Mubi’s highly curated streaming platform makes it the perfect place for amateur or experienced film lovers to discover new movies.
The movie distributor and production company specializes in independent films and world cinema, specifically highlighting small-budget projects that could otherwise be lost. Of course, it features more popular titles as well (you can check out David Lynch’s filmography), but Mubi distinguishes itself with individualized commentary.
Every movie’s page features a “Our Take” blurb that summarizes what makes the film unique and unpacks its themes. These reviews connect to Notebook, their online review publication that features a wide range of international entertainment news and columns.
Mubi also sets itself apart with intention. In a world of streaming services that appear to make choices based solely on profit, the goal of Mubi is to amplify as many cinematic voices as possible. There is no urge to dominate the industry with acquisitions of intellectual property or to monopolize competitors.
This refreshing model makes it especially appealing to Gen Z audiences. Mubi stays connected to the digital world by producing a renowned podcast, posting regularly on social media, and continuously releasing exciting new projects. Rosebush Pruning (with Callum Turner and Elle Fanning) and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (with Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson) are two titles releasing later this year, featuring exciting casts and crews.
Mubi’s online presence is evident in its categorization methods. While scrolling their site, you can see typical groupings like “New on Mubi,” “Trending,” and “Curator’s Spotlight.” But you can also find specific ones, like “Internet Boyfriends,” because sometimes you just want to watch a movie because of your current celebrity obsession. No shame.
You can take advantage of Mubi’s impressive selection with a seven-day free trial. Here’s what I would recommend to get you started.
Pavements
Pavements is a (semi) mockumentary about the hit 90’s indie rock band Pavement. Featuring real interviews and archive footage from its members, but also BTS footage of a fake biopic film, Broadway musical production, and museum opening, Pavements satirically asks the question of why anybody would care about a band that broke up over thirty-five years ago.
But between the jokes, the film actually answers the question. People will always be attracted to music made by people genuinely being themselves. Plus, Gen Z constantly recycling 90’s trends doesn’t hurt.
The comedic parts are an interesting commentary on the genre of biopics. Joe Keery (as a version of himself) goes way too method for the role of frontman Stephen Malkmus—imagine taking a picture of someone’s throat to mimic how their vocal cords move. Yet the movie manages to keep serious scenes of dialogue of the band members analyzing what went wrong in their professional relationships.
Pavements blends genres and generations in an effortlessly entertaining way.
The Substance
The Substance is probably Mubi’s most popular release. The company acquired the rights after previous studios’ disputes with director and writer Coralie Fargeat’s final cut. Ironically, Fargeat’s artistic choices are what ultimately made The Substance a hit, including nominations from the Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival, and the Golden Globes.
Featuring divine performances from Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore, The Substance is unafraid to tackle intense themes surrounding women’s bodies and aging.
While sometimes being a little over the top, the movie was praised for its homages to cinema history, and its rare use of practical effects—5,500 gallons of fake blood were used during production.
This is a perfect example of what can come from a commitment to filmmakers with a personal passion.
Die My Love
Die My Love is another original Mubi release, from British filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. Ramsay is celebrated for her experimental storytelling, often surrounding the hardships of the female experience (We Need to Talk About Kevin, Ratcatcher).
This project is no different. Following an isolated mother (Jennifer Lawrence) on her post-partum journey after moving to her husband’s (Robert Pattinson) rural hometown, Die My Love blends reality with intense emotional visions.
Featuring a stacked celebrity cast that also includes Sissy Spacek and LaKeith Stanfield, the movie still manages to remain humble and relatable. The impeccable soundscape of the film drenches you in a realistic summer farm setting—cicada songs, incessant dog barks, and overwhelming baby cries.
Its confusing manner drags you into the mental state of the characters: completely suspicious of everything.
Mainstream
Robbed of a theatrical release due to COVID quarantine, Mainstream managed to stay underground despite starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, and Jason Schwartzman. It’s also a Coppola film, although, admittedly, the youngest and most unknown of the filmmaking family dynasty, Gia Coppola (The Last Showgirl).
Yes, it was reviewed poorly. Part of what makes Mainstream feel tired is the oversaturation of the topic. By now, everyone is aware of the dangers of social media and grotesque influencer culture. To mock it so obviously is almost condescending to the audience.
And yet, Mainstream is addicting (like those darn smartphones!), featuring fast-paced editing, iconic production design, and campy media graphics. It’s a time capsule of the Internet at the time, featuring bizarre cameos from Jake Paul, Alexa Demie, and Patrick Starrr.
Sometimes, nepo babies make the best entertainment. Probably because you don’t feel bad when criticizing them.
The History of Sound
What’s better than one Internet Boyfriend? Two Internet Boyfriends. Especially when they’re both trying to do an American accent. And wearing historic fashion.
All jokes aside, The History of Sound is definitely sadness-bait, designed to get the tears flowing. This isn’t a new genre for O’Connor and Mescal. Did anyone leave the Aftersun, Hamnet, or God’s Own Country theaters without crying a little bit?
The film spans several states and countries, takes place over decades of time, yet still manages to feel intimate. It portrays rural America and its attempt to preserve folk music, but more importantly, a history of these two men’s love.
The History of Sound is a niche for these actors, but still worth a watch, and highlighted in Mubi’s programming.
Shiva Baby
Shiva Baby is an intense situational dramedy where a young woman finds herself at a shiva gathering with her ex-girlfriend, current sugar daddy, and all of her anxiety-inducing relatives. If the premise isn’t enough to reel you in, the performances and atmosphere will.
Rachel Sennott delivers an effortlessly relatable and humorous performance as always, guided by her longtime friend and professional partner, Emma Seligman (Bottoms). The protagonist, Dani, is about to graduate from college and is feeling the pressure of fast-approaching decision deadlines.
While the movie feels very natural (handheld camera work, subtle color-grading, and accurate family dialogue), there is an exaggerated sense of everyday drama, social pressure, and insecurity.
Get watching
These are just a few of the great movies to discover on Mubi. You can find something from any decade, country, or genre to satisfy you. What are you adding to your watchlist?
