New to Streaming: Souleymane's Tale, Relay, Hidden Mall Apartment & More

      Each week, we showcase the noteworthy titles that have recently arrived on streaming services in the United States. Take a look at this week's picks below and explore previous compilations here.

      The Annihilation of Fish (Charles Burnett)

      Essentially deemed a lost film, the celebrated director Charles Burnett’s 1999 feature, The Annihilation of Fish, primarily existed on the festival circuit (and through bootlegs) for 25 years until a recent remarkable restoration by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and The Film Foundation. Though it stars recognizable actors like James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave, a negative review from a prominent critic (who appeared oddly apprehensive about the film’s tonal experimentation) effectively hindered its commercial prospects for would-be distributors. This film, functioning as a kind of mental-illness romantic comedy, possesses a certain oddity that some might find off-putting; however, it remains hard to comprehend that a work so emotionally sincere was denied the audience it rightly deserved years later. – Ethan V. (full interview)

      Where to Stream: Kino Film Collection

      Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (Embeth Davidtz)

      Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Embeth Davidtz, the director of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, on The B-Side podcast. Our B-Sides include titles such as Feast of July, The Gingerbread Man, Mansfield Park, and Bicentennial Man. We discussed with Davidtz her directorial debut, her remarkably diverse acting career, and the adaptation of Alexandra Fuller’s memoir. The conversation touched on Robert Altman’s directing techniques with actors, the overlooked aspects of Feast of July (a Merchant Ivory production!), and the ambitions behind Bicentennial Man. We also highlighted Davidtz’s impressive dual role in that Chris Columbus sci-fi film. – Dan M.

      Where to Stream: VOD

      Little Buddha (Bernardo Bertolucci)

      Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha recently returned to theaters in a 4K restoration. The film narrates the story of Jesse, a 10-year-old American boy thought to be the reincarnation of revered Buddhist monk Lama Dorje, intertwining his tale with that of Siddartha and his path to enlightenment. Bertolucci, along with cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, captured the two narratives in 35mm and 65mm, respectively. We interviewed Pietro Scalia, the film’s editor, who has won two Academy Awards for his work on JFK and Black Hawk Down. Scalia’s filmography spans a wide range of projects, from the intimate storytelling of Good Will Hunting to the grand scale of Gladiator, with notable credits including Hannibal, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Martian, and Ferrari. His editing approach emphasizes rhythm, emotional resonance, and narrative pacing. Read Lucia Senesi’s complete interview.

      Where to Stream: Kino Film Collection

      Night of the Reaper (Brandon Christensen)

      A late-night slasher that benefits from sharp, effective direction and an ambitious genre blend to disguise some familiar writing, Night of the Reaper is Brandon Christensen's latest horror film (Still/Born, Z, Superhost). Mixing Halloween-inspired fright with a true crime murder mystery, the narrative follows a babysitter in an 1980s suburb haunted by a local killer, along with a sheriff trying to piece together clues. Serving as a lead-in to the Halloween movie season, Night of the Reaper offers enough jump scares and energetic thrills to elevate your heart rate, although those seeking something more original may feel let down. – Jordan R.

      Where to Stream: Shudder

      Relay (David Mackenzie)

      Whistleblowers often capture attention—those who sneak out critical documents for the greater good, challenging corporations seeking profit at the cost of human lives. But what about those who deem the risks too high? After securing the crucial papers and exiting the building, they find themselves victims of escalating harassment with no options left. They may receive a settlement to silence them, yet can they trust someone willing to hide evidence affirming their complicity in the loss of innocent lives? These individuals are scientists, not lawyers; clerks, not security agents. They require assistance. – Jared M. (full review)

      Where to Stream: VOD

      Secret Mall Apartment (Jeremy Workman)

      One of our favorite films that premiered at SXSW last year is now being released on VOD following its theatrical run. Secret Mall Apartment recounts the bizarre true story of a group of friends who established a secret apartment within the bustling Providence Place Mall in the early 2000s, reuniting the participants for the first time in nearly two decades. In his review, John Fink stated, “Illuminating a quirky 2007 story that captured national attention, Secret Mall Apartment dives deep into the inner workings of the Providence Place Mall, the focal point of Rhode Island’s capital city renaissance spearheaded by convicted mayor Buddy Cianci