Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 16–22

Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 16–22
Ian Kane
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This week, we feature a moving drama about a man fighting for his family and a heartwarming comedy-drama about a mentally disabled youth chasing his dream.

New Release

‘The Last Rodeo’

When his grandson falls ill, Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) returns to the rodeo circuit he left behind. With help from old friend Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson), Joe prepares to ride again—facing bulls and a past that won’t stay buried.

McDonough delivers a moving turn as a man facing his past and fighting for family. Jon Avnet directs with restraint, letting themes of redemption, faith, and aging unfold naturally. Williamson adds warmth and levity, rounding out a story that finds strength in vulnerability over spectacle.

Drama Release Date: May 23, 2025 Director: Jon Avnet Starring: Neal McDonough, Christopher McDonald, Mykelti Williamson Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Indie Pick

‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’

Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome, escapes his nursing home to chase his dream of becoming a wrestler. He teams up with Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a small-time outlaw who becomes his unlikely mentor. Caregiver  Eleanor (Dakota Johnson) soon joins their journey.

The story feels refreshingly honest, with moments of humor and vulnerability that never feel forced. Gottsagen’s presence brings a rare sincerity to the screen, while LaBeouf and Johnson support it with subtle, grounded work that deepens the narrative.

Adventure | Comedy | Drama Release Date: Aug. 23, 2019 Directors: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz Starring: Zack Gottsagen, Ann Pierce, Dakota Johnson Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 stars out of 5

A Time for Companionship

‘Our Souls at Night’

In a quiet Colorado town, widow Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) asks her widower neighbor Louis Waters (Robert Redford) to spend time together for companionship. What starts as a platonic arrangement deepens into a tender bond as they find an unexpected connection.

A heartfelt exploration of late-life companionship, this film follows two bereaved neighbors who find solace in each other’s company. With standout performances from Fonda and Redford, it captures the complexities of aging with quiet, genuine moments.

Drama | Romance Release Date: Sept. 29, 2017 Director: Ritesh Batra Starring: Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Matthias Schoenaerts Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes MPAA Rating: TV-14  Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Whispers from the Manor

‘Dragonwyck’

In 1840s New York state, wholesome Connecticut farm girl Miranda Wells (Gene Tierney) moves into the sprawling estate of her wealthy cousin Nicholas Van Ryn (Vincent Price), only to uncover dark secrets and forbidden obsessions lurking behind its fading grandeur.

Price’s eerie charisma and Tierney’s quiet strength anchor this moody gothic tale, enhanced by lush visuals and a haunting score.

Mystery | Romance | Thriller Release Date: April 19, 1946 Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Starring: Gene Tierney, Walter Huston, Vincent Price Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Fawesome Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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Ian Kane
Ian Kane
Author
Ian Kane is an U.S. Army veteran, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.