Welcome back to the Cause Cinema Spotlight.
We have two inspiring, award-winning dramas for you this week. Truly cause cinema. Plus a fantasy adventure series that’s scoring well with critics and audiences.
And yes, it’s Labor Day weekend, so with your extra viewing time, be sure to watch our two countdowns - Top 10 Movies and Top 10 TV Series (so far) in 2023.
We’ll start with a strong indie, winning awards at both Sundance and Berlin film festivals.
Mutt
Feña, a young trans guy bustling through life in New York City, is afflicted with an incessantly challenging day that resurrects ghosts from his past. Laundromats, subway turnstiles, and airport transfers are the hectic background to this emotional drama that overlaps past, present, and future. Settling the disharmony of transitional upheaval in relationships familial, romantic, and platonic is Feña’s task at hand, and his resulting juggling act is equal parts skillful, fumbling, and honest. In negotiating his obliqueness, the poignant moments he finds between himself and others – as the distance between them closes – are warm, true, and touching.
Mutt is kicking off a limited Theatrical release.
Stay Awake
In this debut feature, Stay Awake, brothers Ethan and Derek try their best to navigate the pressures of teenage life while tending to their mother’s debilitating prescription drug addiction. Based on the filmmaker’s adolescence in small-town America, Stay Awake is a personal exploration of the roller coaster ride that families go on while trying to help their loved ones battle a disease that affects millions every day.
You can see Stay Awake on Amazon Prime or Vudu.
One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew explore a fantastical world of endless oceans and exotic islands in search of the world's ultimate treasure to become the next Pirate King.
You can see the One Piece series on Netflix.
And just a reminder, in case you missed them, check out our two countdowns - Top 10 Movies and Top 10 TV Series (so far) in 2023.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend!
Moms, Mutts & Pirates