A Bonnie and Clyde-era crime drama starring Woody Harrleson and Kevin Costner? Yes please! The Highwaymen is a Netflix-produced film that follows the lives of former Texas Rangers Frank Harmer (Harrelson) and Marney Gault (Costner) as they try to track down the notorious crime duo Bonnie and Clyde in the 1930s.
The Highwaymen should score points with seniors who enjoy period dramas, as well as those who are fans of the film's two impressive lead actors.
- Actors: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, John Carroll Lynch, Kim Dickens
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: John Lee Hancock
- Actors: Lily James, Matthew Goode, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, Jessica Brown Findlay
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Mike Newell
The Pale Blue Eye is a mystery thriller film directed by Scott Cooper, adapted from the novel by Louis Bayard. The film stars Christian Bale as Augustus Landor, a retired detective tasked with solving a series of murders at the United States Military Academy in 1830. Assisted by a young Edgar Allan Poe, portrayed by Harry Melling, Landor delves into a conspiracy that ties black magic and vengeance to the cadets' deaths. As the investigation unfolds, Landor's personal motives come to light, leading to a shocking revelation.
This film is a must-watch for its intriguing plot and remarkable performances, particularly by Christian Bale, which blend historical intrigue with a touch of gothic horror.
- Actors: Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Robert Duvall
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Scott Cooper
Enola Holmes is a mystery film that follows the adventures of Sherlock Holmes's teenage sister, Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown. After her mother disappears on her sixteenth birthday, Enola sets off for London to find her, only to become embroiled in a conspiracy that could alter the course of history. Demonstrating cleverness and courage beyond her years, Enola joins forces with a runaway lord to solve a mystery threatening the nation, all while defying the societal norms of the Victorian era.
This film is an excellent choice for family viewing as it combines a gripping mystery with a spirited heroine, offering engaging entertainment while encouraging young viewers to think independently and embrace their individuality.
- Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Sam Claflin, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Fiona Shaw
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Harry Bradbeer
Operation Mincemeat is a British war drama film directed by John Madden, based on Ben Macintyre's book about the actual British deception operation during World War II. The film stars Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, and Penelope Wilton among others. It follows the story of a daring and ingenious plan by British intelligence to mislead Nazi Germany about the Allies' intended invasion location by planting false documents on a corpse floating in the sea.
This film offers a gripping portrayal of a little-known historical event, brought to life by stellar performances and a captivating narrative, making it a compelling watch for those interested in wartime strategy and intrigue.
- Actors: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, Kelly Macdonald, Penelope Wilton, Jason Isaacs
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: John Madden
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Some of Hollywood's most seasoned older actors — Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas — appear in this Netflix original comedy-drama. Inspired by true events, the movie follows Jürgen Mossack (Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Banderas) as they engage in a money laundering scheme. Throughout the movie, we learn the stories of three different people that were affected by the Panama Papers scandal. Streep plays Ellen Martin, a woman whose peaceful vacation takes a harrowing turn after her husband drowns in a boating incident. The event leads her to begin investigating the fake insurance policies that eventually lead to Mossack Fonseca.
- Actors: Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, Jeffrey Wright, Robert Patrick
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Steven Soderbergh