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…

Edie (12) (2017) (BBC iPlayer)

Veteran actress Sheila Hancock shines in this stirring tale about an elderly woman embarking on a magical trip – to climb a mountain in the Scottish Highlands!

After 30 years of being carer for her controlling husband, Edie is in her 80s and now widowed after years of isolation and loneliness. Sorting through boxes in the attic, she stumbles across a postcard from her late father, reminding her of childhood trips to Scotland and of dreams unfulfilled. Before her daughter can encourage her to move into an assisted living facility, Edie has had enough. She’s going to Scotland, and long-overdue, she’s going to climb the mountain Suilven. But can Edie’s ageing body match her spirit and get her to the peak?

Matangi/Maya/M.I.A (18) (2018) (Netflix)

An up-close and personal look at British-Sri Lankan rapper M.I.A., Steven Loveridge’s detailed film charts her journey from refugee immigrant to provocative popstar and activist. Using personal footage, the film takes a candid look at different stages of M.I.A’s life, and illuminates the motivations and complex background which has shaped this controversial, outspoken and inspirational artist.

Secrets & Lies (15) (1996) (All 4)

Mike Leigh’s incredible and award-winning film about the complexities of family ties. When her adoptive mum dies, successful black doctor Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) seeks out her birth mother. When her detective work leads her to the working-class white Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn) Cynthia first denies the claim, and eventually admits to having Hortense as a teenager. The two begin to bond, but a family barbecue looms and Cynthia’s already tense relationship with her family is about to be put to a further test…

Bridesmaids (15) (2011) (Amazon Prime)

This hilarious female-driven comedy propelled many of its cast into international stardom on its release in 2011.   Written by Annie Mumalo and Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids combines, smart characterisation and gross-out comedy to create something truly brilliant. Annie (Wiig) is a single woman, and her life is a mess. When she learns that her lifelong best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), is engaged, she has no choice but to serve as her maid of honour. Alone and broke, Annie must work her way through the rituals, get-togethers and responsibilities she has as her best friend’s number one Bridesmaid. Will things go without a hitch?

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

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny