Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
See our comprehensive guide to where to stream the best films of 2021.
Clerk. (Malcolm Ingram)
What more can you say about a guy who’s been an open book for the last two-and-a-half decades? Herein lies the challenge of Malcolm Ingram’s warm, American Masters-style portrait of friend Kevin Smith, the kind of guy who frankly feels like a friend to all of his fans. The film, titled Clerk, allows others besides Silent Bob to contribute to the Smith story, chronicling his extensive career in filmmaking, comics, e-commerce, and podcasting. – John F. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
The Human Surge (Eduardo Williams)
About five years old and at least ten years ahead, Eduardo Williams’ The Human Surge is the closest...
See our comprehensive guide to where to stream the best films of 2021.
Clerk. (Malcolm Ingram)
What more can you say about a guy who’s been an open book for the last two-and-a-half decades? Herein lies the challenge of Malcolm Ingram’s warm, American Masters-style portrait of friend Kevin Smith, the kind of guy who frankly feels like a friend to all of his fans. The film, titled Clerk, allows others besides Silent Bob to contribute to the Smith story, chronicling his extensive career in filmmaking, comics, e-commerce, and podcasting. – John F. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
The Human Surge (Eduardo Williams)
About five years old and at least ten years ahead, Eduardo Williams’ The Human Surge is the closest...
- 11/26/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Chicago – If you ever wondered how a polyamorous relationship might play out – in this case He-She-She – then writer/director Marion Hill has created “Ma Belle, My Beauty” as one such delving into the territory. The Gene Siskel Film Center presents the Sundance Film Festival Award Winner through September 8th, 2021. For more information click Ma Belle, My Beauty.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
What happens when singer Bertie (Idella Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Hannah Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, an observation into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Marion Hill envisions many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
What happens when singer Bertie (Idella Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Hannah Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, an observation into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Marion Hill envisions many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium.
- 9/6/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The summer is coming to an end and with it comes a number of films to have on your to-watch list. From some highly-anticipated auteur-driven films to dazzling animations to riveting documentaries to horror stand-outs, there’s a wide-ranging array of selections. Check out our picks to see below.
12. Ma Belle, My Beauty (Marion Hill)
A premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Marion Hill’s acclaimed drama Ma Belle, My Beauty explores the nuances of a polyamorous relationship. John Fink said in his review, “In some relationships it’s easier to pick up where you left off, even after years of being apart. Others, such as those at the core of Marion Hill’s impressive, nuanced feature film debut Ma Belle, My Beauty—contain more heartbreak and baggage. Screening in Sundance’s Next category, Hill’s picture navigates uncomfortable truths with perspective and lyrical emotional honestly as Lane...
12. Ma Belle, My Beauty (Marion Hill)
A premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Marion Hill’s acclaimed drama Ma Belle, My Beauty explores the nuances of a polyamorous relationship. John Fink said in his review, “In some relationships it’s easier to pick up where you left off, even after years of being apart. Others, such as those at the core of Marion Hill’s impressive, nuanced feature film debut Ma Belle, My Beauty—contain more heartbreak and baggage. Screening in Sundance’s Next category, Hill’s picture navigates uncomfortable truths with perspective and lyrical emotional honestly as Lane...
- 8/3/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
A premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Marion Hill’s acclaimed drama Ma Belle, My Beauty explores the nuances of a polyamorous relationship. Starring Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon, the drama follows three people who were living together in New Orleans and one person in the relationship vanished. Then, two years later they get reacquainted in the south of France. Now set for an August release, the first trailer has landed.
John Fink said in his review, “In some relationships it’s easier to pick up where you left off, even after years of being apart. Others, such as those at the core of Marion Hill’s impressive, nuanced feature film debut Ma Belle, My Beauty—contain more heartbreak and baggage. Screening in Sundance’s Next category, Hill’s picture navigates uncomfortable truths with perspective and lyrical emotional honestly as Lane (Hannah Pepper...
John Fink said in his review, “In some relationships it’s easier to pick up where you left off, even after years of being apart. Others, such as those at the core of Marion Hill’s impressive, nuanced feature film debut Ma Belle, My Beauty—contain more heartbreak and baggage. Screening in Sundance’s Next category, Hill’s picture navigates uncomfortable truths with perspective and lyrical emotional honestly as Lane (Hannah Pepper...
- 6/8/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Idella Johnson and Hannah Pepper in Ma Belle, My Beauty Photo: Inside Out
A gently paced, atmospheric story played out against the backdrop of southern France, Ma Belle, My Beauty explores the dynamics of a relationship on the rocks. Bertie (Idella Johnson) is an African American singer who has recently arrived in the region but seems ill at ease and can’t find much will to perform. Her French husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) is anxious about this because they’re soon supposed to be going on tour, so he invites her former girlfriend Lane (Hannah Pepper) over from the US to visit them in the hope of lifting her mood. This doesn’t quite go to plan as unresolved issues between the two women lead to a difficult period of self-reflection for all of them.
The film is screening as part of Inside Out and Marion and I connected to discuss it.
A gently paced, atmospheric story played out against the backdrop of southern France, Ma Belle, My Beauty explores the dynamics of a relationship on the rocks. Bertie (Idella Johnson) is an African American singer who has recently arrived in the region but seems ill at ease and can’t find much will to perform. Her French husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) is anxious about this because they’re soon supposed to be going on tour, so he invites her former girlfriend Lane (Hannah Pepper) over from the US to visit them in the hope of lifting her mood. This doesn’t quite go to plan as unresolved issues between the two women lead to a difficult period of self-reflection for all of them.
The film is screening as part of Inside Out and Marion and I connected to discuss it.
- 6/6/2021
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
"The way you two do your things is none of my business." "You're right, it's not." Good Deed has released an official US trailer for Ma Belle, My Beauty, an indie romantic drama that originally premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It also played at the SXSW and Seattle Film Festivals and will open in select theaters in August. A surprise reunion in the South of France reignites passions and jealousies between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers. Two years after their relationship went awry, Bertie and Fred have gotten married and are living at Fred's family home in the countryside. When Lane unexpectedly shows up in Bertie's seemingly idyllic new life, she finds her former lover much different than she remembers, and a new romantic adventure begins. The film stars Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon. This was one of my...
- 6/4/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Bertie (Idella Johnson) has an exquisite voice, but like a caged nightingale, she doesn't want to sing. She barely even speaks, beyond small scale interaction with her musician husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) and a handful of friends; she has made no notable effort to improve her French since moving to Cévennes. Worried by her reluctance to join him on the tour they have planned, Fred decides to surprise her and try to lift her mood by inviting her former girlfriend, Lane (Hannah Pepper) to join them, but he doesn't know why the two split up - it's not clear Lane does either - and what follows only adds to the difficulty of the situation.
It can be difficult, as a bisexual person, to enter into what looks to outsiders like a heterosexual relationship and still hold on to the identity that comes from experience of living outside that privileged space.
It can be difficult, as a bisexual person, to enter into what looks to outsiders like a heterosexual relationship and still hold on to the identity that comes from experience of living outside that privileged space.
- 6/3/2021
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Good Deed Entertainment to release in US in August.
Montreal-based sales company WaZabi Films has bulked up its virtual Cannes sales slate for next month, picking up international rights to Sundance Next audience award winner Ma Belle, My Beauty.
‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’: SXSW Review
Marion Hill’s USA-France drama was also a SXSW selection and tells of old passions and jealousies that are reignited in the south of France between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers.
Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon star. Producers are Ben Matheny, Kelsey Scult, and Hill.
Good Deed Entertainment...
Montreal-based sales company WaZabi Films has bulked up its virtual Cannes sales slate for next month, picking up international rights to Sundance Next audience award winner Ma Belle, My Beauty.
‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’: SXSW Review
Marion Hill’s USA-France drama was also a SXSW selection and tells of old passions and jealousies that are reignited in the south of France between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers.
Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon star. Producers are Ben Matheny, Kelsey Scult, and Hill.
Good Deed Entertainment...
- 5/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Good Deed Entertainment to release in US in August.
Montreal-based sales company WaZabi Films has bulked up its virtual Cannes sales slate for next month, picking up international rights to Sundance Next audience award winner Ma Belle, Ma Beauty.
‘Ma Belle, Ma Beauty’: SXSW Review
Marion Hill’s USA-France drama was also a SXSW selection and tells of old passions and jealousies that are reignited in the south of France between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers.
Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon star. Producers are Ben Matheny, Kelsey Scult, and Hill.
Good Deed...
Montreal-based sales company WaZabi Films has bulked up its virtual Cannes sales slate for next month, picking up international rights to Sundance Next audience award winner Ma Belle, Ma Beauty.
‘Ma Belle, Ma Beauty’: SXSW Review
Marion Hill’s USA-France drama was also a SXSW selection and tells of old passions and jealousies that are reignited in the south of France between two women who were formerly polyamorous lovers.
Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, Lucien Guignard, and Sivan Noam Shimon star. Producers are Ben Matheny, Kelsey Scult, and Hill.
Good Deed...
- 5/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Chicago – After garnering a major honor at the Sundance Film Festival – the Audience Award in the Next category – “Ma Belle, My Beauty” will screen at the virtual/online South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in yet another opportunity to see the modern and emotional expression of love. Idella Johnson and Hannah Pepper are two/thirds of a past polyamorous relationship.
What happens when singer Bertie (Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, a delve into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Writer/director Marion Hill creates many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium.
What happens when singer Bertie (Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, a delve into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Writer/director Marion Hill creates many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium.
- 3/18/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Good Deed Entertainment has nabbed North American rights to “Ma Belle, My Beauty,” a queer polyamorous love story that was embraced by critics when it debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The film, which marks Marion Hill’s directorial feature film debut, won the Audience Award in the Next category at the festival. It will next screen at the South by Southwest Film Festival in the “Festival Favorites” section.
“Ma Belle, My Beauty” unfolds in the south of France, and follows the love story of Lane (Hannah Pepper), Bertie (Idella Johnson) and Fred (Lucien Guignard). In a positive review, Variety‘s Lisa Kennedy commended Hill’s direction and noted the romantic atmosphere that she evoked.
“‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’ is lovely, not least because it was filmed in and around the book-me-a-flight village of Anduze near the Cévennes mountains,” Kennedy wrote. “Hill and cinematographer Lauren Guiteras seize the...
The film, which marks Marion Hill’s directorial feature film debut, won the Audience Award in the Next category at the festival. It will next screen at the South by Southwest Film Festival in the “Festival Favorites” section.
“Ma Belle, My Beauty” unfolds in the south of France, and follows the love story of Lane (Hannah Pepper), Bertie (Idella Johnson) and Fred (Lucien Guignard). In a positive review, Variety‘s Lisa Kennedy commended Hill’s direction and noted the romantic atmosphere that she evoked.
“‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’ is lovely, not least because it was filmed in and around the book-me-a-flight village of Anduze near the Cévennes mountains,” Kennedy wrote. “Hill and cinematographer Lauren Guiteras seize the...
- 2/18/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – After garnering a major honor at the Sundance Film Festival – the Audience Award in the Next category – “Ma Belle, My Beauty” made an impression with its intimate look at polyamorous (group of three) lovers, particularly the lead actors portraying the two women, Idella Johnson and Hannah Pepper.
What happens when singer Bertie (Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, a delve into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Writer/director Marion Hill creates many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium
Idella Johnson (left) and Hannah Pepper of...
What happens when singer Bertie (Johnson) can’t sing anymore? Her collaborator husband Fred (Lucien Guignard) calls her ex-lover Lane (Pepper), as they were part of a He-She-She relationship before their marriage. The mystery of the connection between Bertie and Lane is the key to this film, a delve into the physical and chemical connection between people and the messy emotions that get in the way. The acting is pitch perfect, and Idella Johnson’s singing voice is heaven on earth. Writer/director Marion Hill creates many hallways to go down in this three-way consortium
Idella Johnson (left) and Hannah Pepper of...
- 2/15/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Ethical non-monogamy doesn’t make for great dramatic conflict. Maybe that’s why alternative relationship structures such as polyamory are so rarely depicted onscreen. Where would we be if scripts couldn’t rely on torrid affairs or public marriage proposals for quotable monologues and heated arguments? If anything goes, what would people fight about?
Turns out, quite a lot. But it’s not guaranteed to be any more compelling than the status quo. Though it boasts a picturesque setting and elegant shooting style, “Ma Belle, My Beauty”
Set on a sun-soaked vineyard in the South of France, “Ma Belle, My Beauty” embraces the arrival of a third person into a marriage, resisting the unconventional set-up as a dramatic flashpoint. The tension stems instead from two women re-hashing an unresolved relationship, and a man playing semi-neutral observer with his own motives. Unfortunately, the film is so intent on normalizing non-monogamy that...
Turns out, quite a lot. But it’s not guaranteed to be any more compelling than the status quo. Though it boasts a picturesque setting and elegant shooting style, “Ma Belle, My Beauty”
Set on a sun-soaked vineyard in the South of France, “Ma Belle, My Beauty” embraces the arrival of a third person into a marriage, resisting the unconventional set-up as a dramatic flashpoint. The tension stems instead from two women re-hashing an unresolved relationship, and a man playing semi-neutral observer with his own motives. Unfortunately, the film is so intent on normalizing non-monogamy that...
- 2/3/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Marion Hill tackles uncharted territory with her polyamorous drama Ma Belle, My Beauty. After moving to rural France, Bertie (Idella Johnson) runs into her ex Lane (Hannah Pepper-Cunningham) who she was previously in a three person relationship with alongside Bertie’s husband Fred (Lucien Guignard). Hill, also the editor of the film, reveals the personal journey that went into editing the film. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Hill: I am also the writer, director and one of three producers […]
The post "It Was Just Me and the Characters in a Vacuum": Editor Marion Hill on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post "It Was Just Me and the Characters in a Vacuum": Editor Marion Hill on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/2/2021
- by Austin Jones
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Marion Hill tackles uncharted territory with her polyamorous drama Ma Belle, My Beauty. After moving to rural France, Bertie (Idella Johnson) runs into her ex Lane (Hannah Pepper-Cunningham) who she was previously in a three person relationship with alongside Bertie’s husband Fred (Lucien Guignard). Hill, also the editor of the film, reveals the personal journey that went into editing the film. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Hill: I am also the writer, director and one of three producers […]
The post "It Was Just Me and the Characters in a Vacuum": Editor Marion Hill on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post "It Was Just Me and the Characters in a Vacuum": Editor Marion Hill on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/2/2021
- by Austin Jones
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Chicago – The 2021 Sundance Film Festival is now in Day Four, offering over 20 premieres on January 31st. This year’s festival is virtual and online, meaning anyone with a ticket or a pass can indulge in the film offerings throughout the festival, which runs until February 3rd.
For the premieres of 2021, the cutting edge potential influencer films and all the ancillary new voice filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival is the one that begins every film year with the movies that ultimately become the talk of the town and the gatherer of year end awards. Your ticket to the festival is your chance to see these films and filmmakers before the general public.
On the Count of Three
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists.
For the premieres of 2021, the cutting edge potential influencer films and all the ancillary new voice filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival is the one that begins every film year with the movies that ultimately become the talk of the town and the gatherer of year end awards. Your ticket to the festival is your chance to see these films and filmmakers before the general public.
On the Count of Three
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists.
- 1/31/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Marion Hill tackles uncharted territory with her polyamorous drama Ma Belle, My Beauty. After moving to rural France, Bertie (Idella Johnson) runs into her ex Lane (Hannah Pepper-Cunningham) who she was previously in a three person relationship with alongside Bertie’s husband Fred (Lucien Guignard). Dp Lauren Guiteras walks us through how she captured naturalistic sensuality, the beauty of imperfect lighting, and how she grounded Ma Belle, My Beauty in the tangible world. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the cinematographer of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Guiteras: I had […]
The post "There Is an Appropriate Numbness and Bareness to It": Dp Lauren Guiteras on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post "There Is an Appropriate Numbness and Bareness to It": Dp Lauren Guiteras on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/30/2021
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Marion Hill tackles uncharted territory with her polyamorous drama Ma Belle, My Beauty. After moving to rural France, Bertie (Idella Johnson) runs into her ex Lane (Hannah Pepper-Cunningham) who she was previously in a three person relationship with alongside Bertie’s husband Fred (Lucien Guignard). Dp Lauren Guiteras walks us through how she captured naturalistic sensuality, the beauty of imperfect lighting, and how she grounded Ma Belle, My Beauty in the tangible world. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the cinematographer of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Guiteras: I had […]
The post "There Is an Appropriate Numbness and Bareness to It": Dp Lauren Guiteras on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post "There Is an Appropriate Numbness and Bareness to It": Dp Lauren Guiteras on Ma Belle, My Beauty first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/30/2021
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
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