What to Watch for July 21–27

This week, we feature a feel-good yet realistic romantic drama and a documentary about the U.S. government’s overreach during the pandemic.

New Release

‘The Essential Church’

This documentary details governmental restrictions that were placed on churches by using specious COVID-19 emergency edicts. The film focuses on three pastors who stood against the tide of fear-mongering and mass compliance.

While places such as strip bars and liquor stores were somehow considered “essential” during the lockdowns, church gatherings weren’t. This highly informative film isn’t just essential viewing for Christians, but also those of other faiths, as well as for non-believers: These edicts may be only the beginning of tyranny.

Documentary | Drama | History
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Director: Shannon Halliday
Running Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

Indie Pick

 ‘Singles’

This quirky romantic comedy follows the lives of various young adults who live in a Seattle apartment complex that has a sign out front that reads “Singles.” Although centered around two separate couples, it also details the trials and tribulations of their friends as they navigate the grunge era.

Director Cameron Crowe definitely captures the gestalt of the early ’90s Seattle. It’s an interesting backdrop for the compelling lives of these young characters as they struggle (and strive) to find love and self-fulfillment.

Comedy | Drama | Music
Release Date: Sept. 18, 1992
Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Kyra Sedgwick
Running Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Redbox, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5

A Charming Romantic Drama

‘Bella’

José (Eduardo Verástegui) is a chef at a New York restaurant that his brother Manny (Manny Perez) owns. Manny fires waitress Nina (Tammy Blanchard) for being late to work, and José steps in to offer compassion and support. As José and Nina get closer, past traumas begin to surface.

This is a very relatable film with gritty, realistic dialogue and a touching, feel-good climax that stays with you. It’s also acclaimed Mexican director Alejandro Monteverde’s (“Sound of Freedom”) debut feature film.

Drama | Romance
Release Date: Nov. 30, 2007
Director: Alejandro Monteverde
Starring: Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez
Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

A Highly Entertaining Mystery

‘Trade Winds’

Kay Kerrigan (Joan Bennett) is on the run for the murder of a man whom she blames for her sister’s suicide. However, she is tracked by ace detective Sam Wye (Fredric March), who begins to develop feelings for her.

A well-crafted script filled with humorous banter pairs nicely with Bennett’s sharp-tongued delivery, while March is at his absolute best as a frolicsome Lothario.

Crime | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Dec. 28, 1938
Director: Tay Garnett
Starring: Fredric March, Joan Bennett, Ralph Bellamy
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Tubi, Amazon
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5