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Gathering for the G7 summit when the world is tiptoeing out of coronavirus lockdowns: an “awkward proposition to deal with.”
We’ve all got a bit more time on our hands right now, and what better way to spend it than by streaming some underrated movies you never got around to watching?
No judgment here. The world of streaming is vast, filled with too many TV shows and films to keep track of. But if you’re looking to elevate your binge-watching game, might we suggest some of these hidden gems on Hulu? Thrilling adventures. Sci-fi road trips. Some Bong Joon-Ho goodness. There’s a little something for everyone here, and trust us, it’s all good.
Midnight Special (2016)
Run Time: 112 min | IMDb: 6.6/10
Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, and Adam Driver star in this thrillingly dark road trip flick from director Jeff Nichols. The story follows a father (Shannon) and his young, gifted son, who are on the run from the Feds and a religious cult after both groups learn of the boy’s special abilities. The sci-fi here is played more for mystery — we’re never quite sure what the boy can do, but it’s dangerously big — big enough to have Driver’s government investigator spooked. Shannon is terrific as a father scrambling to do right by his kid, and Edgerton is sturdy as the friend/hired gun who transports them where they need to go.
Let Me In (2010)
Run Time: 116 min | IMDb: 7.1/10
Chloe Grace Moretz stars in this inventive horror flick from Matt Reeves. Moretz plays Abby, a child vampire who secretly lives with her guardian and befriends a bullied boy named Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Abby and Owen form an intense bond, with Abby promising to protect him from his bullies and Owen eventually coming to accept her vampirism, but not before Abby and her guardian are forced to do some terrible things to survive — and keep her existence quiet.
Colossal (2017)
Run Time: 109 min | IMDb: 6.2/10
A decidedly unusual twist on the giant monster movie, Nacho Vigolando’s Colossal follows Gloria (Anne Hathaway), an unemployed writer who moves back to her hometown after her boyfriend Tim (Dan Stevens) breaks up with her. After moving into her childhood home, Gloria’s heavy drinking starts to take a toll on her before she starts to realize that she may have a significant connection with a towering monster that spontaneously appears over Seoul, South Korea.
The Nightingale (2018)
Run Time: 136 min | IMDb: 7.2/10
Australian director Jennifer Kent follows up her surprise success, The Babadook, with another dark tale, this time one that follows a young woman on a path of revenge. Aisling Franciosi plays Claire, an Irish convict sent to Tasmania in 1825 who chases a British officer (Sam Claflin) through the wilderness, intent on making him pay for the crimes he committed against her and her family. Along the way, she recruits help from an aboriginal tracker and the two navigate racial tensions and prejudice on their quest. Franciosi is magnetic as Claire, a woman who refuses to let the horrible abuses she’s suffered break her, and Claflin seems to delight in playing the villain of this story.
The Host (2006)
Run Time: 119 min | IMDb: 7.0/10
#BongHive rejoice! Hulu’s giving us even more reasons to tap into the director’s eclectic collection of genre films with this monster-run-amock movie, which was first inspired by reports of a fish with an S-shaped spine being caught in the Han River. For The Host, Bong Joon-Ho made the creature significantly more menacing, as it eventually emerges from the Han River and causes immense havoc. Local snack bar vendor Park Gang-du (Song Kang-ho) tries to escape with his daughter before realizing he’s escaped with the wrong girl. Soon, the U.S. military arrives and quarantines all those who’ve come into contact with the creature, making Park Gang-du’s attempts to rescuing his daughter from the creature’s lair significantly more difficult. It’s thrilling and imaginative and the perfect post-Parasite watch.
Tangerine (2015)
Run Time: 88 min | IMDb: 7.1/10
Sean Baker did something revolutionary with this buzzed-about crime drama that follows a young, transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend (and pimp) has been cheating on her. Two things, really. First, he shot the entire film using iPhone cameras and manages to give fans a vivid, rich portrait of Hollywood’s underbelly. But more importantly, he gave audiences an intelligent, authentic, and respectful look into the complicated world of sex workers and the transgender community.
