New to Streaming: Blue Film, I Am Frankelda, It’s Dorothy! and More

      Every week, we showcase notable titles that have recently become available on streaming platforms in the United States. Take a look at this week's picks below and find previous collections here.

      Blue Film (Elliot Tuttle)

      “Provocation” has recently lost its significance. Nowadays, it merely requires a few careless offensive remarks or the exploration of every contentious mainstream topic to provoke a reaction. Eliciting a response is easy; prompting thoughtful consideration is a different challenge altogether. In that light, Blue Film is provocative in the truest sense. Elliott Tuttle’s film aims to disturb, question, and, indeed, provoke you. However, his skillful two-person narrative strives to foster understanding for both central characters, encouraging you to view them as multi-dimensional individuals with flaws, even if it's uncomfortable to do so. – Devan S. (full review)

      Where to Stream: VOD

      I Am Frankelda (Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz)

      After generating considerable buzz on the festival circuit last year, the first-ever stop-motion feature from Mexico arrives on Netflix. Directed by Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz, who have worked with Guillermo del Toro, the fantasy story I Am Frankelda received acclaim from Jared Mobarak in his review: “More than the similarly legendary Monsters, Inc., Mexico’s inaugural stop-motion film (from Cinema Fantasma) evokes an old childhood favorite from the ’80s: Little Monsters. Like the Fred Savage classic, writers-directors Los Hermanos Ambriz (Arturo and Roy) have crafted a connection between reality and nightmare, allowing a human to embrace the mischief, mystery, and terror that reality often rejects. Set in the 19th century, I Am Frankelda emerges from a young woman's imagination (Mireya Mendoza’s Francisca Imelda) as a reflection of her dream to become a horror writer––a dream faced with significant resistance from publishers, society, and her family.”

      Where to Stream: Netflix

      It’s Dorothy! (Jeffrey McHale)

      When I hear the name “Dorothy,” I, like many, instantly think of The Wizard of Oz. I recall watching the movie as a child, sitting on the couch with my family, while my parents referred to it as “a classic.” Dorothy Gale has become emblematic of various themes over the 125 years since her debut in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, from Kansas and ruby red slippers to Judy Garland and a symbol of 1950s LGBTQ+ culture. – Michael F. (full review)

      Where to Stream: Peacock, VOD

      LUZ (Flora Lau)

      With a captivating opening credit sequence as the camera glides through a virtual realm of neon lights and signs, one might assume they are about to witness the latest Gaspar Noé film. Fortunately, what unfolds in Flora Lau’s second feature LUZ is less immature and frustrating than Noé’s work, although it could benefit from a touch more edge. Primarily a mood piece, the emotionally detached drama navigates two loosely connected narratives of isolated individuals adrift in a technology-dominated world that might be the sole avenue toward healing. – Jordan R. (full review)

      Where to Stream: Kino Film Collection, VOD

      Paradox of Praxis 5: Sometimes we dream as we live & sometimes we live as we dream (Francis Alÿs)

      Based in Mexico, Alÿs creates across various mediums and addresses geopolitical issues through a poetic lens. This film, produced in collaboration with Julien Devaux, Rafael Ortega, Alejandro Morales, and Félix Blume as part of his Paradox of Praxis series, features Alÿs kicking a flaming soccer ball around Ciudad Juárez, a border city impacted by cartel violence. His work contemplates the challenges of artistic creation amidst dire circumstances and asks whether art can thrive alongside significant social challenges, akin to the World Cup.

      Where to Stream: Le Cinéma Club

      Also New to Streaming

      HBO Max

      They Will Kill You

      Kino Film Collection

      Daddy and the Muscle Academy

      MUBI

      Gregory’s Girl Infinite Football Mario On the Seventh Day

      VOD

      Mārama Michael Saccharine