New to Streaming: A Poet, Time and Water, Unpaid Bills, Two Pianos, and more.
Each week, we showcase the notable titles that have recently arrived on streaming services in the United States. Take a look at this week's options below, and browse previous compilations here.
**Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) (Joel Alfonso Vargas)**
Joel Alfonso Vargas makes a striking directorial debut with Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo), a genuine New York story that was featured at Sundance, Berlinale, New Directors/New Films, BFI London, and various other festivals last year. The film stars Juan Collado, Destiny Checo, Yohanna Florentino, and Nathaly Navarro. Following its theatrical release this spring, it is now available for streaming.
**Where to Stream:** The Criterion Channel
**A Poet (Simón Mesa Soto)**
In stark contrast to the somber introspection of A Quiet Passion and much different from the soothing everyday flow of Paterson, Simón Mesa Soto’s second feature set in Medellín uncovers unexpected beauty in the harsh, painful reality of unrealized aspirations and misjudged intentions. Oscar Restrepo (Ubeimar Rios), the protagonist of A Poet, though 2,000 miles away from the desperate figures often portrayed in Sean Price Williams’ films, shares a common Sisyphean struggle of experiencing failure at every turn life presents. This Un Certain Regard jury prize winner serves as a darkly humorous cautionary tale about allowing lost creative aspirations to dictate one's choices, where Soto frequently finds compassion as his main character faces despair. – Jordan R. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** MUBI
**Time and Water (Sara Dosa)**
"Will your oceans be made of our glaciers?" questions Icelandic poet Andri Snær Magnason in the narration accompanying Time and Water, the stunning new documentary by Sara Dosa, known for Fire of Love. With Magnason's family archives and captivating glacier footage, it is a heartfelt tribute to a world we are increasingly losing. Iceland boasts minimal tree coverage due to its position on tectonic plates that prevent deep soil formation necessary for rapid tree growth. Many trees were cut down over a millennium ago by Vikings for shipbuilding. In this land where magic is still believed by some, the breathtaking landscapes make such beliefs easy to understand. – Dan M. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** Hulu, Disney+
**Two Pianos (Arnaud Desplechin)**
The past resurfaces in Two Pianos, the latest film from Arnaud Desplechin that delves into how attractive individuals complicate the already messy aspects of life. Set in Lyon's classical music scene, this story about a troubled pianist reuniting with his equally troubled first love embodies the literary and melodramatic qualities typical of Desplechin's work. Despite having not received a theatrical release since 2017’s Ismael’s Ghosts, Desplechin continues to thrive in France, crafting stories that attract some of the country’s finest actors. With Two Pianos, he offers a profound, reflective exploration of how we shape our lives around our greatest regrets. – C.J. P. (full review)
**Where to Stream:** Kino Film Collection
**Universal Language (Matthew Rankin)**
After his debut film, The Twentieth Century, which drew influence from Guy Maddin, Matthew Rankin has returned with Universal Language, a film that premiered at Cannes and demonstrates a refreshing aesthetic shift. Employing a blend of Abbas Kiarostami and Wes Anderson styles, it presents a distinctive story set in Winnipeg. Rory O’Connor described the Oscar-shortlisted film's visuals as some of the most refined in Rankin’s repertoire, featuring diorama-esque compositions reminiscent of both Wes Anderson and Roy Andersson. The film’s combination of surrealism with naturalistic warmth creates a world that feels authentic and meaningful, unlike anything seen 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 Long Goodbye
- Love & Mercy
- Miami Blues
- Nico, 1988
- The Night of the Hunter
- Nowhere Boy
- The Paperboy
- Quartet
- Rockers
- The Runaways
- Sugar Glass Bottle
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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.
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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, 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.