On Film
by Scott Phillips
5 New Films to Add to Your Watch List
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s this issue hits mailboxes and newsstands, the first half of 2025 is in our rearview mirrors. More summer blockbusters and a new fall crop of Oscar hopefuls await us. So, it’s a good time to discuss some of the better films from the first half of the year you may have missed in theaters that have made their way to home video. Here are five films to put on your personal watch list:
Becoming Led Zeppelin
Available on Netflix This powerful documentary about these British hard rock gods blends modern-day interviews with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones with stunning archival concert footage. I saw the film in its IMAX format in February, and the music thundered throughout the theater. The filmmakers take the fascinating approach of showing interview footage from the 1960’s and 70’s to their subjects as a basis for their discussions, creating a palpable sense of nostalgia as they watch and listen to the words and actions of their youthful selves. If you’re a fan of the band or classic rock in general, this is must-see viewing.
Materialists
Available soon on VOD The newest film from writer-director Celine Song is set in the world of New York City matchmakers where Lucy (Dakota Johnson) pairs single men and women with their soulmates (or at least a partner for their social-climbing ambitions). Lucy spends so much time playing Cupid that she has no love life of her own. Enter wealthy, handsome, suave bachelor Harry (Pedro Pascal) who appears just as Lucy’s ex, John (a de-glammed Chris Evans), resurfaces. A compelling love triangle ensues. Materialists is a smart, witty film that wisely avoids all the cliches of a standard rom-com. Song’s previous film, Past Lives, was nominated for Best Picture in 2024. Materialists proves she’s no one-hit wonder.
Black Bag
Available on VOD and DVD/Blu-ray/4K Combine the espionage world of Slow Horses with the parlor room mystery of the Knives Out films, and you have the vibe of this new thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. Someone inside British intelligence is telling tales out of school, and George (Michael Fassbender) is tasked with finding the mole. His mission is complicated by the fact his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), is on the list of suspects. An all-star cast, working from a brilliant screenplay, results in one of the best films of the year. Don’t miss this one.
Companion
Available on Max and VOD Iris (Sophie Thatcher in a powerhouse performance) goes away for a weekend with her boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid). His posh friends look down their noses at her. As the weekend grows increasingly hostile, Iris seems more and more capable of violent retaliation, and we soon learn she’s not who she seems. Companion is a fun little thrill ride for the non-squeamish viewers out there.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Available on Hoopla, Kanopy and VOD A beautiful French language adaptation of the classic 1846 novel by Alexandre Dumas from writer-directors Alexandre de La Patelliere and Matthieu Delaporte. The tone of the film is perfect, largely avoiding the melodrama you often find with adaptations of 19th century novels. This is no dry costume drama. The cinematography is stunning, seamlessly incorporating drone shots and modern editing techniques. It’s a masterfully made film that brings new life to an old story.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Scott Phillips is a Columbus resident and serves as the President of the Southeastern Film Critics Association. His reviews and other work can be found at Forbes.com.
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