Film Friday brings you the top 5 best new films streaming in June 2024. Discover heartwarming dramedies, thought-provoking documentaries, spooky horror-comedies, and atmospheric historical films that will captivate your imagination and emotions.

“Am I OK?”

“Am I OK?” explores friendship and identity with a warm but predictable story. Dakota Johnson shines as Lucy, a woman in her 30s who grapples with her sexuality. When her best friend Jane (played by real-life partner Tig Notaro) announces a move across the globe, Lucy must confront a hidden truth.

The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of the central friendship. Johnson and Notaro have a natural chemistry that makes their characters believable and relatable. However, the plot occasionally feels cliched, with familiar beats of self-doubt and coming-of-age struggles.

Despite its straightforward narrative, “Am I OK?” offers a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance. If you’re looking for a feel-good dramedy with strong performances, this might be your cup of tea. But for those seeking a groundbreaking story, it might feel a bit safe.

Origin

Origin isn’t your typical documentary. It blends personal stories with historical reenactments to tackle the complex issue of caste systems around the world. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film follows author Isabel Wilkerson as she grieves a loss while researching her book on caste. We see the brutality of segregation in America, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the harsh realities of India’s caste system, all connected by a thread of prejudice.

Origin is a challenging watch, not shying away from difficult truths. While some criticize its pacing and occasional melodrama, the film’s ambition is undeniable. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking exploration of prejudice and its historical roots, Origin is worth your time. Just be prepared to grapple with some heavy material.

Munjya

Munjya mixes laughs and scares, but doesn’t quite excel at either. The story follows a young man who stumbles upon a vengeful spirit, the Munjya, during a visit home. This ghostly matchmaker wants to get married, and the hero finds himself caught between the Munjya’s clutches and protecting his love.

The movie boasts impressive visuals, especially for the Munjya itself. However, the humor can be uneven, and the scares rely more on jump cuts than genuine chills. Despite this, Munjya offers a fun escape for fans of horror-comedy, particularly those looking for something light-hearted. If you’re expecting a laugh riot or a terrifying experience, this might not be it. But for a blend of spooky fun with some Bollywood flair, Munjya might just tickle your fancy.

Bokabaksho Te Bondi

“Bokabaksho Te Bondi” is a Bengali series that explores the unsettling lines between fiction and reality. Shoelanki Roy, a soap opera actress, gets consumed by her character, Apala. The show cleverly uses the metaphor of the “bokabaksho” (idiot box) – the television – to depict how excessive screen time can blur the real world.

Shoelanki’s life spirals as the boundaries between her on-screen persona and her own identity vanish. As she questions her real name and family, the series delves into the psychological impact of our digital age. “Bokabaksho Te Bondi” is a thought-provoking watch, raising questions about the influence of media and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with the world outside the screen.

“Out of Darkness”

“Out of Darkness” takes viewers on a journey back to the Stone Age, following a band of early humans desperately seeking a new home. Their struggle for survival intensifies as they become prey to a mysterious creature lurking in the unforgiving landscape.

The film boasts a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Dark, sweeping vistas and an eerie score create a constant sense of dread. While the plot itself might not break new ground, it’s the film’s commitment to a bygone era that makes it stand out.

“Out of Darkness” is a slow burn, relying more on building tension than jump scares. The lack of dialogue adds to the film’s authenticity, but might leave some viewers wanting more character development.

This is a film best suited for those who enjoy atmospheric horror and a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s primal fears.

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