March is the Academy Awards month and also the month with St. Patrick’s Day (celebrations of the latter “might” account for the tardiness of this column).  Appropriately, this streaming month is packed with some of this year’s Academy Award nominees, Riz Ahmed as a possible non-white James Bond, a democracy-protecting Swedish police unit, and the chaos resulting from mixing gangsters with a time machine. So break out your Roku and check out some of these titles.

Blue Therapy (Netflix)--This therapy reality show flips the idea that therapy is only for white middle class people.  Black British couples are given the opportunity to work through issues of vulnerability, growth, and other emotions as they try to see what has caused problems in their relationship.

I Saw The TV Glow (Kanopy)--Jane Schoenbrun’s acclaimed psychological horror story begins in 1996, as socially ostracized teenagers Owen and Maddy bond over the cult TV show “The Pink Opaque.”  The show follows psychically connected teens Isabel and Tara’s battles against the reality-warping supervillain Mr. Melancholy.  Yet are Maddy’s claims of a deep connection to “The Pink Opaque” a sign of mental breakdown…or a path to a truth that Owen refuses to accept? 

It Was Just An Accident (Hulu)--Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning dramedy tells the story of Iranian mechanic Vahid, who one day encounters a middle-aged father who he thinks is Eqbal the Gimp.  Vahid hasn’t forgotten or forgiven Eqbal for his harsh prison interrogations, which left him with PTSD.  However, the mechanic’s desire to kill this man is tempered by the reality that Eqbal conducted his interrogations with his victims blindfolded.  Can bringing in other victims of Eqbal resolve this matter one way or another?  

Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere (Netflix)--Louis Theroux’s new documentary charts his encounters with male influencers.  Several members of the manosphere aka "grown men who peddle odious ideas and dodgy investment schemes to teenage boys”  such as hstikkytokky, Amrou Fudl, and Sneako appear in the film.  Yet, as Theroux shows, beneath these influencers’ public bluster of strength is emotional weakness and frailty….which makes them objects of pity.

The Pink Pill: Sex, Drugs & Who Has Control (Paramount+)--Aisling Ching-Yee’s documentary examines the history behind flibanserin (popularly known as Addyi).  The drug successfully worked on the neurotransmitters in the brain’s “sex center” to help women struggling with libido problems.  Yet even though the drug was approved by the FDA back in August 2015, most women are not aware of Addyi’s existence.  Why this happened is a story of cultural sexism, pharmaceutical price-gouging, and a lack of interest in female pleasure.  

R.J. Decker (Hulu)--In this series inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s “Double Whammy,” R.J. Decker (Scott Speedman) is starting over as a private investigator in South Florida.  He used to be a respected photojournalist until his involvement with Emilia “Emi” Ochoa got him sent to prison.  Now, with the help of journalist ex-wife Catherine Delacroix and police detective (and Catherine’s new wife) Melody “Mel” Abreu, Decker winds up taking on cases ranging from the slightly odd to the downright bizarre.  And is it really a good idea for him to rekindle a relationship with Emi? 

The Secret Agent (Hulu)--In 1977, Brazil is ruled by a ruthless military dictatorship.  Ex-researcher Armando Solimoes has come to Recife during Carnival in hopes of being reunited with his son Fernando and to discover information about his late mother.  However, the fugitive has less time than he imagines as a contract has been put out on his life by an old enemy.  Kleber Mendonca Filho’s multi-award-winning film is, among other things, a love letter to the old Brazilian movie palaces of the period. 

The Unknown Country (Netflix)---In Morrisa Maltz’ docufiction, Lakota-Sioux woman Tana (Lily Gladstone) is on a road trip from the Midwest to the Texas-Mexico border.  Along the way she meets some real-life inhabitants of the areas she’s driving through.  The vignettes range from a convenience store clerk recounting meeting his future partner in a dream years earlier to an elderly woman meowing back at her cats.  But will Tana herself visit the Pine Ridge Reservation where she grew up?

Videoheaven (Criterion Channel)--Alex Ross Perry’s epic essay film considers the history of the neighborhood video rental store using only clips from film and television.  The video store has been a “socio-cultural hub, consumer mecca, and source of existential dread” over its glorious and sometimes seedy history.    

The Zone Of Interest (Kanopy)---Jonathan Glazer’s quietly chilling adaptation of Martin Amis’ novel takes viewers to 1943 Germany and the home of the Rudolf and Hedwig Hess family.  The Hesses live idyllic lives….even though their home is next door to the Auschwitz concentration camp.  For Rudolf Hess is the camp commandant while Hedwig makes full use of the best belongings impounded from the camp’s Jewish prisoners.  How long can the Hesses continue to live in denial of the horrors occurring at Auschwitz?

