Tear-Jerker Films on Netflix
Netflix has a seemingly never-ending amount of options when it comes to streaming content, but the [...]
Boyhood
Released: 2014
Cast: Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater, and Ethan Hawke.
Synopsis: "The joys and pitfalls of growing up are seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (Ellar Coltrane), his parents (Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke) and his sister (Lorelei Linklater). Vignettes, filmed with the same cast over the course of 12 years, capture family meals, road trips, birthday parties, graduations and other important milestones. Songs from Coldplay, Arcade Fire and other artists capture the time period. Directed by Richard Linklater."
Boyhood is a real accomplishment in filmmaking. As the summary mentions, it actually took over a decade to film the entire project because the director, Richard Linklater, wanted to use the same actors in order to accurately depict the characters physical changes. The result is a deeply powerful and moving film about growing up.
prevnextKing Jack
Released: 2015
Cast: Charlie Plummer, Cory Nichols, Christian Madsen, Daniel Flaherty, Erin Davie, and Chloe Levine.
Synopsis: "Trapped in a violent feud with a cruel older bully and facing another bout of summer school, Jack's got all the problems he can handle. So when Jack's aunt falls ill and his runty younger cousin must stay with him for the weekend the last thing Jack wants to do is look after him. Unfortunately no one really cares what Jack wants."
There are many coming-of-age flicks out there, but maybe none as emotionally driven and brutally honest as King Jack. Have the tissues ready for this one cause you need them,
prevnextThe Fundamentals of Caring
Released: 2016
Cast: Paul Rudd, Bobby Cannavale, Craig Roberts and Selena Gomez.
Synopsis: "A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship."
Paul Rudd is well known for his brilliant comedic abilities, but he can also turn a captivating dramatic performance as well. Granted, The Fundamentals of Caring doesn't seem him delving deep into a well of drama, but he does do a fantastic job of balancing the hard-hitting emotion with well-timed humor.
prevnextTo The Bone
Released: 2017
Cast: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston, Lili Taylor, Alex Sharp, Liana Liberato, Brooke Smith, and Ciara Bravo.
Synopsis: "Ellen is an unruly 20-year-old anorexic girl who spent the better part of her teenage years being shepherded through various recovery programs, only to find herself several pounds lighter every time. Determined to find a solution, her dysfunctional family agrees to send her to a group home for youths, which is led by a non-traditional doctor. Surprised by the unusual rules, Ellen must discover for herself how to confront her addiction and attempt self-acceptance."
Lily Collins delivers a powerful performance in To The Bone, and while the subject matter can be deeply intense and potentially emotionally triggering for some, she and Keanu Reeves both maintain perfect tone throughout its duration.
prev