Couch Theater – January 23, 2025

#MiddleburyCT #Movies #Miniseries

“Queer” (R) – Former James Bond portrayer Daniel Craig took up quite an interesting role in this period romantic drama from director Luca Guadagnino (“Challengers”). Based on the novella by William S. Burroughs, the film takes place in 1950s Mexico City and follows American expatriate William Lee (Craig). While bar hopping one day, Lee comes across a young man named Eugene (Drew Starkey) and instantly becomes infatuated with him. The quiet Eugene attempts to reciprocate Lee’s actions but only gives up so much of himself at a time when homophobia runs rampant throughout society. Out now to rent, “Queer” makes viewers feel like they happened upon a few diary entries about a man’s greatest love affair. (VUDU)

“Kinds of Kindness” (R) – Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) and Jesse Plemons (“Civil War”) lead this movie with three separate winding tales that will leave you at a bit of a loss, to be frank, not necessarily in a good or bad way. The first story centers around an employee named Robert Fletcher who lives his life exactly how his boss tells him to, including his meals, his house, and his relationship. It explores what happens to Robert when his boss suddenly refuses to dictate his life anymore. The second story’s plot seems straight out of a “Black Mirror” episode, with a police officer convinced that his wife has been replaced by a clone. The third and final story tells a tale about sex cult members who are looking for a woman with the ability to reawaken the dead. All of these stories are loosely connected, but it’ll take some sleuthing to figure out exactly how. Out now. (Hulu)

“Small Things Like These” (PG-13) – Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) stars in this historical drama taking place in Ireland during Christmas 1985. He plays coal merchant Bill Furlong, who spends his days laboring and his nights at home with his wife and five daughters. Tortured by memories of his childhood, Bill often keeps to himself and rarely falls out of line with his routine. But one day, as he sets off for work early, he encounters a pregnant teenage girl who is locked in the coal shed of the local convent. His discovery of her subsequently leads to his planning to free her from the abusive nuns, and in turn, he is able to confront the ghosts of his past. This short 98-minute film is out now to rent. (Amazon Prime Video)

Quintessa Swindell, left, and Leo Woodall star in “Prime Target.” (Apple TV+ photo)

“Prime Target” (TV-MA) – Leo Woodall (“One Day”) has clinched his second main role after getting his big break in the second season of “The White Lotus” as Jack. In this thriller miniseries, he stars as Edward, a brilliant mathematics student whose work will eventually enable him to access every computer in the world. Obviously, an invention such as this would be disastrous in the wrong hands, and the wrong hands are hard at work to make sure that Edward’s work doesn’t come to fruition. Luckily, NSA agent Taylah Sanders (Quintessa Swindell) has been tasked with watching over Edward, and if they put their two minds together, they’ll be able to figure out who’s sabotaging the project. The show premieres Jan. 22. (Apple TV+)

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.