In an era where streaming services dominate the entertainment landscape, Tubi stands out by offering a diverse and expansive library of films at no cost to its users. With its eclectic mix of genres and eras, Tubi presents a unique opportunity for movie enthusiasts to explore hidden gems and revisit classics. Clearly curated by true cinephiles, their catalogue promises not just entertainment, but a broadened cinematic horizon. Whether you’re a fan of indie flicks, blockbuster hits, or cult classics, Tubi’s extensive library ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to watch. Join us as we delve into the adventure of watching a movie a week on Tubi, where hopefully you find your new favorite movie or at least an interesting gem worth recommending.
After Blue (2021)
Set on a distant planet known as After Blue, the story follows a young woman named Roxy, who, along with her mother Zora, lives in a secluded all-female society. Men have become extinct due to their susceptibility to a toxic hair mutation, leaving women to rebuild civilization. The society is governed by strict rules to maintain order and protect the inhabitants from the planet’s harsh conditions. Roxy inadvertently releases a dangerous criminal, Kate Bush (an obvious nod to the famous singer), who had been imprisoned in the sand. This act sets off a chain of events leading Roxy and Zora on a perilous journey across the treacherous landscapes of After Blue to recapture the fugitive. Their quest is filled with strange encounters, surreal visions, and challenges that test their resilience and bond. Marked by vivid colors, elaborate costumes, and dreamlike cinematography, After Blue has a striking visual style unlike anything else. In addition to its cinematic vibes, it also delves into themes of freedom, rebellion, and the nature of femininity. It challenges traditional gender roles and explores the dynamics of a female-centric society, highlighting the complexities and struggles that arise in the absence of men. After Blue is a film that defies easy categorization, offering a rich tapestry of visual and thematic elements that invite multiple interpretations. It showcases Bertrand Mandico’s talent for crafting imaginative and provocative works of art, making it a noteworthy entry in WTF cinema.
Chameleon Street (1989)
Based on the true story of William Douglas Street Jr., a Detroit con artist who successfully impersonated various professional roles, including a surgeon, a reporter, and a lawyer, despite lacking any formal qualifications, Chameleon Street is Catch Me If You Can if that film spent more time exploring the mental state of someone who would do this instead being a fun cat and mouse caper. The film opens with Street, an intelligent but discontented man, bored with his mundane life and menial jobs. Driven by a desire for excitement and financial stability, he embarks on a series of cons, adopting different identities with remarkable ease. His ability to blend into various high-status roles highlights themes of identity, race, and social mobility. Chameleon Street delves into Street’s psychological landscape, exploring his motivations and the consequences of his actions. It portrays his ability to adapt and deceive, but also the underlying dissatisfaction and instability that drive his behavior. Harris’s performance is both compelling and nuanced, providing insight into the complexities of Street’s character. Despite winning the Grand Jury Prize at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, it’s all but faded away from the public consciousness and is pretty much forgotten by all but the most diehard of cinephiles. It’s the perfect film for the Criterion Collection to restore the popularity of.
Rams (2015)
Rams, known in Icelandic as “Hrútar,” explores themes of family, isolation, and resilience through the story of two estranged brothers, Gummi and Kiddi, who live in a remote Icelandic valley. The brothers, both sheep farmers, have not spoken to each other in 40 years despite living on neighboring farms. Their silent feud is abruptly interrupted when a lethal disease, scrapie, infects Kiddi’s sheep. The government mandates the culling of all sheep in the valley to prevent the disease from spreading, which poses a significant threat to the livelihood and cultural heritage of the community. Gummi and Kiddi are forced to confront their long-standing animosity as they grapple with the devastating impact of the culling on their way of life. The film delves into their emotional struggle, capturing the deep bond each man has with their animals and the land. The stark and breathtaking Icelandic landscape serves as a backdrop, emphasizing the themes of isolation and the harsh realities of rural life. It’s a minimalist character study with understated performances that offers a compelling look at the complexities of family relationships and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
The New Centurions (1972)
Based on the novel of the same name by Joseph Wambaugh, a former LAPD officer, The New Centurions is a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work in Los Angeles during the early 1970s, focusing on the personal and professional challenges faced by law enforcement officers. The story follows rookie police officer Roy Fehler (Stacy Keach), who joins the LAPD with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Partnered with the experienced and streetwise veteran Andy Kilvinski (George C. Scott), Fehler quickly learns the harsh realities of police work. Kilvinski serves as a mentor, imparting his wisdom and survival strategies in the tough urban environment. As Fehler becomes more immersed in the job, the film delves into the psychological toll that police work takes on him and his colleagues. The pressures of the job lead to strained personal relationships and Fehler’s initial idealism is gradually replaced by cynicism and disillusionment. The film highlights the impact of the constant exposure to violence, crime, and human suffering on the officers’ mental health and personal lives. Now that every detective show since has bled this film dry, it feels retroactively cliched-ridden but at the time, it was as raw and unflinching as these films get. You may not jive with its dated episodic nature but I guarantee you’ll love the performances.
The Asphyx (1972)
Back when Kane and I had a horror podcast, one of our themed episodes was the ABCs of horror where we’d pick five films apiece for each letter and The Asphyx was one of my picks for A. It’s one of those film discoveries I made while religiously doing my Movie a Day project and I’ve recommended it ad nauseam since. Combining elements of gothic horror and science fiction, The Asphyx is set in Victorian England and follows Sir Hugo Cunningham (Robert Stephens), an amateur scientist and photographer with a fascination for capturing images of the dying moments of living creatures. Through his experiments, he discovers the existence of a supernatural entity known as the Asphyx, a spirit that appears at the moment of death to take the soul away. Sir Hugo theorizes that by capturing the Asphyx, one can achieve immortality, as the soul would never be taken. Exploring themes of immortality, the nature of the soul, the moral consequences of scientific experimentation, and man’s hubris, The Asphyx is one of the great hidden gems of British cinema.
These are my Tubi Movies of the Week. Have you seen any of them? Did you watch them on Tubi? Sound off in the comments!
