Most Worthwhile April Releases on Netflix, HBO and Other Streaming Services

As 2021 started, we were quite optimistic about having the cinemas open by the end of March so we wouldn't have to depend on the streaming platforms so much anymore. Unfortunately, the pandemic situation still doesn't allow us to do so. Hence, once again, we're turning to the programming of Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+ and AppleTV, hoping for something worthwhile. And there just might be a few of them after all. 

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Netflix

Concrete Cowboy – 2. 4.

Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things in the role of estranged father and son in the Philadelphia suburbs. Harp (Elba) is one of modern cowboys that stroll the city on horses and live in a way that's inconvenient for teenager Cole (Caleb).

Over time, the friendship with his troublesome cousin Smush (Jharrel Jerome) renews. He's about to embark on a crime spree, just to get out of his current life situation. If family drama full of depressing themes is what you're into, Concrete Cowboy might just be your thing. The film invests into authentic acting performances, so be ready for some strong emotions.

The Way of the Househusband – 8. 4. 

As usual, we always keep the fans of anime in mind. This amazing Japanese style of animated stories isn't massively represented in mainstream media, but we know very well that you can find some great pieces in this genre. So while the Attack on Titan winds down and another season of My Hero Academia begins, quite original anime appears on the horizon. It's called The Way of the Househusband. 

The story focuses on the former yakuza boss Tetsua, who decides to conclude his life of crime. Instead of murder, he begins to take care of the household, so his beloved wife can focus on her carreer. He's confronted with hilarious events on the daily, where the two sides of his character collide - the character of a former mobster with his genuine effort to be a "househusband". 

Stowaway – 22. 4. 

In the story, we follow three astronauts heading to Mars with the mission to create life on this planet. In the role of astronauts are Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim and Toni Collette. Even though they're not some of the most famous actors, their unique qualities should ensure a good acting performance. The trio will be joined by Shamier Anderson in the role of an unknown man, who accidentally gets stuck in a space shuttle and destructs the life support systems. 

Astronauts quickly find that they only have oxygen sufficient for three people. So they have a difficult decision ahead of themselves. Should they sacrifice one of the crew or try to repair the systems and risk all of their lives?

Shadow and Bone – 23. 4. 

Shawn Levy (co-creator of Stranger Things) has produced a new fantasy series for Netflix. Shadow and Bone is one of the biggest Netflix premieres this year. It was shot as an adaptation of a book by Leigh Bardugo from the Grishaverse. If it succeeds, you can count on more seasons to come. 

In fantasy world, we meet the main hero, Alina Starkov. She discovers her supernatural abilities that might be key to her countries liberation in the times of war and fighting. During her training, she learns that allies and enemies can be identical. She meets a lot of unconventional people and we just might be delighted with a new fantasy hit here. 

Hulu

The Handmaid’s Tale – 28. 4. 

In the fourth season, June stands up against the dictatorial state of Gilead as the leader of rebellion. As per usual, she'll be facing unexpected and dangerous obstacles along the way. Not all risks are worth taking, though. On the path of revenge and justice, June will reach crossroads that could potentially break down relationships that she genuinely cares about. However, her soul and character are also at stakes here and her inner rage might devour from within. 

We will see several new characters, surrounded by mystery. Oprah Winfrey, as the voice of resistance, also returns. The creators seem to have further plans with this universe, so it's possible that the series won't come to an end anytime soon. We might expect further seasons or films in the future. 

Amazon Prime 

Them – 9. 4. 

Furing the first season, the series transforms from a family film to a thriller and then horror. Each season focuses on a different story and characters. The story follows an African-American Emory family that moved into the predominantly white neighborhood in the 50s. 

White residents aren't thrilled by the presence of their new neighbors and they make this a known fact with their behavior. The attacks and hostility escalate to the point of them committing nasty crimes in the effort to repel the blacks from their turf. The trailer reveals that we can also expect supernatural elements and perhaps even some sort of monsters.  

Another option is that the thriller is cut in a way that could come off as a horror movie, which would be even better. After all, the hostility towards a black family in a rasist neighborhood is million times more horryfying than any monster. It presents an opportunity to work with social and psychological topics that can stir up some real emotions.

Without Remorse – 30. 4. 

Michael Jordan tapped into one of Tom Clancy's characters, so the theme is somewhere along the lines of a spy action movie. John Clark, as an elite Navy SEAL soldier, one day uncovers an international conspiracy, while anonymous perpetrators try to kill him. 

They don't succeed, however, his wife isn't equally lucky. John embarks on a journey of revenge, killing dozens of agents along the way. 

Directed by Stefano Sollima (Sicario 2) based on a screenplay by Taylor Sheridan (The Wind River). Due to the quality work of these creators, we're looking forward to the film and we hope it won't just be another B-action production with a boring and predictable story. 

HBO

The Nevers – 11. 4. 

Joss Whedon, the director of the first two Avenger episodes and Justice League cinema version, created a fantasy/sci-fi series for HBO. Nevers zooms in on a group of women in the late 19th century of the Victorian period. These are no traditional women, by any means. The main characters possess supernatural abilities.  

However, with the end of the 19th century, the society doesn't treat women in a way they deserve to be treated. So when it turns out that some of them are able to do "magic", several groups of hunters emerge. These women must be captured or destroyed and the entire storyline revolves around the pursuit. First season will be divided into two parts of six episodes.  

Mortal Kombat – 16. 4. 

The main plot here will be a martial arts tournament, where the good and evil forces stand against each other. We do not expect a deep story from Mortal Kombat, so we're hoping for some impeccably shot bloody scenes, at least. And we also hope that the visual effects will be of a sufficient quality and won't ruin the movie. 

The film is directed by  Simon McQuoid and the production was handled by James Wan, known also as a director of horrors like Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring or the comic version of Aquaman. Fans of the game can look forward to the amount of popular and well known characters. Among others there will be appearances by Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) or Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee). Duel of ancient rivals Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) is also a must.

 
Mare of Easttown – 18. 4. 

The seven-part series introduces Kate Winslet in the main role of Mare Sheehan, small-town Pennsylvania detective investigating a murder as her life falls apart. The series explores the dark side of a closed community and authentically depicts how family and past tragedies can play an impactful role in our present life.  The series is directed by Craig Zobel (Leftovers), so we're expecting high quality.

The cinema program is slowly rolling out as well, in some countries with open cinemas, great John Wick-style action movie Nobody is screening and romantic drama Monday and sci-fi Voyagers are coming up in April. 

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The luckier countries in Europe might enjoy the cinema versions of Mortal Kombat and the Godzilla vs Kong movie, but for the rest of us, we have to settle with the good ol' streaming services. Disney+ continues with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier that winds down with the 6th episode on April 23rd.