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…

All The President’s Men (15) (1976) (BBC iPlayer)

Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman pair up in Alan J. Pakula’s compelling story behind the beginnings of the US Watergate scandal, which saw American President Richard Nixon resign from office. Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Hoffman), are two young rival reporters at the Washington Post. In their research into the attempted 1972 burglary of the Democratic Party Headquarters at the Watergate apartment complex the pair, with the help of a mysterious source, make a connection between the burglars and a White House staffer…

Time Share (12) (2018) (Netflix)

Sharp and funny, this Mexican psychological thriller from director Sebastian Hofmann is the story of two haunted family men who join forces to rescue their families from a tropical paradise. Pedro (Luis Gerardo Mendez), his wife Eva (Cassandra Ciangherotti) and their young son arrive at the resort for their holiday, but a booking mix up means that Pedro and his family must share their accommodation – a luxury bungalow – with another family. Meanwhile, in the complex’s laundry department troubled employee Andres (Miguel Rodarte) toils away as his wife is courted by the American management for a promotion into sales. Fuelled by male insecurity and dodgy corporate practices, the two men slide into a cocktail of suspicion and paranoia ….

Free Fire (15) (2016) (All 4)

British director Ben Wheatley (High Rise, Sightseers), brings his playful, warped sensibilities to this bullet-riddled action comedy. When a black-market arms deal goes wrong in 1970s Boston, Justine (Brie Larson) finds herself caught in a crossfire between American gangsters and the IRA. To survive, she must navigate through a warehouse teeming with trigger-happy men desperate to survive. An amazing all-star cast also including Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer and Sharlto Copley brings this single-location thriller to life – and keeps the tension and pitch-black humour amped right up. Don’t miss!

One Night In Miami (15) (2020) (Amazon Prime)

Actor Regina King makes her directorial debut with this essential telling of one fictional night in 1964. Four icons of sports, music, and activism gather to celebrate one of the biggest upsets in boxing history – when underdog Cassius Clay (soon to be Muhammad Ali) defeats heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in Miami. Celebrating the win with three friends, Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke and actor Jim Brown join Clay to discuss their place in society and responsibilities as successful black public figures. Assured, mesmerising and essential, One Night In Miami marks the moment of arrival of a major new directing talent.

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

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny