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Netflix’s latest original thriller is “Heartland,” a mystery-filled watch starring Jessica Chastain. The streamer is pulling some muscle behind this one, so it’s going to attract a lot of eyeballs, but according to our review, it might not deserve your Netflix watchlist.
So whether you’ve already watched “Heartland” or want higher quality alternatives, I’ve picked out the perfect five follow-up films. My choices are similar in many ways: some share actors (including Chastain), others are similar narratively, and some match tone.
There’s also a lot of star power. Not only more Jessica Chastain, but you’ll also find Robert Pattinson, Hugh Jackman, Viola Davis, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner and Idris Elba. And “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve.
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No more teasing; here are the five movies you should watch after (or instead of) streaming “Heartland” on Netflix. In the meantime, if you want to watch more thriller movies specifically on Netflix, I have a summary for that as well.
“Molly’s Game” (2016)
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Jessica Chastain won her Oscar for the lead role in the 2021 biopic “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and was nominated for “The Help” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” They’re great films, well, two of them at least, but my favorite film with Chastain remains 2017’s “Molly’s Game.” The first film from screenwriter extraordinaire Aaron Sorkin, it’s a compelling character study with a world-class script. Plus, Chastain is in great shape. Oh, and Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, and Jeremy Strong provide great support, which is a bonus.
Based on Molly Bloom’s memoir, the biographical drama follows the title character (played by Chastain) as she goes from Olympic hopeful to operator of the world’s most exclusive poker game. Rubbing shoulders with wealthy and influential people, including an anonymous actor believed to be Tobey Maguire in real life, Molly’s high-profile gaming empire is threatened when criminals become involved, and she is ultimately put on trial by the FBI.
Watch “Molly’s Game” on Paramount+ NOW
“Nashville” (1975)
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“Heartland” is set in Nashville, with the location playing a major role in the new Netflix film. So if you’re looking for another movie set in Music City, then 1975’s “Nashville” is a logical next watch. No prizes for guessing where this satirical comedy-drama takes place! Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Altman, it’s no stranger to being on lists of the best films of all time, which is quite an accomplishment.
Taking place over five days, it follows the lives of various residents of Nashville as they approach a gala concert in support of a presidential candidate. Like most ensemble films, its main characters cross paths in unexpected ways, and like any film set in Nashville, the classic film incorporates plenty of exceptional musical talent. It’s not exactly the same tone as “Heartland”, but it’s a great watch if you want more Music City.
Watch “Nashville” on Prime Video (purchase/rent) NOW
“Prisoners” (2013)
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“Heartland” sees protagonist Misty Jones investigating the disappearance of her niece, and if you’re in the mood for a mystery thriller that similarly follows a main character searching for her missing relative, trust me, watch “Prisoners” now. From “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve, this 2013 film is a dark, brooding and extraordinarily compelling modern masterpiece. He is also not afraid to cast a condemning look at his leader.
Set in a rainy Pennsylvania town, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) is reeling after his young daughter and her friend go missing during a Thanksgiving celebration between the Keller and Birch families. Police detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is on the case, but with progress slow, Keller takes matters into his own hands, crossing moral boundaries to find his daughter. Also starring Viola Davis, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano, “Prisoners” showcases Villeneuve’s characteristic expertise, with a particularly spellbinding finale.
Watch “Prisoners” on Apple TV NOW
“Take refuge” (2011)
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One of Chastain’s first on-screen roles came in 2011’s “Take Shelter,” a slow-burn psychological thriller that is often overlooked in the actress’ filmography. Maybe it’s because Chastain’s breakthrough role in “The Help” also came out the same year, or it could be that Michael Shannon’s lead role made headlines, but whatever the reason, don’t let this movie be forgotten.
Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, the film centers on Curtis (Shannon), an ordinary man from Ohio, plagued by apocalyptic visions and convinced that the world is coming to an end. His solution is to build a large shelter in his garden to protect his loved ones from the storm he is sure is coming. However, his behavior begins to isolate him from his own family, namely his wife, Sam (Chastain). Slow burn? Yes. Boring? Not for a moment.
Watch “Take shelter” on Prime Video NOW
“Good Time” (2017)
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“Heartland” is a film that explores the darker side of a famous capital, an atmosphere that is also found in “Good Time”. Directed by Josh and Benny Safdie – a directing duo who have unfortunately since gone solo – the film is set in New York, but far from Times Square and other tourist spots. Instead, it follows two brothers on an epic odyssey through the city’s back streets.
For me, this is the movie where Robert Pattinson really shed his “Twilight” skin, and afterwards I was totally convinced that he was going to do great things on the big screen. I am going to congratulate myself indulgently on this prediction. The film sees brothers Connie (Pattinson) and Nick (Benny Safdie) in deep trouble after a robbery gone wrong. Nick is arrested and Connie only has one night to get bail before he is sent away for good.
Watch “Good Time” on Prime Video (purchase/rent) NOW
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