New features from the directors Sean Penn (Flag Day), François Ozon (Summer of 85) and Lisa Joy (Reminiscence) debut on streaming outlets this week. But our critics recommend two documentaries instead: In the Same Breath, a personal and political response to Chinas handling of the pandemic, and the much lighter Truffle Hunters, about old men and their dogs on a culinary treasure hunt in the Italian forest.
Unless otherwise noted, all titles can generally be rented on the usual platforms, including Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and YouTube. SCOTT TOBIAS
Flag Day
Heavy-handed and more than a little pretentious, Flag Day seems to view Johns volatile fortunes as a metaphor for those of his country. Yet [Sean Penn] gives him a vivid, wheedling desperation thats weirdly moving, and the younger Penn [Seans daughter, Dylan,] has clearly inherited the emotional expressiveness of her mother, Robin Wright. Jeannette Catsoulis (Read the full review here.)
In the Same Breath (A Critics Pick)
A clear, razor-sharp look at the pandemic. And, as she did with her documentary One Child Nation (made with Jialing Zhang), [the director Nanfu Wang] vividly fuses the political with the personal. Manohla Dargis (Read the full review here.)
The Truffle Hunters (A Critics Pick)
This is an intriguing movie, as far as it goes. If I were a dog, I might object in a friendly way, of course. But since I am not a dog, it will sit at the top of my list of essential truffle movies, at least until Birba decides to direct one herself. A.O. Scott (Read the full review here.)
Reminiscence (HBO Max only, starting Friday)
When [the director Lisa Joy] is not narrowing her focus on big heads, she fills the frame with strong, clear images a bed on a roof, a city in water that have a solidity that helps anchor the movie, which is generally better seen than heard. Manohla Dargis (Read the full review here.)
Summer of 85
The film aims to be pulpy and provocative, teasing the idea that its lovesick protagonist turns homicidal with jealousy. It ultimately stumbles in this balancing act and loses sight of its emotional core, but its efforts remain compelling and delightfully bizarre. Beatrice Loayza (Read the full review here.)
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