As July begins, Netflix offers an enticing array of films for U.S. viewers, making it challenging to pick favorites. If the holiday weekend festivities distracted you, you might have missed the new Enola Holmes installment that just became available. July 1st marked the release of a plethora of films, featuring a remarkable selection of classic titles, ensuring there’s more than enough to fill your evenings.
To help with your choices, here are a few highlights from this month’s collection: an award-winning historical drama, a sports comedy set in WWII, and a classic snowbound thriller that marries dark themes with a touch of politeness.
Hamnet
A Shakespearean tale of loss and love
Jessie Buckley, who recently clinched the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Hamnet, delivers an unforgettable performance in this poignant adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. Directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell, the film has garnered critical acclaim and several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Set in 1580s Stratford-upon-Avon, the story follows Agnes (Buckley), an unconventional healer who marries a young tutor named William (Paul Mescal). Although the iconic name remains unspoken, we know it to be Shakespeare. Their idyllic life is shattered by the tragic death of their young son, Hamnet, due to the plague. This devastating loss strains their marriage, with Agnes staying in Stratford while William pursues his theatrical career in London. Eventually, Agnes travels to the city to witness William’s latest play—Hamlet—a work heavily influenced by his grief. The film’s concluding act, featuring Agnes in the audience, is a true tear-jerker. It’s worth having extra tissues on hand.
A League of Their Own
Park the tears; it’s baseball season
Decades after its release, Penny Marshall’s A League of Their Own remains the highest-grossing baseball film ever and includes one of cinema’s most memorable lines. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was formed to preserve the sport while many male players were away serving in the military.
This fictionalized tale centers on the real-life Rockford Peaches and their players, including catcher Dottie (Geena Davis), pitcher Kit (Lori Petty), and center fielder Mae (Madonna). As the Peaches grapple with the pressures of wartime and personal challenges, including Dottie’s rivalry with Kit, who gets traded to a rival team, the film beautifully blends humor and heart. Though it didn’t win major awards, it maintains a respectable 82% critics’ rating.
Fargo
The darkly comedic tale of a Minnesota murder
In the Coen Brothers’ 1996 film, Fargo, we meet Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a desperate car salesman who plots to kidnap his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrüd) to claim a ransom from her wealthy father. Events spiral out of control when Jerry’s inept henchmen botch the job, leading to chaos and darkly comedic moments that culminate in a gruesome twist involving a wood chipper.
The film, which features the sharp and pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), earned two Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for McDormand. With an impressive 95% critics’ score, Fargo is a must-watch for any serious film enthusiast.
Exciting films coming your way
This July, Netflix is set to impress with numerous movie offerings, including the highly anticipated Will Ferrell sports comedy, The Hawk. While you wait for that, the three highly-rated films listed above should keep you entertained during this post-holiday work week.
