7 Newish Movies to Rent This Month

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that this November lineup is nothing short of spectacular! The diversity and quality of films on offer are truly a testament to the vibrancy of modern cinema.

Each month, we’ll spotlight the largest and most captivating movies set to arrive on streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon, and FandangoNow, typically rentable for around $19.99. Please note that release dates are subject to change. To view last month’s recommendations, click here.

The transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving has brought about a change in the entertainment landscape, as blockbuster horror films that ruled the box office during the spooky season are now available for premium video on demand streaming. Some of these include timeless monsters like the Smile Demon, Art the Clown, and Donald J. Trump. This November offers a diverse selection of movies to enjoy at home, especially given the unique circumstances we find ourselves in this month. Here’s a roundup of the top new releases that will soon grace your living room screens.

November 1

The Apprentice

Directed by Ali Abbasi, 122 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=0tXEN0WNJUg

This film, arriving only four days before a crucial election, isn’t just happening by chance. It delves into the contentious narrative of Donald J. Trump, tracing his transformation from a typical ’70s real estate entrepreneur to the dominating figure of New York in the ’80s. In essence, it mirrors the storyline of Frankenstein, with Jeremy Strong as the role of Victor Frankenstein and Sebastian Stan as the created monster, Roy Cohn and Trump respectively. The movie, directed by Abbasi, demonstrates how Trump adopted Cohn’s ideologies to construct his entire persona, incorporating aspects like persistent refusal to concede defeat and continuing battles even after being defeated.

November 5

A Different Man

Directed by Aaron Schimberg, 112 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_9CmC5Rmsdw

Redouble the role of Stan! He shines even brighter than he did on “The Apprentice,” as Sebastian Stan takes on a completely new character – a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a dramatic transformation to resemble the Winter Soldier. However, the story underscores that our inner character remains unchanged by our appearance, a notion beautifully illustrated by Adam Pearson’s captivating portrayal of a character so self-assured and at ease with himself that he encapsulates the film’s themes perfectly. This week, Pearson was nominated for a Gotham Award, hopefully marking the beginning of an awards season that will bring him the recognition he truly deserves.

November 12

Megalopolis

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 138 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=pq6mvHZU0fc

In 2024, one of cinema’s most cherished directors unveiled his long-awaited masterpiece, leaving viewers utterly bewildered. With a staggering investment of $100 million from his own funds, Coppola painted a future where an architect (Adam Driver) could halt time and alter existence, much like a filmmaker himself. The motifs in Megalopolis are indisputably complex, and some performances are questionable, but the dedication to artistry demonstrated by all participants is undeniably commendable. Coppola takes bold, ambitious risks with this movie, missing more times than not, yet it’s reassuring to know that there are still artists daring enough to aim for the grand slam.

Saturday Night

Directed by Jason Reitman, 109 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=CV16GHIqtGE

In simpler terms, the movie directed by Up in the Air focuses on approximately 100 minutes leading up to the debut episode of the groundbreaking TV show Saturday Night Live. Gabriel LaBelle, from The Fabelmans, portrays a nervous Lorne Michaels as he attempts to get his cast members, who aren’t quite ready for their big break, to work together seamlessly before the cameras start rolling. Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, Matthew Rhys, and numerous others make up a large ensemble, playing some of the most iconic comedic figures ever known.

November 19

Smile 2

Directed by Parker Finn, 127 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=FU_bAopCcSE

In a surprising turn of events, Parker Finn’s sequel to his initial blockbuster surpasses its predecessor in terms of ambition, terror, and success. One key factor contributing to this achievement is the exceptional performance by Naomi Scott as a pop sensation tormented by an entity that can be likened to an emotional parasite – a supernatural force that thrives on fear, trauma, anxiety, and mental health issues. Finn delves deeper into the narrative, steering away from replicating the original film’s rhythm and instead discovering fresh avenues to explore. Scott’s portrayal throughout is bold, delivering one of the most impactful horror performances in recent years.

November 26

Terrifier 3

Directed by Damien Leone, 125 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=lYMTzx2Qcmw

Invite Art the Clown to your Thanksgiving Bash! He’s accompanied by rats this time around! The third installment of the movie featuring the psychopathic clown, much like its predecessor, showcases stunning makeup effects and a captivating performance, yet is marred by repetition and a storyline that’s hard to invest in. However, for enthusiasts of this growing franchise, these elements are more than sufficient. The Terrifier series serves as an intriguing contrast to “elevated horror,” providing a raw, gory experience that resonates with viewers who crave the absurd in the genre. It undeniably satisfies that craving.

We Live in Time

Directed by John Crowley, 118 minutes

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=MH02yagHaNw

In this heartfelt romantic comedy with an unexpected twist, Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh take center stage. The plot unfolds their love story unconventionally, jumping between the early stages of their relationship, parenthood, and a cancer diagnosis. This unorthodox narrative style provides more emotional resonance than traditional sequencing. The non-linear approach softens some predictable elements, but the primary reason to consider a PVOD rental is clear: Garfield and Pugh deliver exceptional performances. Notably, the actor who has portrayed Spider-Man on three occasions (so far) showcases one of the most poignant “sad expressions” ever captured on film.

2024-11-02 01:54