Remember when the start of summer meant nothing but reruns on TV and big blockbusters in theaters? You probably don’t, if you’re under the age of 25. Yet that’s life in the streaming age, where there’s always a rich assortment of new movie and show releases to enjoy, as featured each week in Consequence’s Stream On newsletter. (Subscribe here!)
This month, there was a new Star Wars story for the smaller screens, the high-profile releases of some Emmy contenders (next year, anyway), and some great independent films that made their way to streaming platforms. We’ve also got some great docs covering the worlds of stand-up, music distribution, and theater, a fresh take on the superhero genre, and however you might describe the brilliance that emerges from Julio Torres’ wonderful brain. Check out the best of June below, including the Pick of the Month selection! (All other entries are sorted alphabetically.)
Pick of the Month: Am I OK? (Film)
Am I OK? (Max)
Directed by: Tig Notaro, Stephanie Allynne
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, Tig Notaro, Sean Hayes
Streaming on: Max
A tiny yet delightful and funny film about friendship, starring Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno as BFFs whose bond is put to the test due to some major life changes, including Johnson’s Lucy coming to realize, at the age of 32, that her sexuality might not be as straightforward as she thought. Directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne bring so much nuance to every scene, and most importantly know how to bring out Johnson’s best work (some actors only thrive when properly directed). For more, be sure to read our own Mary Siroky’s review, from the film’s Sundance 2022 premiere.
The Acolyte (TV)
The Acolyte (Disney+)
Created by: Leslye Headland
Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, Carrie-Anne Moss
Streaming on: Disney+
I feel like I’m a bit in the minority for liking the newest Star Wars show as much as I do, but between some solid performances, a fresh perspective on the franchise (no Skywalkers, no Empire, just some Jedi with some complicated secrets), and Carrie-Anne Moss doing actual goddamn jedi-fu, it really did win me over.
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