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…

Lady Macbeth (15) (2016) (BBC iPlayer)

William Oldroyd’s gritty and intelligently scripted period drama was a huge UK hit on its release in 2017.  The film features a mesmerising performance from rising star Florence Pugh as Katherine, a woman trapped in a loveless relationship in rural Northumberland. 17-years-old and resenting her arranged marriage to the older heir to a local colliery, Katherine falls for stable groom Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis), but their passionate tryst leads them in a dark and dangerous direction….

I’m No Longer Here (15) (2019) (Netflix)

A thoughtful film from Mexican director Fernando Frias, I’m No Longer Here tells the story of Ulises, the cocky leader of a Monterrey street gang who spend their days hanging out dancing and shaking down the local kids for money to buy music. When he becomes embroiled in a mix up with the local cartel, Ulises is forced to escape to the US. Adrift and undocumented, he struggles to find a life in the unfriendly streets of New York and longs to return home. A fascinating exploration into a unique subculture, I’m No longer Here marks the debut of a fantastic new directorial talent.

My Friend Dahmer (15) (2017) (All 4)

Marc Meyers tells the haunting story of the younger years of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.  Based on the graphic novel created by John Backderf, a former schoolmate of Dahmer, the film features an intelligent and subtle performance from Ross Lynch in the title role. My Friend Dahmer shows how Backderf befriended Dahmer and allowed the aloof, cruel and weird boy into the fringes of his group of cool-nerd friends as their mascot. As Dahmer’s home life and the treatment of him by the group and other schoolmates build up, he edges closer and closer to his dark and murderous destiny…

Untouchable (15) (2011) (Amazon Prime)

A massive hit on its cinema release, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano’s sprightly comedy drama tells of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his caretaker (Omar Sy), who has just been let out of prison. Chock full of good humour, this is culture-clash cinema at its best. The two leads make a terrific pairing and the film navigates its potentially thorny subject matter through uplifting, warm comedy and great performances.

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

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny