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Writer's pictureAlex Murray (Director)

Lockdown Time! My Five Recommendations

Updated: Jan 9, 2021



It’s day number...something of lockdown. Who knows at this point? Is it Monday, Wednesday, or Sunday? Every day is feeling the same and life has frozen still. There’s not much to do, and only so much work you can do at home. So let’s turn on the television and put a film on. The past few weeks I’ve watched a variety of films on various media, between Amazon Prime, Netflix and Blu-Ray. From this, I’m going to compile a list of 5 films I’ve watched recently, where I watched them and why I’m recommending you to watch them.

5. Contagion


One of the most-watched films at the moment. Why? Because of how scarily accurate it is to the current state of the world. What if someone visiting China picks up a virus and comes back to America, only to start a global pandemic? It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? I will admit I did see this film a long time ago, back when it was released in 2011. But it’s such an important film to watch considering what is happening outside in the world right now.


The film acts like a drama and feels like a thriller. Contagion offers a close look at what happens when a pandemic occurs. Some phrases and words are currently being used in everyday conversation, and that proves how scary this film is. Nothing is scarier than life imitating art. This film is currently available on Netflix in the UK.

4. Mud


Matthew McConnaughy, Reese Witherspoon, Tye Sheridan, Michael Shannon. What a cast list, am I right? This is one of Jeff Nichols’s earlier films. He’s a director who puts the focus on character and he tells a character’s journey very authentically in all his films such as Midnight Special and Take Shelter. Admittedly, I have never seen this film before, so it was my first time viewing it without knowing too much of what was going on. It turns out that is the best way to experience this film.


Don’t look it up, just turn it on and follow the journey of two kids finding a man on an island near their home.

That is the start of the film, now go and enjoy the rest. It’s an amazing film with stellar performances of all involved. This film is currently available on Amazon Prime in the UK.

3. The Terminal


If you fancy an easy night in, with a film that’s lighthearted and full of warmth, then this is the film for you. This was me a few days ago, I was sitting in front of my TV, wanting to watch a great film, by a great director and starring an amazing cast. This film delivered on all of the above. Tom Hanks is an Eastern European tourist visiting New York. The only thing is there is a problem, he’s caught in the terminal of an Airport and is unable to go home or visit New York. The reason? You’ll have to watch it and find it.


Stephen Spielberg delivers a masterclass film that’s set entirely in an Airport. There’s a variety of characters that you will instantly fall in love with because this is a Stephen Spielberg film after all! And this film will give you a spark of joy in your heart. By the credits, you’ll be feeling like there is a lot of love left in the world. This film is currently available to watch on Netflix in the UK, and also on Sky Cinema via NOW TV.

2. The Deer Hunter


This classic has escaped me for a long, long time. I knew this won a variety of awards, and it had a killer line-up in its cast, with Robert De Niro in its lead. Also, this film is described by many as one of the best films about the Vietnam War. So when my family and I turned this film on, I had high expectations. The beginning of the film had me captivated and by the second half, I was engrossed.


Robert De Niro hits this film out of the park. He’s sent off to Vietnam with his friends, and the experience changes him and everyone else. When he returns home, nothing is the same. They don’t make films like this anymore and it’s definitely a classic you won’t want to miss out. Hunt the film down, like you are tracking a deer. You’ll understand the title better after watching the film too. This film was previously shown on BBC One during the Easter Weekend.


1. Knives Out


Crime has never looked this good. I love this film so much for so many different reasons. I originally saw it at the cinema last year and I went into the cinema not knowing much except for what I saw in the trailer. I keep saying this, but I mean it more this time, watch this film without no prior knowledge except for the trailer. It’s stylish. It’s atmospheric. It’s an original crime caper set in a household spanning three generations, and the matriarch of the household has been found dead.


Everyone is a suspect and the detective, Benoit Blanc, is played by Daniel Craig, delivering such an effortlessly cool performance. Ana de Armas stands out the most in the cast, delivering such a captivating performance as the nurse of the matriarch who has been found dead. If you want an evening full of murder mystery, then this is the film for you. This film is currently available to watch via DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download.


Here at Eyesight Productions, I wish everyone the best during these troubled times.


Thank you for reading today’s blog. 


Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions

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