Activism, Cinema, and Food: Three New Streaming Films to Watch
Discover three compelling new streaming releases, including Sian Heder's disability rights drama "Being Heumann", a tribute to Sofia Coppola, and a biopic on Anthony Bourdain.
Streaming platforms are offering a diverse array of compelling new releases, ranging from inspiring historical docudramas to heartfelt behind-the-scenes tributes and biographical portraits of cultural icons.
Being Heumann on Apple TV
Five years after capturing Academy Awards for the breakout feature "CODA", director Sian Heder returns with "Being Heumann", an ambitious historical drama that opened the Toronto International Film Festival. The film chronicles the inspiring true story of Judy Heumann, a wheelchair-bound disability rights activist who spearheaded the historic 1977 occupation of the federal Department of Health building in San Francisco. Protesters refused to leave until the administration signed regulations enforcing anti-discrimination laws for disabled individuals in federally funded institutions.
British actress Ruth Madeley stars as Heumann, leading a cast where Heder strictly employed disabled actors to portray disabled characters, mirroring her authentic casting approach in "CODA". Mark Ruffalo portrays the federal health secretary targeted by the protest, which remains the longest occupation of a federal building in United States history. While touching upon initial political friction and ideological divides among activists from different disability communities, the film builds toward an emotional crescendo that highlights a transformative civil rights struggle.
Making Marie Antoinette on MUBI
Marking the twentieth anniversary of Sofia Coppola's acclaimed historical film "Marie Antoinette", MUBI introduces "Making Marie Antoinette", a documentary shaped as a poignant tribute to filmmaker Eleanor Coppola. Eleanor, who passed away two years ago at age 87, originally planned to document her daughter's massive production at the Palace of Versailles, echoing her famous making-of work on Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now".
Completed by Sofia and Roman Coppola, the documentary incorporates diary excerpts read by Diane Lane, reflecting on Eleanor's artistic sacrifices and dedication to family alongside charming behind-the-scenes footage. The archival material captures a unique family enterprise on a grand cinematic set, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the creative pressures behind a beloved visual masterpiece.
Tony on Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video presents "Tony", a dramatic feature exploring the pre-fame years of the late New York chef and television host Anthony Bourdain, who died in France in 2018. Based on memoirs detailing his youth, the film features Dominic Sessa as a young, ambitious Bourdain who moves to New England following a romantic interest and takes a job at a coastal restaurant under a boss played by Antonio Banderas.
Directed by Matt Johnson, the biographical project portrays a younger Bourdain marked by youthful arrogance and self-absorption. While some critics note the film struggles to fully explain the immense charisma that later propelled Bourdain to global television stardom, it offers a distinct narrative look at the formative struggles of a culinary icon.
