New to Streaming: A Poet, Time and Water, Mad Bills to Pay, Two Pianos, and More.
Each week, we showcase notable titles that have recently become available on streaming platforms across the United States. Check out this week's picks below and find previous selections here.
**Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)** (Joel Alfonso Vargas)
An outstanding directorial debut and a genuine New York story, Joel Alfonso Vargas' *Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)* was featured in Sundance, Berlinale, New Directors/New Films, BFI London, and various other film festivals last year. Featuring Juan Collado, Destiny Checo, Yohanna Florentino, and Nathaly Navarro, the film has made its streaming debut after a spring theatrical release.
*Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel*
**A Poet** (Simón Mesa Soto)
Diverging from the somber themes of *A Quiet Passion* and the tranquil, everyday rhythms of *Paterson*, Simón Mesa Soto's second feature, set in Medellín, discovers unexpected beauty amidst the jagged pain of unfulfilled aspirations and misconstrued, career-ending intentions. Oscar Restrepo (Ubeimar Rios), while 2,000 miles away from the desperate individuals often caught by Sean Price Williams' lens, faces a shared Sisyphean struggle as he repeatedly misses the opportunities presented by life. This Un Certain Regard jury prize winner is a darkly humorous, cautionary character study about allowing long-buried creative aspirations to dictate every choice—where Soto often finds empathy as his protagonist spirals downwards. - Jordan R. (full review)
*Where to Stream: MUBI*
**Time and Water** (Sara Dosa)
“Will your oceans be made of our glaciers?” asks Icelandic poet Andri Snær Magnason in the narration accompanying *Time and Water*, the striking new documentary from Sara Dosa, director of *Fire of Love*. Drawing on Magnason's family archives and captivating glacier footage, the film serves as a poignant tribute to a disappearing world. Iceland, largely bare of trees due to its positioning on tectonic plates that inhibit soil development necessary for tree growth, was once lush with forests until the Vikings cleared them over a thousand years ago for shipbuilding. In this enchanting landscape, where some still hold onto magical beliefs, it's easy to see why. - Dan M. (full review)
*Where to Stream: Hulu, Disney+*
**Two Pianos** (Arnaud Desplechin)
In *Two Pianos*, Arnaud Desplechin’s latest, the past resurfaces in intriguing ways, examining how beautiful individuals complicate the challenges of life. Set in the realm of classical music in Lyon, this narrative unfolds around a troubled pianist’s reunion with his equally troubled first love, embodying the literary and melodramatic traits typical of Desplechin, who has unfortunately lost traction in the U.S. since the release of *Ismael's Ghosts* in 2017. Conversely, he remains a prolific figure in France, continuously working with some of the country's finest actors. *Two Pianos* offers a rich, reflective exploration of how we shape our lives around our deepest regrets. - C.J. P. (full review)
*Where to Stream: Kino Film Collection*
**Universal Language** (Matthew Rankin)
After his Guy Maddin-inspired debut, *The Twentieth Century*, Matthew Rankin returns with *Universal Language*, which premiered at Cannes and marks a refreshing aesthetic shift for the director. Blending an Abbas-Kiarostami-meets-Wes-Anderson style, the film tells a unique, Winnipeg-based story. Rory O’Connor noted in his review of this Oscar-shortlisted work, “In contrast to its lively ideas, *Universal Language* features some of Rankin’s most controlled aesthetics. The film showcases diorama-like visuals reminiscent of both Wes and Roy Anders(s)on—a blend of Texan sweetness and Swedish gloom—but avoids any hint of pretentiousness thanks to its naturalism and warmth: despite its surreal elements, the world of *Universal Language* feels authentic, and those lives are meaningful. It’s unlike anything I’ve encountered at Cannes this year.”
*Where to Stream: OVID.tv*
**Also New to Streaming**
*Criterion Channel*
- 24 Hour Party People
- Amadeus
- American Dream
- The American Ruling Class
- Baby Doll
- The Beguiled
- Brick and Mirror
- The Buddy Holly Story
- Cactus Pears
- Cape Fear
- Carrie
- The Chicken
- Color Me Obsessed: A Film About the Replacements
- Control
- Dream Lover
- Encore
- Eve’s Bayou
- La fête à Henriette
- Full Alert
- The Hours and Times
- I Heard It Through the Grapevine
- I’m Not There
- James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
- Lisztomania
- The
Other articles
Time and Control: Kent Jones Discusses Performance Style, Creative Presence, and Achieving Recognition Late in Life
Kent Jones has impacted contemporary cinema in countless ways. Being a longtime partner of Martin Scorsese as a co-director on several documentaries and a significant contributor to the Film Foundation is one aspect; additionally, programming for Film at Lincoln Center before leading the New York Film Festival for eight years is another; and it's entirely
John Turturro Shines in First Trailer for The Only Living Pickpocket in New York
Despite his iconic career spanning several decades, John Turturro has not yet been nominated for an Oscar. This year, however, that could change with the premiere of Noah Segan's The Only Living Pickpocket at Sundance in New York. The film also features Giancarlo Esposito, Will Price, Tatiana Maslany, and Steve Buscemi, and Sony Pictures Classics has just unveiled the first trailer for it.
New to Streaming: A Poet, Time and Water, Unpaid Bills, Two Pianos, and more.
Every week, we spotlight significant titles that have recently become available on streaming services in the United States. Take a look at this week’s picks below and previous compilations here. Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) (Joel Alfonso Vargas) is a remarkable directorial debut and an authentic New York story, showcasing Joel Alfonso Vargas’ talent with Mad Bills to Pay.
John Turturro Strives in the Initial Trailer for The Only Living Pickpocket in New York
Despite a remarkable career spanning several decades, John Turturro has yet to receive an Oscar nomination. This year, however, that may change with the Sundance premiere of Noah Segan's The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. Featuring Giancarlo Esposito, Will Price, Tatiana Maslany, and Steve Buscemi, Sony Pictures Classics has now unveiled the first trailer for the film.
Time and Control: Kent Jones Discusses Performance Style, Creative Influence, and Late Recognition
Kent Jones has had an immeasurable impact on contemporary cinema. Being a long-time collaborator with Martin Scorsese as a co-director on various documentaries and a significant member of the Film Foundation is one aspect; however, programming for Film at Lincoln Center and directing the New York Film Festival for eight years is something entirely different.
New to Streaming: A Poet, Time and Water, Mad Bills to Pay, Two Pianos, and More.
Every week, we showcase the significant titles that have recently become available on streaming services in the United States. Take a look at this week's picks below, and explore previous compilations here. *Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)* (Joel Alfonso Vargas) marks an exceptional directorial debut and a genuine story set in New York, created by Joel Alfonso Vargas.