If you are looking for something to do this three-day weekend, a great option is to pop some popcorn, sit on the couch, and rent or stream a few new movies. These films are an eclectic bunch, but most of them are informative which is the perfect fit for a weekend and day dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For those of you interested in learning more about the civil rights activist for his birthday, try the documentary MLK/FBI to hear about the US government’s efforts to derail MLK’s message for change and equality.
After you finish that, enjoy the premiere of Regina King’s One Night in Miami and watch Leslie Odom Jr. take on the role of legendary musician Sam Cooke. The movie depicts the late singer interacting with the iconic Black figures Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Malcolm X.
If you are in the mood for a thriller check out Promising Young Woman with Carey Mulligan’s dynamic performance as a woman seeking vengeance for her traumatic past. But, if you want something more comedic, The Ultimate Playlist of Noise is the film for you.
You can’t go wrong with these options, and there’s no shame in staying in all weekend to marathon them all.
Promising Young Woman
What’s It About
Emerald Fennell — showrunner of season 2 of Killing Eve and the actress who plays Camilla on The Crown — makes her directorial debut in this thrilling dark comedy. Cassandra (Carey Mulligan) is a woman with a mysterious past who spends her nights exposing men for their predatory behavior. This movie is already generating Oscar buzz so you will definitely want to see what the hype is about.
Who's In It?
Carey Mulligan, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, and Max Greenfield.
Where You Can Watch It
Rent it on Prime Video
Don’t Tell A Soul
What’s It About
A security guard falls into a well after trying to catch two teenage boys who stole money to help their sick mother. To avoid being stuck for the rest of his life, he must convince the mischievous brothers to free him.
Who's In It?
Fionn Whitehead, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Rainn Wilson
Where You Can Watch It
Rent it on Google Play
American Skin
What’s It About
A U.S. Marine veteran named Lincoln Jefferson (Nate Parker) hopes to mend his strained relationship with his son following a divorce. The two are stopped by the police one night and his son is shot and killed in front of him.
Who's In It?
Nate Parker and Omari Hardwick
Where You Can Watch It
Rent it on Prime Video
MLK/FBI
What’s It About
This documentary is the perfect film to watch in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18. The movie examines the U.S. government’s surveillance and harassment of the civil rights leader before his assassination.
Who's In It?
Directed by Sam Pollard (4 Little Girls) and includes footage of Martin Luther King, Jr. and J. Edgar Hoover
Where You Can Watch It
Rent it on Prime Video
One Night in Miami
What’s It About
The fictionalized drama shows Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Malcolm X gathering together in 1964 to discuss their lives as successful Black men during the Civil Rights Movement. The film marks Regina King’s first feature as a director.
Who's In It?
Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr.
Where You Can Watch It
Prime Video
Outside the Wire
What’s It About?
Set in the future, a device threatens to destroy life on Earth. To prevent the disaster, a drone pilot (Damson Idris) teams up with an android officer (Anthony Mackie) to find the explosive.
Who's In It?
Anthony Mackie, Damson Idris, and Emily Beecham
Where You Can Watch It
Netflix
Tribhanga- Tedhi Medhi Crazy
What’s It About
This heartfelt drama follows a family of three women. The mother, who is estranged from her daughters, falls into a coma and examines her troubled relationship with her children.
Who's In It?
Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, and Mithila Palkar
Where You Can Watch It
Netflix
What Would Sophia Loren Do?
What’s It About
Although the prolific Italian actress’s name is in the title of the documentary short, the film looks at director Ross Kauffman’s relationship with his mother Nancy Kulik, an Italian immigrant. Kauffman’s movie shows how Loren has inspired and influenced Kulik throughout her life.
Who's In It?
Nancy “Vincenza Careri” Kulik and Sophia Loren
Where You Can Watch It
Netflix
Some Kind of Heaven
What’s It About
The final documentary on this list is Some Kind of Heaven which follows residents at The Villages, Florida, the world’s largest retirement community. The film zeroes in on four retirees and their desire to find happiness.
Who's In It?
Produced by Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan)
Where You Can Watch It
Rent it on Google Play
The Ultimate Playlist of Noise
What’s It About
Wrap up your three-day weekend with this music dramedy about a high school senior named Marcus (Keean Johnson) who will soon lose his hearing. He is determined to hear his deceased brother’s voice for the final time.
Who's In It?
Keean Johnson and Madeline Brewer
Where You Can Stream It
Hulu