Couch Theater – December 21, 2023

#MiddleburyCT #Movies

“Killers of the Flower Moon” (R) – Director Martin Scorsese’s latest release (and 26th feature film) is now available to rent or purchase, following its box-office run of $154.5 million. With an exemplary cast made up of Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser and more, this crime drama unpacks a series of targeted murders that occurred in the Osage Nation during the early 20th century. After finding oil in their land, the Osage tribe gains significant wealth that unknowingly draws in a pack of human parasites. Facilitated by a lack of interest from the local government, Osage members begin to die off seemingly without explanation. The film is based on a non-fiction book written by David Grann. (Apple TV+)

“Maestro” (R) – For the first time since “A Star Is Born,” Bradley Cooper had to juggle his acting/directing/writing hats for this biopic about the American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. The triple threat donned a prosthetic nose for his portrayal of the composer, opposite Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman”) as Felicia. The film follows Bernstein from 1943, when he was 25 and working as an assistant conductor, well into his old age in 1987 after years of composing successes such as “West Side Story.” Amid his triumphant public accomplishments, Bernstein tucks away his hidden attraction to men, forcing himself to live a stifling double life. Directors Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese served as producers for the film, out on Dec. 20. (Netflix)

“Asteroid City” (PG-13) – Grossing $54 million worldwide, Wes Anderson’s latest comedy drama features an ensemble cast of great Hollywood names like Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, Steve Carell and more. Ever the witty and unconventional writer, Anderson tells two stories in one, the first being a fictional play called “Asteroid City,” which sets up how the film is told and framed. The second plotline, interspersed between the play’s scenes, follows the behind-the-scenes events about the playwright, Conrad Earp, and how his creation came to be. Anderson’s directing style is right on brand, as always, with a beautiful pastel aesthetic and a clever visual design that feels akin to watching theatre. Out now. (Amazon Prime Video)

Real-life sisters Kat Sadler, left, and Lizzie Davidson star in “Such Brave Girls.” (Hulu)

“Such Brave Girls” (NR) – This comedic British sitcom centers on a single mother named Deb and her two daughters, Josie and Billie, played by two real-life sisters. Created by up-and-coming writer Kat Sadler, who stars as Josie, the series is described as a family sitcom about trauma. Through very punchy dialogue, it takes an honest and hilarious approach in showing the crunchy and awkward moments between family members that many people can relate to. The show seems similar to another British show, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s “Fleabag,” which also touches on family trauma and finding a place in the world after a shaky upbringing. (Hulu)

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.