Enjoy the last few days of summer by catching up on all the new releases and library titles available on HBO Max.
A new documentary revealingSome of the most notable films that premiered on HBO Max in August include archive footage of Princess Diana, a drama about a young Irish family in 1960s, and a classic film about romance and basketball.
This month also sees the release of a slew of A24 movies onto the streaming service, including Jenny Slate’s “Obvious Child” and Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley’s “The Spectacular Now.”
“Ex Machina” (Available Aug. 1)
“Ex Machina” enters HBO Max this month as a part of A24’s big collection release on the platform. The sci-fi award-winner is about Caleb, a computer programmer played by Domhnall Geeson. He is selected to assess the human qualities of an advanced A.I. as part of high-stakes experiments on synthetic intelligence. Caleb is employed by Oscar Isaac as a billionaire. Soon, Caleb discovers that Ava, a robot named Ava, has more intelligence than the researchers thought. Caleb is forced to question his beliefs about Ava and his employer as they interact more.
“Love & Basketball” (Available Aug. 1)
The streaming service is awash with this romantic sports drama, which makes for the perfect back to school frenzy. They take place at different stages of their lives. “Love & Basketball”Monica and Quincy are both passionate about basketball and follow each other. Monica and Quincy are children when they move next door to each other. They instantly fall in love with one another and share their passion for basketball. The movie takes the audience from high school through college to adulthood as they keep their passions and each other in mind. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, the movie showcases differing gender dynamics as Monica witnesses the creation of the WNBA.
“Obvious Child” (Available Aug. 1)
Jenny Slate’s “Obvious Child”In this 2014 romantic comedy-drama, Slate boldly tackles abortion. Slate’s Donna is a stand-up comedian who discovers that she is pregnant following a one night stand. Donna, who had just broken up with her boyfriend, choses too have an abortion on the only day available — Valentine’s Day. Donna values herself and the choice she makes, even as Max, her one-night boyfriend, grows in importance. Many awards won “Obvious Child”This film has been praised for providing a realistic depiction of abortion and destigmatizing it.
“The Spectacular Now” (Available Aug. 1)
Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley and Shailene Whiteley star in this coming-of age romantic drama. After finding Sutter on the front lawn, popular Sutter crosses paths with Aimee. Sutter, who has spent his entire senior year partying, and Aimee, who has done the opposite. But their chance meeting ignites a love that pushes both of them outside of their comfort zones. The couple navigates their new lives together, despite their differences and their unique struggles.
“Belfast” (Available Aug. 5)
The coming-of-age drama follows a working-class Protestant family living in Northern Ireland from the perspective of nine-year-old Buddy. Amidst the background of the tumultuous late 1960s, Buddy’s father works in England while the rest of his family lives in Belfast. As his family makes decisions about their safety, Buddy feels for Catherine, his Catholic classmate. This Academy Award nominee has a star-studded cast featuring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Colin Morgan and newcomer Jude Hill.
“The Princess” (Available Aug. 13)
HBO’s documentary “The Princess”Uses archival footage to document the life of Princess Diana. Recently, the film was featured in the centre of Controversy, as it aired a Panorama clip against Prince William’s wishes. The 1995 interview with Diana was DiscreditAfter revelations by Martin Bashir, a journalist, that the sit-down used deceitful techniques to conceal its true purpose, Prince William has resigned. Prince William, however, has reacted by saying, “It is my firm view that this Panorama program holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again.” Regardless of the dispute, the documentary promises insights into the iconic figure’s most significant moments, including her tragic death.
“Katrina Babies” (Available Aug. 24)
A second HBO documentary debuts on the streaming platform “Katrina Babies,”This film focuses on children, a vulnerable population after the natural disaster. This film features interviews with children who were raised during Hurricane Katrina. This documentary provides a personal look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the struggle to survive it.
