Three overlooked films on Apple TV that you should check out this weekend (July 24-26).
Apple TV's original lineup is filled with overlooked treasures that truly deserve more recognition, and this weekend's selections highlight that. These three films cover a range of genres, from a real-life narrative about two Black entrepreneurs outsmarting a discriminatory system to Denzel Washington's haunting interpretation of Shakespeare’s most ambitious antagonist, as well as a resilient Dublin family discovering unity through music.
Additionally, we offer guides on the top new movies to stream, the best films on Netflix, the best options on Hulu, free movies, and the finest selections on Amazon Prime Video.
The Banker (2020)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson) orchestrated one of the most audacious business schemes in American history during the 1960s, acquiring properties in exclusively white neighborhoods while a white front man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), represented their enterprise.
The Banker depicts this true story, illustrating the lengths to which two Black entrepreneurs had to go to obtain opportunities that others often took for granted. What makes this Apple original effective is its ability to balance anger with cleverness, allowing viewers to support both the deception and its underlying cause. Being based on real events lends significant weight to each plot twist.
Watch The Banker on Apple TV.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
IMDB rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Upon receiving an ominous prophecy from three menacing witches, Scottish lord Macbeth (Denzel Washington) becomes increasingly driven by unyielding political ambition. Urged on by his calculating wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), he murders King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) to seize the throne for himself. After becoming king, overwhelming paranoia and guilt engulf him, pushing him toward violent acts as he eliminates rivals like Macduff (Corey Hawkins).
Director Joel Coen distills Macbeth to its essence in this adaptation, exchanging grand castles and lavish displays for dark, minimalist settings. The black and white cinematography adds depth to the narrative in unexpected ways. The film also garnered three Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Washington, marking it as one of the finest adaptations of Shakespeare in recent years.
Watch The Tragedy of Macbeth on Apple TV.
Flora and Son (2023)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
IMDB rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Struggling to find direction for her unruly teenage son Max (Orén Kinlan), Flora (Eve Hewson) takes the advice of the police to secure him a hobby by bringing home a well-worn acoustic guitar she discovers in a dumpster. When Max shows no interest, Flora begins taking lessons herself through video calls with a down-and-out musician from Los Angeles named Jeff, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and their long-distance friendship gradually transforms her perspective on life.
Director John Carney, known for films like Once and Sing Street, infuses this underappreciated movie on Apple TV with his unique blend of gritty charm and musicality. Jack Reynor plays Max's mostly absent father, adding complexity to Flora's feelings of exhaustion. This film struck me as both humorous and unexpectedly heartfelt.
Watch Flora and Son on Apple TV.
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Three overlooked films on Apple TV that you should check out this weekend (July 24-26).
This weekend, we have three overlooked treasures on Apple TV that showcase some of the platform's finest creations, which often go unnoticed.
