Q Wave’s Watchlist: June 2023
"There's nothing to watch" is not a phrase that should exist in a world drowning in content. Join us every month to get curated content - from the latest and greatest to revisiting oldies - we'll help you avoid the dreaded “Netflix Block” and find something to watch!
Extraction 2 (Netflix)
No surprises here: Netflix is releasing a sequel to their 2020 hit film Extraction. Adapted from the graphic novel, Ciudad, Extraction made history as Netflix’s most-watched premiere, captivating around 90 million households within a month of its release.
Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Love & Thunder) reprises his role as Tyler Rake in the highly anticipated sequel to Netflix’s action-packed blockbuster. Surviving against all odds, Rake, the Australian black ops mercenary, embarks on a new dangerous mission. This time, he must rescue the abused family of a notorious Georgian gangster from a high-security prison. Get ready for another adrenaline-fueled adventure!
The Russo Brothers (directors of Avengers: Endgame) have produced both films and helped write the graphic novel it was based on. They have expressed their desire to expand the Extraction universe through a series of films, going beyond the sequel. Their goal is to delve into the backstories of introduced characters while also laying the foundation for a potential cinematic universe.
Extraction 2 will be available for streaming on June 16th.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Equalizer, Triple Frontier
Runtime: 122 minutes
Genre: Action
Air (Amazon Prime)
The Nike Air Jordan stands as an iconic shoe in its own league. Now, audiences will be treated to a captivating glimpse behind the scenes, uncovering the fascinating story of the creation of this legendary basketball sneaker. The sports biographical drama’s screenplay was penned in 2021, and soon after, Amazon Studios acquired the script. Joining forces, Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar) and Matt Damon (The Last Duel) will not only star but also collaborate as producers on the film, with Affleck stepping into the director’s chair as well.
Damon takes on the role of Sonny Vaccaro, an ambitious sports executive guru known for signing a young Michael Jordan to his groundbreaking Nike contract. The film not only touches on the humble beginnings of MJ but also highlights Nike’s remarkable transformation from an industry underdog to one of the world’s leading sports accessory brands.
Despite their longstanding friendship, in Air, Matt Damon makes his debut appearance in a movie directed by Ben Affleck. Although they have shared the screen multiple times, this marks the first collaboration where Damon joins a project helmed by Affleck.
Air is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Moneyball, Draft Day
Runtime: 112 minutes
Genre: Drama
Reality (Crave)
Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in HBO’s Euphoria, which snagged her an Emmy nomination, has a jam-packed year ahead. She will grace the screens this holiday season in the romantic-comedy, Anyone But You, and fans can also anticipate her appearance in the Marvel film Madame Web, slated for release in 2024. However, Sweeney’s run begins with HBO Films’ upcoming bio-drama, Reality. Directed by Tina Satter and based on Satter’s 2019 stage play, Is This A Room, the story is adapted from a real FBI interrogation transcript of American intelligence leaker, Reality Winner.
In Augusta, Georgia, on June 3, 2017, Reality Winner, a 25-year-old Air Force veteran and yoga instructor, arrives home after completing her errands. To her surprise, she discovers two FBI agents waiting for her. Over the next two hours, she undergoes intense interrogation regarding her role as an intelligence contractor and the alleged leaking of a classified document concerning Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.
Sweeney engaged in extensive research, immersing herself in interviews and virtual conversations with the real-life Reality Winner, conducted over Zoom and text. Recognizing Winner’s occupation as a yoga trainer and CrossFit instructor, Sweeney dedicated herself to physical training. She even drew inspiration from workout routines shared by Winner on her Instagram account, ensuring an authentic representation of the character.
Reality is currently available on Crave.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Report, Snowden
Runtime: 83 minutes
Genre: Drama
Secret Invasion (Disney Plus)
Get ready for an action-packed Marvel adventure as Samuel L. Jackson reprises his iconic role as Nick Fury in the highly-anticipated limited series, “Secret Invasion.” Set within the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe, this thrilling series delves into a captivating storyline originating from the “Captain Marvel” movie.
When Nick Fury uncovers a covert plot by a faction of shapeshifting aliens, called Skrulls, to invade Earth, he unites with a formidable team of allies, including Everett Ross, Maria Hill, and the Skrull known as Talos, who has seamlessly integrated into human society. As they navigate a race against the clock, their mission becomes clear: to prevent an imminent Skrull invasion and safeguard the future of humanity.
Surprisingly, despite his prominent presence in the Marvel universe, Fury has never before been featured as the lead in a Marvel movie or series—until now. Witness a remarkable shift in the narrative as Fury steps into the spotlight, making Secret Invasion a groundbreaking appearance for this iconic character.
Secret Invasion comes to Disney Plus on June 21st.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Any Marvel movie or series
Runtime: 6 episodes
Genre: Superhero
Platonic (Apple TV+)
Get ready for a hilarious and highly-anticipated comedy series, as “Platonic” has finally hit Apple TV+. Following their successful collaboration in the beloved “Neighbors” films, the series marks the reunion of acclaimed stars Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen alongside director Nicholas Stoller.
Byrne portrays Sylvia, a lawyer-turned-stay-at-home mom who is experiencing a bit of complacency in her life. Rogen plays Will, a recently divorced brewery owner with a hipster bar, navigating post-divorce challenges. Sylvia and Will were close friends in college and fell out when she disapproved of his engagement. They reconnect when Sylvia learns of his divorce, leading to awkward reunions and nostalgic adventures. Their friendship deepens as they guide each other through midlife crises, providing a unique perspective no one else can offer.
Ultimately, “Platonic” fulfills its promise by delivering a touching and platonic bond between its central characters, brought to life by impeccable writing and delightful performances. With a whimsically foolish sense of humour, the series finds its place alongside esteemed Apple TV comedies like “Shrinking" and “Ted Lasso,” albeit on a slightly more intimate scale.
Platonic is currently streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes every Wednesday.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Shrinking, Happy Endings
Runtime: 10 episodes
Genre: Comedy