The Way Back (2010)
Run Time: 133 min | IMDb: 7.3/10
A ragtag group of gulag prisoners escape Siberia and head towards freedom in India. The journey is insanely arduous and violent. Still, they press on and on and on. It’s textbook “epic adventure” porn, but Peter Weir’s filming of the forest, mountains, plains, deserts, and tea fields around India is striking and will light a fire in you to travel to that corner of the world — you know, when we can actually leave our homes again. Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Mark Strong, and a young Saoirse Ronan give solid performances alongside Jim Sturgess, who plays the lead, a Polish citizen looking to make it back home.
Fast Color (2018)
Run Time: 100 min | IMDb: 5.9/10
Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars in this sci-fi thriller about a woman on the run who must return home to the family she abandoned once word of her supernatural abilities spreads. Mbatha-Raw plays Ruth, a woman whose seizures trigger earthquakes. Her mother and young daughter also have telekinetic abilities, and when Ruth comes home to escape a dogged scientist determined to experiment on her, she begins trying to understand her powers with their help while also staying under the radar.
Meek’s Cutoff (2010)
Run Time: 104 min | IMDb: 6.5/10
Michelle Williams stars in this Western that follows a group of settlers trying to cross the harsh Oregon desert in 1845. It’s a survival movie at heart, one that sees three pioneering families fighting find a better life, trusting the wrong man, and coming to terms with how little they understand this new world. William’s gives a particularly rousing performance as a wife at her wit’s end, and she’s supported by a terrific cast who are given room to just live in the terror of their wild surroundings.
Ben Is Back (2018)
Run Time: 103 min | IMDb: 6.7/10
Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges star in this heartbreaking family drama about a mother struggling to reconnect with her son, who’s in the midst of a long battle with addiction. Roberts plays Holly, who returns home on Christmas Eve to find her son Ben (Hedges) waiting for her. Ben’s been in rehab after getting hooked on prescription pills following a snowboarding accident in high school and has plans to celebrate the holiday with his family before returning to treatment. Those plans are quickly thwarted by old foes looking to use Ben to sell and smuggle drugs, and by the death of Ben’s close friend, who he may have introduced to pills. Roberts and Hedges are both magnetic in their roles, playing a tortured familial bond to great effect. It’s not a fun watch, but it is an impactful one.
For many, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. The weather is warm, the sun is out, and it’s a day filled with barbecues (even if this year you’re both the grillmaster and the only attendee). It’s just about as good as day drinking gets. Sally Gatza, lead bartender of LA Jackson in Nashville, spends her holiday drinking as patriotically as possible.
“Like Don McLean said in ‘American Pie’ — ‘…and them good old boys drinking whiskey and rye…’,” she notes. “Any whiskey from America is appropriate on Memorial Day. Try Buffalo Trace on the rocks with a tiny American flag in it. You’ll feel good and so will your dad.”
Other bartenders feel just as passionately as Gatza. That’s why we asked them to tell us their favorite American-made whiskeys to drink on Memorial Day.
Bulleit Straight Rye
Jim Richard, chef at Red Fish Taco in South Walton, Florida
Memorial Day will hopefully be filled with a long day on the beach social distancing with family and friends. I foresee shrimp on the grill during the day, sipping ice-cold, locally brewed beers, but as the sun begins to set and the ribs are getting tender, ice-cold watermelon is being scarfed as soon as the sharp knife peels off a wedge… that’s when the Bulleit Straight Rye comes out to finish off the perfect day.
The rich smooth finish stands up perfectly to the smoked pork and I’ve been known to add a cube and a chunk of watermelon to soften it a bit.
High West Double Rye
Gord Hannah, head bartender at The Drake Hotel in Toronto
I know that everyone is going to immediately rave about all the amazing rare bourbons that seem to be all the craze this last decade, but I am going to a different route. For me, the allure of the U.S has always been the cowboy. The wandering stranger seeking refuge in a saloon for a moment of peace and a place to hang his hat. The first thing he does is belt down a shot of whiskey before he turns to join the room. That bottle will be shared with the room and serve as an ice breaker for the rest of the evening, that bottle must be moderately priced and reek of all things American. High West Double Rye Whiskey is affordable, desperately close to being illegal (one of the ryes in the blend is distilled to a remarkably high ABV) and has hints of apple pie on the palate.
A perfect way to honor the American cowboys (and cow people) at home and abroad.
Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye
Ian Clark, bar supervisor at Topside in Baltimore
I’d have to go with Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye. I tend to drink whiskey straight only in the cooler parts of the year, but this rye has a nice lightness to it. It still has a pronounced rye spiciness with some baking spice notes, but the body and mouthfeel are a little lighter, which is more attractive to me in the late spring and summer.
Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon
Tim Wiggins, co-owner and beverage director at Yellowbelly in St. Louis
I would definitely reach for a bottle of Old Forester 86. It makes great classic cocktails and also works well as a light sipper. It’s earthy and sweet without being overly fussy and complex. It is also a solid brand with good people that we love to support at our restaurants.
Four Roses Yellow Label
Brandi Carter, beverage manager at Elvie’s in Jackson, Mississippi
Four Roses Yellow Label is a great, mixable American whiskey. I love it in anything from a whiskey sour to an old fashioned. But it’s also smooth enough to be enjoyed on its own all weekend long.
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
Catalina Borer, bartender at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia
The list is endless. I feel naming one would be unfair to so many amazing American whiskeys. Ultimately, it’s about which one goes best in the moment. If we’re talking specifically about Memorial Day, then I am thinking, barbecues in the backyard, long hours in the sun, and country music or bluegrass playing in the background. Keeping that in mind, I would choose: Basil Hayden’s. I think it’s a great whiskey-bourbon. It’s drinker friendly, a great way to introduce friends to the all-American whiskey world.
I find Hayden’s smooth but with loads of personality. It’s priced fairly and you can drink it straight up, on the rocks, or have fun and mix it up.
Sagamore Rye
Spencer Elliott, bartender at Bounce Sporting Club in Chicago
I like spicy, earthy, and smooth ryes for Memorial Day, so I’ll usually grab a bottle of Sagamore Rye. A classic Maryland rye from Baltimore, this whiskey pairs well in any cocktail or just on the rocks. I particularly love the way it holds up in an Old Fashioned. The sweetness of sugar and baking notes of the bitters meld wonderfully with this complex and unique rye.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
Westin Galleymore, spirits director at Underbelly Hospitality in Houston
Jack Daniels, specifically and only Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. I remember big block parties and barbecues growing up that my parents hosted during the summer. My dad used to always drink a Jack and Coke at some point, always as all the guests walked in, before all the wine was opened. Often times, he would have me make that Jack and Coke, after showing me how to get the right ratio of whiskey to ice to coke. It was one of the first drinks I learned how to make, and it always reminds me of that backyard filled with people. Still, I prefer the Single Barrel Barrel Proof to the classic Jack.
Noah’s Mill Bourbon
Kira Webster, beverage director at Indo in St. Louis
Noah’s Mill. It tends to be overlooked since a lot of the other whiskies from the Willett distillery have risen in popularity, but Noah’s Mill is just as good, and a little easier to find. For a younger whiskey, it’s super smooth, quite tasty, and awesome for Memorial Day since it comes from one of America’s oldest, and most renowned, whiskey distilleries.
Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey
Piero Procida, bartender at The London West Hollywood in Los Angeles
Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey. Memorial Day weekend is a wonderful time to enjoy a nice smooth whiskey at a BBQ, but one that can also stand up to the meaty foods people typically tend to eat. Of course, we pay homage to our veterans, and nothing is more Americana than a true American Whiskey like Uncle Nearest. The company has not been around that long and is very young, but it closely represents the original recipe of a wonderful American Whiskey. It is named after the real pioneer is said to be the one who taught Jack Daniel’s how to make Whiskey, the true godfather of Tennessee whiskey, Nathan “Nearest” Green. I love the story behind this Whiskey which creates a nice tale to tell your friends around the barbecue.
Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon
H. Joseph Ehrmann, proprietor of ELIXIR in San Francisco
The whiskey in hand! Keep it cheap and easy for party cocktails. You can’t go wrong with a handle of Evan Williams Black Label mixed up a bottle of Fresh Victor Three Citrus and mint for whiskey smashes all weekend long.
Leadslingers Bourbon
Kyle Harlan, beverage director of Mission Taco Joint in Kansas City
Leadslingers is the only bourbon I drink on Memorial Day. I can’t say that I particularly like it, but I am a veteran, and on Memorial Day I remember my fallen brothers by drinking whiskey made with them in mind.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Pete Stanton, head bartender at Ai Fiori at The Langham in New York City
Buffalo Trace is my go-to at home, Its pound for pound my favorite whiskey per dollar. Since Memorial Day is an all-day affair it’s better to stick to affordable standards.
Evan Williams 23-Year-Old Bourbon
Hayden Miller, head bartender at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Miami
Evan Williams 23. This is a surprising bottle that I stumbled across years ago. Often overlooked due to the Evan Williams label, this is some seriously awesome bourbon. Great body, smooth with some heat and a really nice mouthful of flavors. It’s not the easiest to come across and will carry a moderate price tag — all the more reason to save it for a special occasion or holiday.
Migos have been hard at work on their upcoming album for well over two years now. While the amount of time may be normal for most artists, the ATL rap group is more known for delivering projects at a faster rate. However, after Culture II, which was not entirely loved by listeners, and a pair of solo projects, the Migos have been taking their time with the upcoming album, recently building anticipation for their latest singles, “Racks 2 Skinny” and “Taco Tuesday.” Using a recent life achievement from one of its members as an excuse to release music, Migos share their third single in as many weeks with “Need It.”
Recruiting fellow southern act, Youngboy Never Broke Again, the four rappers get to work on their “Need It” single. Shedding much of the heavy autotune that the trio has used heavily in their recent release, Migos’ latest single is one of their stronger drops over the past years. While its inclusion on their upcoming album remains to be seen, Offset recently revealed that the Culture story may end much sooner than originally expected. “Ever since ‘Bad and Boujee’ went No. 1 and then we dropped Culture and Culture II, I’ve heard the word ‘culture’ so much,” he lamented. “As artists you challenge yourself—you have to keep moving forward. So I’ve been thinking of a plan to make something as powerful or more powerful [than Culture].”
“Need It” comes as Quavo revealed he is now a high school graduate thanks to cap and gown pictures on his Instagram page. The track arrives months after Youngboy avoided jail time for his assault and kidnapping case after pleading guilty to misdemeanor simple battery family violence. The arrest stemmed from a February 2018 incident involving his ex-girlfriend. In pleading guilty to the charge, his assault and kidnapping charges were dropped.
To hear “Need It” press play on the video.
NBA Youngboy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
This summer will mark two years since Teyana Taylor delivered her highly-acclaimed sophomore album, K.T.S.E. Starting from months after its release to this very moment, fans have been on edge for the album as Teyana has teased its progress over the years. Nearly a month ago, Teyana confirmed that her upcoming third album was complete and two weeks later, with help from her Def Jam label, the rollout for The Album began. With a promised release for June, Teyana returns with a pair of singles.
Returning with “Bare Wit Me” and “Made It,” Teyana gives fans a decent dose of what’s to come on her third album. Starting with “Bare Wit Me,” the track, which was originally previewed with her release date announcement, comes with the full video that features many of Teyana’s excellent dance skills that have only amplified her talents. As for the latter song, “Made It,” Teyana revealed in an Instagram post that the song was dedicated to the class of 2020 graduates, many of which were featured in the song’s music video.
“Unfortunately, this pandemic has stopped us from physically gathering and celebrating all the hard work you’ve put in through the years But this pandemic can’t stop your spirit, it can’t dim your light, and it can’t take your degree away from you!! So when you make it out of this dark time, shine bright and light up the world!”
Press play on “Bare Wit Me” and “Made It” in the videos above.