As summer comes to a close, it’s an ideal time to catch some films on Netflix U.S. Our first pick is set in the Amazon rainforest, where a group encounters a massive and aggressive snake.
Next, we plunge into ocean depths, where the antagonist is, unsurprisingly, a shark—the ultimate marine predator. For our top choice of the week, we move from the water to a battlefield, embarking on a nail-biting life-saving mission.
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Anaconda
They should never have pursued the snake
I have a soft spot for Anaconda, a 1997 horror adventure film directed by Luis Llosa. It falls under the “so bad it’s good” category, where one can appreciate its many flaws while enjoying its absurdity. Its charm lies in everything from the corny one-liners to Jon Voight’s over-the-top accent.
A documentary team—including director Terri Flores (Jennifer Lopez), cameraman Danny Rich (Ice Cube), and Dr. Steven Cale (Eric Stoltz)—ventures down the Amazon River in pursuit of a lost tribe. During their journey, they encounter snake hunter Paul Serone (Voight), who offers to help find the tribe. Once he takes control of the boat, it becomes evident that Serone is actually on the hunt for a colossal anaconda, using the crew as bait to achieve his goal.
This unfortunate expedition spirals into tragedy as the anaconda eliminates team members one by one. Some of the CGI in these scenes appears dated, yet I still find delight in its imperfections. Don’t just take my word for it; even Roger Ebert gave Anaconda a solid 3.5 out of 4 stars.
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The Shallows
One woman versus a shark
Jaws is both a blessing and a curse for shark cinema. While it set the benchmark for blockbuster films, no other shark feature has matched its success or cultural significance. That said, The Shallows may easily be the finest shark movie of the 21st century.
Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) visits a secluded Mexican beach, a place her late mother cherished. While surfing, a great white shark attacks her, leaving her injured and stranded on a rock, while the shark lurks nearby. Alone and pressed for time, Nancy must devise a way to survive and return to shore.
The Shallows is a taut B-movie that showcases Lively’s finest performance. I appreciate the premise of pitting one person against a shark, inviting deeper reflections on survival instincts. Realistically, I doubt I’d make it off that rock. Regardless, I wish more filmmakers would create thrilling shark movies like this one, delivering 86 minutes of riveting suspense.
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1917
A race against time to avert an assault
War films saturate Hollywood, especially with familiar narratives. It surprises me that there aren’t more films focused on World War I compared to World War II. Among the most notable WWI films, All Quiet on the Western Front stands out, yet 1917, directed by Sam Mendes, surpasses it.
The British army is poised to attack German forces, but this mission threatens the lives of 1,600 men. Recognizing the peril, General Erinmore (Colin Firth) dispatches two young soldiers, William Schofield (George MacKay) and Thomas Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), to relay a message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) to halt the offensive. They must hurry, as the attack is scheduled for the next morning.
The film’s standout feature is its innovative editing, creating the illusion of being shot in two continuous takes. One brief cut to black occurs midway to separate the segments. This remarkable filmmaking earned 1917 three Oscars: Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. It delivers one of the most exhilarating war movie experiences you’ll witness.
More titles to explore
As an avid user of streaming platforms, I’m always on the lookout for the latest films and series available. For instance, HBO Max recently added Mother Mary, an intriguing psychological drama featuring Anne Hathaway. Additionally, on Netflix, the final season of Outer Banks is available for streaming.
