Netflix adds ‘heartbreaking’ film with ‘all time great performance’ | Films | Entertainment

Netflix has begun streaming a critically acclaimed 2016 film featuring Oscar nominee Elle Fanning alongside a remarkable ensemble cast.

A decade on from its original release, director Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women remains widely regarded as one of the finest films of the 2010s and a criminally underrated treasure.

Available on Netflix from Friday, 3rd April, the film is well worth exploring if you’ve yet to experience this immersive, visually breathtaking and brilliantly acted portrayal of 1970s life.

Lucas Jade Zumann plays 15 year old Jamie Fields, who resides with his single mother Dorothea (played by Annette Bening) and two lodgers; Abbie Porter (Greta Gerwig), a young photographer undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, and handyman William (Billy Crudup).

Fanning portrays Jamie’s closest friend Julie, who hesitates to act on their mutual feelings for fear of jeopardising their friendship. Drawing on director Mills’ own upbringing surrounded by his mother and sisters, the film serves as a heartfelt “love letter” to the women who shaped him.

One Reddit user was left overwhelmed upon watching 20th Century Women: “Wow. Wow. Wow.

“All five of the stars were phenomenal but good f***ing God, Annette Bening put on one of my favourite performances of the decade. For whatever reason I found myself completely heartbroken over Elle Fanning’s character the most.

“I’ve only just finished the movie a few minutes ago and I’m kinda at a loss for words, but for anyone who loved Boyhood or Call Me By Your Name, definitely check this film out!”

To which another person responded: “I’ve watched this movie several times. Annette Bening should have won her Oscar for this one as it’s one of the all time great performances.”

A 10/10 IMDb review described it as “A Wonder Of A Film!”, continuing: “Annette Bening steals the show and how! Her portrayal of a mother trying to raise her son without a father is beyond marvellous. It’s hard to keep your eyes off the screen when Bening is up.

“Fanning is a treasure. She delivers a restrained, believable performance from start to end. Gerwig, a criminally underrated performer, is only getting better with every film. She’s fabulous here and the attitude she carries to portray a woman fighting a serious illness, is nerve-wracking.”

Another viewer shared: “One of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen. This was simple, yet impressive. I love stories about people’s lives, and this one was beautiful. A little sad, but hopeful.”

While a final audience member said: “Blown away by this film, and the fantastic performances by the ensemble. Annette Bening, I don’t know how you do what you do… so well.

“Greta Gerwig also knocked it out of the park, and there’s a particular scene at the dining table, that will stay with me forever ~ in a good way! Mike Mills has become one of my consistent favourite directors in the past decade. Loved it!”

This enchanting, sun-drenched contemporary gem is undoubtedly the ideal streaming choice to kick off the Easter bank holiday weekend.

20th Century Women is available to stream on Netflix.