The 3 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix This Week

This weekend sees Netflix introducing new movies to its lineup while bidding farewell to others. However, several standout films remain available on the platform well into August. Among those is a gripping 2017 thriller from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan, alongside acclaimed 2022 psychological drama starring Cate Blanchett and a 2024 blockbuster that might just be the franchise's best offering yet.

One of the most intelligent and rewarding dramas of the decade, "Tár" (2022) is a 158-minute psychological thriller. Writer-director Todd Field delivers a meticulously crafted film centered around a world-renowned orchestra conductor whose life spirals out of control when allegations of misconduct are made against her. Cate Blanchett's character performance is truly a standout, leading to an artistic achievement filled with images that will stay with viewers long after the movie ends.

Another compelling choice is "Wind River" (2017), another film from Taylor Sheridan, the mind behind "Sicario" and "Hell or High Water." Jeremy Renner stars as a wildlife tracker who teams up with an FBI agent to solve the murder of a young Native American woman on a Wyoming reservation. Gil Birmingham delivers a memorable performance as a character with a profound impact on the story. This neo-Western crime thriller is both sobering and effective, showcasing Sheridan's ability to create impactful narratives.

For those who have yet to see it, "A Quiet Place: Day One" (2024) offers a fresh take on the franchise. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for "Pig," this prequel is a meditative and nerve-wracking blockbuster. Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn deliver powerful performances as a terminally ill woman faces the alien invasion in New York City. The film's terror-inducing set pieces and the characters' journey to find meaning in hopeless situations make it a standout addition to the franchise.