New to Streaming: Disclosure Day, Blue Heron, Nirvanna the Band the Show: The Movie, and More.
Every week, we showcase the notable titles that have recently become available on streaming platforms in the United States. Take a look at this week's picks below and previous compilations here.
**April (Dea Kulumbegashvili)**
Similar to *Beginning*, *April* is marked by a mediated sense of reality. The director draws inspiration from fictionalized accounts rooted in the real world––particularly from her hometown, a village located at the base of the Caucasus mountains in Georgia and its inhabitants. The minimal dialogue, extended takes, and the atmosphere of encroaching violence surrounding the protagonist––a Jehovah's Witness pastor's wife portrayed by Ia Sukhitashvili––create an environment that feels dense and intense, while *April* offers a different kind of breathing space. Arseni Khachaturan’s patient and somewhat persistent camera reveals a world that is both recognizable and strange: a landscape divided between tumultuous storms and rainfall, stunning sunsets captured from nearly ground-level perspectives, and a decaying patriarchal society that suppresses female autonomy through body politics. Nina (Sukhitashvili) is an OBGYN who must report a newborn’s death due to an unreported pregnancy, despite her best efforts. The husband of a local woman demands an investigation, fully aware of the rumors alleging that Nina performs illegal abortions in the village––something the patriarchal order cannot permit. – Savina P. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** MUBI, Metrograph at Home
---
**Blue Heron (Sophy Romvari)**
Romvari’s feature debut, *Blue Heron*, once again delves into her own past, following a Hungarian family of six as they adapt to an unremarkable suburban area outside Vancouver. The opening line, “I struggle now to remember much of my childhood,” is voiced by the youngest child, Sasha (Eylul Guven), directed towards her older stepbrother Jeremy (Edik Beddoes), a sullen, reticent adolescent with a history of self-destructive behavior that remains unaddressed. However, Romvari does not dismiss him as merely a troubled child. While it’s clear he is not okay, he navigates *Blue Heron* as its most enigmatic and elusive character, and this complexity reflects Romvari’s compassion. Rather than viewing his suffering through a pathological lens––which his parents tend to do––she invites audiences to sit with his pain, to appreciate his drawn-out silences, and to explore the gaps between words and imperfect recollections that adult Sasha (Amy Zimmer) will attempt to piece together in the latter half of the film. – Leonardo G. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** The Criterion Channel
---
**Close Your Eyes (Víctor Erice)**
Erice’s latest film is undoubtedly a treasure for cinephiles: the return of a director famed for crafting masterpieces, a work rich with references and nods to film history (including a lengthy performance of a song from a Howard Hawks film), culminating in an ending that emphasizes the very essence of cinema. Fortunately, these elements transcend mere gimmicks; they infuse the narrative of a missing director with genuine emotion, enriched by affectionate reminders of cinema’s significance. *Close Your Eyes* implores a secular, skeptical audience to recall that art is rooted in spirituality and that miracles can still occur with belief. – Z.W. L.
**Where to Stream:** Film Movement+
---
**Disclosure Day (Steven Spielberg)**
There are certain beliefs that connect all of humanity. For instance, the notion that the extraordinary is within reach. Or that the impossible can become possible. Steven Spielberg is unreserved in his faith in extraterrestrial life, encouraging others to share in this belief. He approaches this lofty yet serious subject with profound simplicity: “Empathy is the core of animate existence–our evolutionary advantage.” He aims to remind us of our inherent capability for empathy. – Luke H. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** VOD
---
**Eephus (Carson Lund)**
If a quintessential sports movie captures the essence that inspires love for the game, *Eephus* might just be the best baseball film created by Carson Lund. Centered on a single round of America’s beloved pastime, Lund’s debut feature uniquely and humorously depicts the specific nuances, rhythms, and intricacies of an amateur men's league game. By turning standard sports movie tropes on their head—which typically portray peak physical achievements before cheering crowds—Lund has crafted something much more intriguing. Instead of showcasing grand slams and no-hitters, the focus lies on mistakes aplenty and a diversity of beer bellies and weathered physiques among the eclectic players. Lund is more concerned with exploring the unique social codes that come into play on the field, free from life’s burdens, and solely focused on the game’s rules. – Jordan R. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** Prime
Other articles
New to Streaming: Disclosure Day, Blue Heron, Nirvanna the Band the Show: The Movie, and More.
Every week, we showcase the significant titles that have recently been released on streaming services in the United States. Take a look at this week's picks below, and you can find previous collections here. April (Dea Kulumbegashvili) Similar to Beginning, April also reflects a mediated reality. The director draws inspiration from fictionalized narratives derived from her actual experiences, particularly from her hometown, a village situated at the foot.