Dynasty: The Murdochs (Netflix)--Liz Garbus’ docuseries presents a portrait of the life and career of media mogul Rupert Murdoch (owner of Faux News, publisher Harper Collins, and The Wall Street Journal among others).  But the major focus of the docuseries is the public feud among Murdoch’s three adult children to become the sole heir of their father’s media empire.  And yes, this feud inspired the popular HBO series “Succession.”

It’s Dorothy! (Peacock)--Why are gays referred to as “friends of Dorothy?”  The answer lies with the film classic “The Wizard Of Oz” and its heroine Dorothy Gale.  Jeffrey McHale’s documentary essay traces the story behind the original “The Wizard Of Oz,” meets some of the actresses who’ve played Dorothy over the years, and shows why Dorothy’s story has resonated with queers over decades.

Malpractice Seasons 1 & 2 (Hulu)--This British drama series written by a former National Health Service doctor dramatizes the often-impossible decisions today’s NHS doctors must make.  In Series 1, a hellish shift for Dr. Lucinda Edwards turns into a nightmare when an overdose patient dies in her care.  Unfortunately for her, the dead patient’s father happens to be a noted barrister and he’s not going to let the matter lie.  In Series 2, psychiatric doctor James Ford must choose to treat first only one of two patients: a woman with postpartum psychosis or a psychotic crack addict who might need to be sectioned.  When a woman dies as a result of his decision, Ford gets investigated. 

Micro Budget (Ovid)--Aspiring film director Terry Terrison reacts to the news that he’s about to become a father in the most dubious way possible.  He ups and moves from Iowa to Los Angeles, bringing along his cast, his crew, and his nine-months-pregnant wife.  As this mockumentary shows, Terrison’s one life goal is to make a science fiction movie and sell it to a streaming channel for lots of money.  The big trouble is that he’s an auteur on par with Tommy Wiseau.

Phantom Lawyer (Netflix)--When timid lawyer Shin I-rang sets up his offices in what used to be a shaman’s home, he gains the ability to see ghosts.  Those spectres turn out to want one thing from the human world: corporeal justice.  Given Shin’s ability to be possessed by the quirky personalities of his clients, he works to deliver that justice.  Elite attorney Han Na-hyeon goes from skeptical opponent to Shin to possible ally. 

Twisted Yoga (AppleTV)--In this true crime docuseries, select yoga students from around the world seeking inner peace and spiritual purpose get a very unwelcome surprise while attending the tantric yoga studios of the Movement For Spiritual Integration Into The Absolute.  What they thought were special spiritual initiations by the movement’s founder was actually grooming for rape and sexual exploitation. 

Blackberry (Netflix)--Matt Johnson dramatizes the history of the BlackBerry mobile phone.  In 1996, Mike Lazaridis and best friend Douglas Fregin reluctantly welcome ambitious businessman Jim Balsillie as a co-CEO of Research In Motion to help sell their PocketLink invention to a big telecommunications company.  The PocketLink will eventually be rebranded as the BlackBerry and becomes a massively successful item.  However, Research In Motion will eventually face two big challenges: a hostile takeover attempt and a competing device from Steve Jobs known as the iPhone. 

Theater Camp (Hulu)--This mockumentary directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman follows what happens to the theater summer camp AdirondACTS after it gets taken over by a business influencer whose personality clashes with those of the theater kids.  During this chaotic summer, the theater kids temporarily become Rotary Club servers, a musical biography of the camp’s founder needs to be completed, and a foreclosure threat faces the camp.

El Sisi: Egypt’s New Pharaoh (Ovid)--Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi plans to build a new modern Egypt.  One piece of his plan involves the construction of an enormous new capital for the country located in the desert.  But as this French documentary shows, the country’s actually on the brink of collapse.  Poverty has exploded, the social safety net has been badly shredded, and the country’s become the third-most indebted nation in the world.

Furies Season 2 (Netflix)--Selma and Lyna are two of the Furies, the enforcers tasked with keeping the peace among Paris’ six major crime families.  But as the new season begins, the ruthless paramilitary group known as Damocles has forced the Furies into near-submission.  Lyna is now infiltrating her crime family for the police in exchange for her freedom.  Meanwhile, Selma is moving in the shadows with plans of her own…  

Imperfect Women (AppleTV)--Nancy (Kate Mara) is a working class dancer who married rich.  When she gets murdered, her surviving best friends Eleanor (Kerry Washington) and Mary (Elisabeth Moss) react in different ways.  Ambitious career woman Eleanor suddenly starts emotionally spiraling, leading her to make dubious decisions.  Mary starts reassessing her marriage and domestic life and realizes that it’s anything but stable.

The Lady (Britbox)--Working class-born Jane Andrews thought she had hit the life jackpot when she got hired to become the dresser for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.  But when she gets given the boot after nine years of service, the former royal dresser thought she could bounce back via a romance with charismatic businessman Thomas Cressman.  So how did she become a prime suspect in Cressman’s death?  Based on a true story.   

