Always is a 1989 drama about a daredevil pilot who risks everything and loses the love of his life but given a chance to still make her happy.
Today’s Netflix pick is a heartwarming drama that is a little unconventional, mixing good old-fashioned Hollywood romance with some deep existential stuff that works like a kind of magic. Starring Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter, it has a sweet sort of fable-like sentimentality along with some great laughs and plenty of terrific performances. It’s Always and it’s what you’re watching tonight. Here’s why.
THE STORY: Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 1943 romantic drama A Guy named Joe, the story follows Pete Sandich (Dreyfuss), an aerial firefighter flying a repurposed World War II bomber. He’s got a reputation for taking big risks, often coming back to base on fumes. This most especially impacts his girlfriend Dorinda (Hunter), herself a pilot who works as a dispatcher. Because so, and with more advice from his best friend Al Yackey (John Goodman), he decides to call it quits but takes one last mission, one that proves to be his absolute last, though things are a lot different when he comes back. There’s a lot Pete still needs to learn.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Some movies really capture the whole ‘going to the movies’ thing just right, the sense of wonder, fantasy and escapism and of course, Spielberg is one of the best at doing so. While the film was not quite the box office hit it should have been, this is a sensational adventure with a ton of heart, Spielberg crafting a wonderful fairy tale for the ages. Light and breezy, it also tackles a bit more heavier fodder with themes of love, death, and letting go, with some truly touching moments that hit the mark. Filled with warm humor and gentle romance, be sure to keep your eyes open for Audrey Hepburn in her final film. It’s streaming on Netflix right now.