Happy Sunday, Streamers.
Hope you’re all fat off of stuffing and hungry for content. We’re thankful for all of our readers this Thanksgiving, especially all the new ones who have joined the ranks this week. For all of you newbies, allow me to welcome you to The Sunday Stream, the answer to what has become one of the most challenging questions of our time:
What Should I Watch Tonight?
Every Sunday morning, we send the best things to watch straight to your inbox. No think pieces, no pretense; just one or two recommendations, along with the what/why/who/where (what is it about, why should I watch, who’s in it/made it, and where can I stream) because no one should waste their free time on bad content.
This week we have a small indie film to watch with your parents when there’s no more football or turkey left, plus a blockbuster IP show that may end up being one of the best shows this year. Now let’s get to it.
Causeway
What It’s About: A soldier (Jennifer Lawrence) recovering from PTSD arrives home in New Orleans, where she meets an unlikely friend (Brian Tyree Henry) who helps her heal.
Why You Should Watch: For warm feels, strong performances, and counter-programming to blockbuster films and TV.
She’s been so omnipresent in culture for the last 15 years, so you might have forgotten that Jennifer Lawrence got her start in the small indie drama Winter’s Bone. I mention it only because Causeway is a winning return to those roots (and perhaps the beginning of a J Law comeback…?). It’s a quietly moving film, and J Law shines along with Brian Tyree Henry, who supports her as a sweet, sensitive man haunted by his own past that helps overcome her own. Causeway also scores bonus points for being a tight 90 minutes and a perfect middle-of-the-road drama that everyone in the family can agree on (perfect for when you’ve run out of things to talk about around the holidays).
Who’s In It, and Where You Probably Know Them From:
Jennifer Lawrence - She first arrived on the scene in Winter’s Bone, then blew up via The Hunger Games franchise. You might also know her from Silver Linings Playbook, the X-Men franchise, American Hustle, Mother! or Don’t Look Up. Or, you love her for her other full-time job: being a wildly charming real person during red carpet and late-night TV interviews.
Brian Tyree Henry - He’s most known for his breakout role on Atlanta with Donald Glover, but he’s also appeared in Widows, If Beale Street Could Talk, Joker, and Eternals.
Linda Emond - We honestly wouldn’t have recognized this actress except she just played the mom on The Patient, and she also briefly appears on Succession.
Stephen McKinley Henderson - A king of prestige dramas, this guy has appeared in Lincoln, The Newsroom, Devs, Manchester by the Sea, Lady Bird, and Dune.
Who Made It, and What Else Have They Done: Lila Neugebauer directed the film; she also directed Room 104 and the series Maid.
Where You Can Watch: Apple TV+
Andor
What It’s About: The latest from the Star Wars galaxy, this prequel to Rogue One follows Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) journey towards taking up the cause against the Empire, as well as the formative events that resulted in the creation of the Rebellion.
Why You Should Watch: For a new, adult take on Star Wars, and thoughtful debates on the best way to combat fascism (seriously).
We know, we know - we’ve been down this road before with Star Wars shows. After the finale, we’re now willing to go on record - this is really, really good. When Andor first premiered alongside Rings of Power and House of the Dragon it quickly became the critical favorite within the category of big budget IP shows. Now that the show has ended, the consensus is clear: this show is no longer just best-in-class, it’s both the best Star Wars entry Disney has made into the franchise, and very well may be one of the best shows this year, period. You don’t need to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy - Tony Gilroy has created an adult drama that transcends the franchise and effectively plays as Michael Clayton in space. Please give Andor a shot - not only to see what all the fuss is about, but also to encourage Disney to give us more of this version of Star Wars.
Who’s In It, and Where You Probably Know Them From:
Diego Luna - Rogue One, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Milk, and Narcos: Mexico
Stellan Skarsgard - Good Will Hunting, Amistad, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Mamma Mia!, Dune, Chernobyl, and the Thor franchise/MCU.
Who Made It, and What Else Have They Done: Tony Gilroy wrote and directed the series. He’s most well known for Michael Clayton and the Jason Bourne Franchise.
Where You Can Watch: Disney+