Hey, kids. On Nov. 1, teachers are required to go to school while we get to stay at home. This means a three day weekend! What a perfect time to indulge in a new watch list. Am I right? I have developed a list of five films that will keep your mind busy during your time off.
My list isn’t typical. Each is from a different genre, but they’re all dark in their own way. Here is a suggested order for your weekend movie marathon.
The Black Phone (2021) Horror
Watch The Black Phone on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m.
It’s late at night. You’re back from taking your cousins trick-or-treating. Grab a pile of candy for horror-movie-watching snacks.
The Black Phone is my top choice for scariest movie. It is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen, yet it also has a nice blend of puzzles and even an inspiring angle about coping with bullying.
The film’s ominous atmosphere makes the audience uncomfortable while the clever script takes us through the story of a kidnapped young boy who’s locked in a basement with only a telephone for company.
Although this sounds dispiriting, the movie ironically has positive undertones. The Black Phone exemplifies the supernatural horror genre in that it intertwines the spiritual with the mental. Still, I found myself experiencing dread and even reacting with a scream to some scenes.
The Black Phone has a prevailing message of hope, suggesting that individuals can overcome tragedy. Director Scott Derrickson delivers an unnerving tale that’s surprisingly relevant to the issue of physical abuse.
The Black Phone is currently available to watch on Apple TV for $3.99. The movie is rated R.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Coming of Age
Watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower on Friday, Nov 1 at 10 a.m.
Give yourself a break from Halloween horror with this glum coming-of-age film. Relax, unwind, and have your dog by your side. Brace yourself for the emotional roller coaster you’re about to go through.
The movie focuses on high school freshman Charlie, whose past is debilitating (for reasons not revealed until the film’s conclusion). Adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s bestselling novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a quintessential high school movie. Homecoming, messy friend groups, and betrayal included.
Chbosky’s use of flashbacks slowly unravels the mystery of Charlie’s struggles with low self-esteem and feelings of isolation.
I find The Perks of Being a Wallflower simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking. Charlie’s narration of his life is at times inspiring, other times it will shatter your soul.
Warning: This movie deals with themes of sexual and domestic abuse. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is free to watch with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. The movie is rated PG-13.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024) Thriller
Watch I Saw the TV Glow on Friday, Nov 1 at 6 p.m.
You’ll need several hours to absorb and recover from watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but then you’ll be ready to try something really different on your day off.
Despite a few bad reviews, this film is really worth your time. But, I admit, it’s the type of film that requires a second viewing to absorb all the details.
The story begins with junior high student Maddy introducing the protagonist Owen to an extraordinary comic book that’s connected to a television show. A series of bizarre events distort Owens’ perception of himself. Ultimately the movie shows that the path to self-discovery is difficult, but as human beings we cannot repress who we are.
Because the plot relies on flashbacks, the story can be hard to follow, but it’s worth the effort. The film is also mislabeled as horror/drama, so I’m categorizing it as a thriller for our Tribe Tribune Watch List. I Saw the TV Glow is eerie, disturbing, and fitting for a Halloween weekend viewing.
The film is currently available to rent from Amazon Prime Video for $5.99. The movie is rated PG-13.
Beautiful Boy (2018) Drama based on a true story
Watch Beautiful Boy on Saturday, Nov. 2 at noon
Beware. This one is a tear-jerker. Once you’ve recovered from watching I Saw the TV Glow, you can mellow out with a good but dark drama. Have a loved one cozied close. Stuffed with breakfast, and ready to consume something other than pancakes and orange juice.
First off, I was startled by how depressing Beautiful Boy is. But don’t let that discourage you.
Though it earned critical praise, I believe this movie has flown under the radar since. Beautiful Boy is more than a campaign against methamphetamine. It is about the destruction that substance abuse disorder wages not only the individual, but on the entire family unit.
At times it is uncomfortable to watch, and I think the viewing experience is made better if a friend or family member is present. The theme of addiction may be personal to those whose lives have been damaged by drug abuse.
It should be mentioned that Beautiful Boy is not all gloom; there are heartfelt moments too. The cast is immensely talented and deserving of recognition. In particular Timothée Chalamet delivers an authentic performance as addict Nic Sheff and Steve Carell as Nic’s father forces the audience to see that love is not always enough to support an addict.
Beautiful Boy warrants lots of questions, not all of which are easy to answer. Be warned that a single box of tissues will not be nearly enough to get you through this film.
Trigger-Warning: This movie deals with themes of substance abuse. Beautiful Boy is free to watch with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. The movie is rated R.
Donnie Darko (2001) Science Fiction
Watch Donnie Darko on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m.
An end to our dark-but-good movie marathon is a petrifying sci-fi film to say goodbye to the Halloween season. Donnie Darko is packed with frightening imagery. It is ideal to sit in your room with a bucket of popcorn and a blanket to hide under. And you may want to prepare yourself for a nightmare.
The film takes you into the mind of protagonist Donnie. His thoughts are chilling and unsettling. Frank, a rabbit-like creature from the underworld, stalks Donnie by plaguing his mind.
The movie asks you to envision a world where humanity is on the brink of obliteration. Donnie, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, doubts he’s hallucinating Frank’s harassment and the tragedies before him.
Donnie appears as though he is possessed. His transformation from high schooler to tormented spirit is one worth seeing. I recommend this movie especially to those who like movies where time is distorted.
Donnie Darko is currently available to watch on Apple TV for $2.99. The movie is rated R.
