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…

Detroit (15) (2017) (BBC iPlayer)
Kathryn Bigelow’s pulse-pounding film based in the 1967 US race riots in the city of Detroit is compelling filmmaking and revisits a particularly shocking incident. When civil unrest starts to tear apart the city of Detroit, the Detroit Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the National Guard begin to search the Algiers Motel. When Police Officers start to flout procedure by forcefully and viciously interrogating guests to get a confession, it has terrible consequences for the people there, and for the wider US… A brilliant ensemble cast, including John Boyega and Will Poulter make Detroit essential viewing.

Pray Away (15) (2021) (Netflix)
This stunning documentary from filmmaker Kristine Stolakis tells of the toxic toll of conversion therapy, a religious practice used with LGBTQ+ youth to “change” their sexuality.  The film focuses on five evangelicals in the 1970s break away and form the organisation Exodus International – a group that claims that gay people can become straight through prayer and conversion therapy. A truly chilling film.

The Love Witch (15) (2016) (All 4)
This retro-styled fantasy horror comedy from Anna Biller tells the story of Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a beautiful young witch who’s determined to find a man. In her gothic Victorian apartment she makes spells and potions, then picks up men and seduces them. However, her spells work too well – and Elaine ends up with a string of hapless victims at her beck and call. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, Elaine’s desperation to be loved takes a dark turn… Beautifully B-Movie and camp, The Love Witch offers a brilliant spin on the genre’s poor gender politics, and sumptuous visual stylings.

The Green Knight (15) (2021) (Amazon Prime)
David Lowery’s sublime fantasy adventure is new in cinemas and on Amazon Prime. Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) is Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s reckless and headstrong nephew who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. On his trek Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define himself and prove his worth. Unashamedly arthouse, complex and beautiful, The Green Knight is a bold story about the perils of living up to legend….

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

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny