Recently Added to Streaming: Jay Kelly, Reflection in a Dead Diamond, Stranger Eyes, The Family McMullen, and More

      Each week, we showcase the notable titles that have recently arrived on streaming platforms in the United States. Here are this week's picks, along with previous highlights available here.

      **Anemone (Ronan Day-Lewis)**

      Daniel Day-Lewis first appears in *Anemone* shrouded in shadow, seated in a modest cabin surrounded by the North England wilderness. This almost indistinguishable introduction seems deliberate—a subtle, silhouetted reemergence for his unexpected and welcome return to cinema. In 2017, just before promoting Paul Thomas Anderson's *Phantom Thread*, the three-time Oscar recipient declared his retirement from acting, signaling the close of an exceptional career. He had taken breaks previously, such as in 1997 when he departed Hollywood to apprentice as a shoemaker in Italy for several years. However, this second hiatus felt final; he stated he was leaving "for good," a definitive proclamation that leaves no room for ambiguity. So, when eight years later, the light catches his 68-year-old features revealing a thick goatee, a short white mane, and that recognizable gaunt visage, it's an exhilarating revelation and a reminder that even the greatest artists can set aside their pride and return to create once more. – Jake K. (full review)

      *Where to Stream: Peacock*

      **Carol & Joy (Nathan Silver)**

      Following the success of last year’s comedic *Between the Temples*, Nathan Silver reunites with the remarkable Carol Kane for a poignant documentary that explores the bond between the actress and her mother, Joy Kane, who is 98 years old. Captured during an afternoon in their Upper West Side home, Silver primarily allows the dynamic duo to share their narratives, unveiling tales of shared affection and repressed sorrow as they discuss artistic dreams—both realized and unfulfilled. – Jordan R.

      *Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel*

      **Caught Stealing (Darren Aronofsky)**

      This exhilarating interpretation of a familiar genre—though it occasionally succumbs to tired clichés—finds its place among the revered canon of lonely-man-with-cat(s) films, alongside classics like *The Long Goodbye*, *Inside Llewyn Davis*, and *Children of Men*. While it may not reach the heights of more bustling crime cinema, which is a high standard to meet, it nevertheless provides a worthwhile experience. Ultimately, the cat and sobriety prove to be unexpected advantages, even as the messy entanglement with deranged killers unfolds. – Luke H. (full review)

      *Where to Stream: Netflix*

      **The Damned (Roberto Minervini)**

      Renowned for his intimately engaging and vibrant filmmaking style, Roberto Minervini (known for works like *Stop the Pounding Heart* and *What You Gonna Do When The World’s On Fire?*) takes an unexpected direction with his latest film. *The Damned*, which earned the Un Certain Regard Best Director award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, transports viewers to the Civil War frontier as we follow volunteer soldiers. Jake Kring-Schreifels commented in his review, “While *The Damned* sometimes feels like a reenactment, Minervini makes a poignant effort to showcase the aimless priorities of war on its overlooked and uncelebrated participants. Throughout his career, the Italian director—who has resided in the United States for over two decades—has sought to blend documentary and narrative forms, capturing the mundane and overlooked aspects of life with non-professional actors whose lack of star power lends authenticity. His work examines how landscapes and circumstances shape individuals, oscillating between fiction and reality to uncover deeper truths.”

      *Where to Stream: Metrograph at Home*

      **The Family McMullen (Edward Burns)**

      Edward Burns has starred in films of various scales while consistently creating modest indie dramedies for a specific audience. This holiday season, he returns to the family from his original film with the sequel *The Family McMullen*, which premieres on HBO Max this Friday, December 5. This film showcases confident, mature filmmaking and ranks among his finest works. We spoke with Burns about the new project, his most underappreciated previous films, his acting career outside his own projects, and how he has evolved as a visual stylist over the past thirty years. Read my interview here. – Dan M.

      *Where to Stream: HBO Max*

      **It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (Amy Berg)**

      Amy Berg’s *It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley* serves as both an impressive archival record and a tribute to the life of a tortured artist. While the phrase “tortured artist” is often overused, it feels particularly fitting when discussing Buckley. He was a striking individual with an almost indescribably beautiful voice, plagued by the burdens of fame and extraordinary talent. He grappled with the legacy of his father, fellow musician Tim Buck