Here are a few streaming films and series that are worth your time — and maybe your money — to watch.
Prime Video: “House of David” – Season 1
This eight-part series dramatizes the early life of King David and the final chapters of King Saul and the Prophet Samuel, adhering closely to the Book of Samuel (much of the dialogue is nearly verbatim). “House of David” introduces viewers to Saul, Jonathan, Michal, Goliath, the Philistines and more, staying faithful to Jewish tradition. Expect Hebrew psalms, chapter titles, and even the frequent use of “Hashem” for God.
The show is a rare example of Philo-Zionist media, reinforcing the Jewish presence in Israel for over 3,400 years. While the cast is made up of relative unknowns, the performances are solid, with episodes five through eight picking up in pace. It was one of Prime’s most-watched shows on debut and has been renewed for a second season, which will feature David’s reign as king.
Netflix: “Nonnas”
Vince Vaughn plays a middle-aged bachelor in 1970s Brooklyn who opens an Italian restaurant in Staten Island to honor his late mother’s cooking. His secret? He hires actual Italian grandmothers to cook.
Based on a true story, this heartwarming film features a stellar ensemble: Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Drea de Matteo and Susan Sarandon all shine in this feel-good tribute to family and food.
The Criterion Channel: “Flip Side”
Filmmaker Chris Wilcha revisits the New Jersey record shop where he worked as a teen, but this documentary is more than nostalgia. It’s a heartfelt meditation on life, family, work and purpose.
Narrated by Wilcha and featuring archival footage, cameos by Judd Apatow, David Milch, Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler and David Spade, this is a touching, funny, and insightful 92 minutes. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 97%. It’s streaming on Prime Video.
“The Last Showgirl” – ITP Global Film (U.S. 2024)
Pamela Anderson delivers her finest performance yet as an aging Las Vegas showgirl facing the end of her career. Like Mickey Rourke’s turn in “The Wrestler,” this film is raw, real and emotional.
Anderson, now 58, stars opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays a cocktail waitress confronting similar struggles. The supporting cast includes Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd and David Bautista. Available on Disney+, Hulu and Fandango at Home.
“Daddio” and “Materialists”
Dakota Johnson shows range in two standout performances. In “Daddio,” a two-hander with Sean Penn, Johnson plays a woman in a long taxi ride from JFK to Manhattan. Penn, as the veteran cabbie, engages in a deeply introspective conversation with Johnson’s character. Despite the unlikely casting of Penn as a New York cabbie, the performances and writing carry the film. Available on Netflix, Tubi, Prime Video and Apple TV.
In “Materialists,” Johnson stars as a high-powered Manhattan matchmaker with a messy personal life. The rom-com explores modern dating dysfunction, with supporting performances by Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film is currently in theaters and streaming on Prime, Google Play, Apple TV and YouTube TV.
