Whilst the world is on pause and your Filmhouse Sunderland visits aren’t possible, we’re keeping the independent cinema flag flying with our new weekly watch lists from Chris & Jonny, the people behind the project.  

Each Friday, we’ll post a list of four films that are currently available across BBC iPlayer, All4, Netflix and Amazon Prime that we think you should seek out.  

This week’s selection is…

Sorry We Missed You (15) (2019) (Amazon Prime)

Legendary British director Ken Loach joins forces again with screenwriter Paul Laverty in this powerful exploration of the contemporary world of work, the gig economy and the challenges faced by one north east family trying to hold it all together. When Ricky (Kris Hitchen) gets an opportunity to wrestle back some independence via a shiny new van and the chance to run a franchise as a self-employed delivery driver, he leaps at it. However, he soon finds that the work is brutal, and full of economic pitfalls…

Fast Color (12) (2019) (Netflix)

Personal family drama blends perfectly with a super-powered storyline

In this indie superhero film with a difference. Hunted by mysterious government scientists, Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw: Belle), a young woman with supernatural abilities flees back to her family and the farmhouse she abandoned long ago. Pursued by the local Sheriff, she begins to mend the broken relationships with her mother and daughter as hostile forces close in…

Two Days, One Night (15) (2014) (BBC IPlayer) 

A beautifully written and acted film about the dangers of capitalism, The Dardenne brothers’ Two Days, One Night is the story of Sandra (Marion Cotillard), who has just been released from hospital to find that she no longer has a job. According to management, the only way she can hope to regain her position at the factory is to convince her co-workers to sacrifice their much-needed yearly bonuses. Over the course of one weekend, Sandra must confront each co-worker individually in order to win their support before time runs out…

The Straight Story (U) (1999) (All4)

David Lynch’s entrancing and elegant road movie is based on the true story of Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old man who set out across America on a 300-mile road trip to visit his dying brother. Unable to drive, Alvin makes the journey riding on his lawnmower, meeting countless characters as he makes his way through America’s heartland. Simple, honest and wonderful filmmaking, we defy you not to love it.

We’d love to hear what you think of the films we recommend – let us know!

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny