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The most underrated films to stream during quarantine

Catch these must-see flicks on Hulu and Netflix.
The most underrated films to stream during quarantine

Blue Valentine” (Netflix)

A hidden gem starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine” follows the story of a married couple whose relationship is caught in a downward spiral. The film employs beautiful color symbolism as the scenes jump back and forth in time, displaying the contrast between the beginning of their relationship and the end. This film is definitely one to tug at the heartstrings.  

Circle” (Netflix)

If suspense and thrillers are more your speed, this film will certainly keep you on your toes. This 2015 sci-fi and horror flick follows 50 strangers facing a mysterious threat which executes a person of the group’s choice one by one, forcing the group to decide who among them deserves to live. Not only will this film keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also lead you to consider what gives meaning to life. 

The Lobster” (Netflix)

This odd but hilarious dystopian story will easily become an instant favorite. The story follows characters in a society where single people are sent to a hotel and given 45 days to find a romantic partner, or else they will be transformed into an animal of their choice. As weirdly intriguing as it sounds, the artistry behind the film and its commentary on the structure of relationships is enough to make anyone appreciate it. 

About Time” (Netflix)

If you want to watch a film that evokes all the emotions, look no further. In this 2013 romance-fantasy flick starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, 21-year-old Tim Lake discovers a shocking secret—the men in his family can travel through time. Initially thinking time travel will cure all of life’s complexities, Tim shortly realizes it has dangers of its own. 

Hush” (Netflix)

Thrilling, haunting and suspenseful, viewers should expect nothing less than to be on the edges of their seats from start to finish with “Hush.” In the opening scenes, the film introduces the story of a deaf, mute writer who lives alone in the woods—a recipe for disaster. To make matters worse, the writer must fend for herself after a masked killer attempts to pry into her home to make her his next victim. 

The Spectacular Now” (Netflix)

Based on the bestselling book by Tim Tharp, the film unfolds the story of two very different high school seniors—a carefree boy who only lives in the “now” and a responsible girl who contemplates putting college on hold in order to care for her mother. Starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, this coming-of-age film explores an unassuming, complicated relationship that faces the overwhelming pressure of senior year. 

The Year of Spectacular Men (Hulu) 

A heartbreaking and bittersweet romantic comedy, this movie details a year in the life of a 20-something struggling to find her place in the world. Unexpectedly freeing, sweet, funny and thoughtful, this film will leave you questioning the value of courage and authenticity. Starring the sister duo Zoe and Madelyn Deutch, and featuring Avan Jogia from Victorious, this movie is spectacular. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Netflix) 

A classic coming-of-age movie, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is deeply touching. When Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, meets Sam and Patrick, played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, he begins to embrace his newfound confidence, coming into himself in a truly beautiful way. This movie captures a perfect snapshot of what it means to grow up and heal from tragedy. Get ready to ugly cry, laugh and leave a little lighter than before. 

The Female Brain” (Hulu) 

Directed by and starring comedian Whitney Cummings, this movie takes a scientific spin on the modern viewpoint of love. Detailing snapshots into the lives of four different couples and the brain chemistry behind certain interactions, the film gives clarity with hilarity to the difference between men and women.

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About the Contributors
Emily Coffey
Emily Coffey, Managing Editor
Emily Coffey is a senior broadcast journalism major who loves John Mayer, Bernese Mountain Dogs and high fives. [email protected] I grew up in the beautiful state of Oregon, which provided a lot of opportunities for adventures like white water rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. During a three-month stint in Nepal with my family (I was homeschooled), I got to document the lives of 13 women who had undergone some form of human trafficking, medical neglect, or family abuse. From here, I found my passion for storytelling.  Though I came to Biola as a music major, I started working at the Chimes my freshman year and quickly made the switch to broadcast journalism. My love of verbal and written communication, especially in storytelling, soon blossomed into a love of visual storytelling.  Now, I work for the Chimes and am heavily involved in many other student media organizations. You can find me covering a story, interviewing students about their artwork, at the beach, or running. 
Kayla Santos
Kayla Santos, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Kayla Santos is a senior journalism major who loves gooey chocolate chip cookies, traveling to new places and playing volleyball at the beach. [email protected] Hi readers! I come to you from the city of San Jose, California, which is about one hour south of San Francisco (and has the best boba). I’ve always loved sports. I was always that girl that would rather be out playing basketball than going shopping or doing makeovers. I came into Biola as a kinesiology major with hopes of a career in sports medicine and sports training, but everything changed during the spring semester of my sophomore year. Though I still love athletics, I realized that there is something that I enjoy even more than that: storytelling. After two years as a kinesiology major, I decided to change my major to journalism.  Although I joined the Chimes party a little bit later than most, I’m thrilled to be on staff once again for my senior year at Biola. I love all kinds of music: reggae, R&B, 80’s, alternative—you name it! You can count on me to constantly be on the lookout for artists and bands that are on tour. That being said, I am so excited to be editing for the Arts and Entertainment section of the Chimes this year. When I’m not on the search for the next concert, I love going to coffee and tea shops, finding cute places to snap photos and eating Korean barbeque.
Lauren McBride
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor
Lauren McBride is a senior Cinema and Media Arts major who appreciates good coffee and good stories. [email protected] Born and raised in the great state of Texas, I knew from a pretty young age that storytelling was my forte.  I grew up with a huge love for reading that led to me developing an equally large imagination.  I always seemed to have a knack for writing, and the skill came naturally to me. Now, in my senior year at Biola, I am finishing my studies in both Cinema and Media Arts and Journalism.  Studying in both of these programs has allowed me to pursue my passion for storytelling and gain a better understanding of what that looks like in different contexts.  Telling a story through a film is vastly different than telling a story through the news, but both are their own unique art form that I am privileged to get to experience.  I am very excited to continue to tell stories through the Chimes this year!
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