Even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first glance to find certain Oscar-nominated feature films, in general, new non-mainstream films are much more accessible today than in the days of DVD releases.
“There are still people who mourn the disappearance of video clubs. In fact, we have never had so much access to see films. Now, no matter where we are in Quebec, we can watch them on the platforms, whereas before, it was not said that there would be the film we were looking for in our video store, ”recalls Martin Bilodeau, editor-in-chief of Mediafilm, a specialized press agency.
Certainly, but with the proliferation of platforms, it is true that some moviegoers no longer know where to turn, recognizes Mr. Bilodeau. To remedy this perception, Mediafilm created the platform ouvoir.ca. The goal is to help people find the place where they can watch the movie of their choice.
The fact remains that access to certain films remains more difficult in remote regions. Nominated for the Oscar for best foreign film, but also for the statuette for best feature film, the Japanese drama Drive My Car cannot be found on the platforms and, in the province, is only showing in Montreal and Quebec. “It’s the surprise of the Oscars. It is the only film to which access is problematic. If you are in Rimouski, but even in Sherbrooke or Trois-Rivières, there is really no way to see it, ”says the editor-in-chief of Mediafilm.
Here’s where you can find the 10 Best Picture Oscar nominees:
Belfast. This historical drama, set in the Northern Irish conflict, is showing at Le Clap, in Quebec. Otherwise, it is possible to buy or rent it on Apple TV or on YouTube.
Coda. American remake of the hit French film The Aries family, Coda is available on the Apple TV platform.
Don’t Look Up. This political satire starring Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio is a Netflix original production.
Drive My Car. The only two theaters in the province showing the film are the Beaubien cinema in Montreal and Le Clap in Quebec. It is currently not available on any platform.
Dunes. Denis Villeneuve’s film is still showing in cinemas in several regions. Most platforms also offer it, including Apple TV, Prime Video and Illico.
King Richard. This biographical drama revisits the Williams sisters’ youth and stars Will Smith as their father. It is still showing at Ciné Starz Langelier, in the borough of Saint-Léonard. It can also be rented on YouTube, Amazon Prime and iTunes.
Licorice Pizza. This comedy set in the 1970s hits theaters Friday in most regions of Quebec.
Nightmare Alley. In addition to being shown in major centres, this film is available on Apple TV.
The Power of the Dog. Offered to Netflix subscribers, the great favorite for the Oscar for best film is still presented in a few theaters.
West Side Story. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this adaptation of the legendary musical is still in theaters.