, Christian Bale plays Cheney, showing how he manipulated the United States government system in order to benefit himself and reshape various aspects of the country in the time leading up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Available on Hulu | 65% Rotten Tomatoes