Radioactive Emergency (Netflix)--In the Brazilian town of Golania, a radiotherapy device consigned to the scrapyard accidentally gets opened.  The result: cesium-137 leaks out and starts contaminating the community.  Now medical and scientific teams race against time to limit the impact of the radioactive contamination.  Meanwhile, government authorities struggle to organize relief efforts without panicking the public.  Based on an actual 1987 incident.

The Dialogue Police (Ovid)--This documentary follows an unusual Swedish police unit whose members serve as mediators between the public and those wanting to say what they want even if the listeners disagree or feel mocked by the speaker’s words.  These police officers are armed only with words and an incredible amount of patience.  It’s a thankless job, but could it be a way to strengthen democracy?

JoJo's Bizarre Adventures: Steel Ball Run (Netflix)--In 1890s America, racing jockeys have come from around the world to take part in the San Diego to New York City horse race known as the Steel Ball Run.  One of these jockeys is the paraplegic Johnny Joestar.  He’s hoping to learn how racer Gyro Zeppeli’s abilities temporarily restored his mobility.  Meanwhile, U.S. President Funny Valentine hopes to use the race to gain limitless power by secretly reassembling the Holy Corpse.

Life After People Season 3 (Hulu)--This docuseries looks at the fate of the Earth and humanity’s works if people suddenly disappeared.  This season, see rotting shopping malls, Las Vegas buried under the desert sands, and the destructive force of water.

1000 Women In Horror (Shudder)--Donna Davies directs and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas wrote the script for this documentary look at how women in a variety of roles in front of and behind the camera left their marks on the evolution of horror cinema.

Deadloch Season 2 (Amazon Prime)--It’s the return of the Australian dark comedy mystery series featuring the police investigating team of strait-laced Dulcie and sweary Eddie.  This season takes them to the Northern Territory town of Barra Creek, a small town famous for its crocodile tours.  This new case involves missing backpackers, a severed hand, and a deadly rivalry between a tired family-run croc tour and a slick croc tour run by a celebrity fisher.

Jury Duty Presents:  Company Retreat (Amazon Prime)--In this mockumentary, Anthony is a temp worker hired to organize a company’s away day.  But what he doesn’t know is that he’s the only real person in a staged setup filled with actors.  How will he handle the increasingly absurd situations, especially a supposed hostile corporate takeover?

Sentimental Value (Hulu)--Joachim Trier’s Academy Award-winning dramedy concerns the stormy relationship between stage actress Nora Borg (Renata Reinsve) and her gifted film director father Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgard).  When Nora turns down Gustav’s offer to play the lead character in his new semi-autobiographical film, his decision to cast American actress Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning) to play the part eventually leads to the Borgs’ confrontations with old family traumas and resentments.  But where does life end and art begin?

Bait (Amazon Prime)--Shah Latif (Riz Ahmed) gets the acting opportunity of a lifetime when he’s asked to audition to play the next James Bond.  He feels he’s utterly screwed up his audition until a paparazzo’s photo and TikTok-driven excitement turns Latif into Bond-elect and gives him a second chance.  But as the severed pig’s head thrown through the window of Latif’s parents’ home shows, not everyone is on board with the idea of a non-white Bond.

Whore’s Glory (MUBI)--Michael Glawogger’s documentary depicts working conditions for prostitutes in cities in Thailand, Bangladesh, and Mexico.  The work venues range from a brightly lit glass room to a crowded space containing 600 to 800 sex workers to a legal area for prostitution monitored by the police. 

Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole (Netflix)--Unconventional police detective Harry Hole has hit a rough patch in his life.  On his plate are a breakup, an alcoholism problem, and the possibility of losing his job.  Now add to the mix an unusual Oslo heat wave and a serial killer who claims his victims’ index fingers as trophies.  Hole’s investigation is not made easier by clashes with the possibly corrupt Inspector Tom Waaler.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice (Hulu)--Mike (James Marsden) and Nick (Vince Vaughan X 2) are gangsters.  They both love Alice.  One terrible night, Nick does something that turns out badly for all of them.  But it’s not game over once Nick discovers a working time machine.  He decides to use it to set things right by kidnapping his past self with Mike’s help.  But does Nick’s insane plan account for the presence of the cannibal assassin known as The Baron?  Does this plan even consider who Alice will ultimately choose to be with?

Pompeii: Below The Clouds (MUBI)--Gianfranco Rosi’s newest documentary takes viewers to a Naples region sandwiched between Mount Vesuvius and the suddenly active Campi Flegrei volcanic caldera.  Here, archeologists deal with both uncovered ancient treasures and the messes left by tomb raiders.  The area’s emergency centers are this close to complete breakdown.  The area’s populace live with the constant fear of becoming the victims of a new Mount Vesuvius eruption.

The Wrong Mans Seasons 1 & 2 (Britbox)--When town planning officer Sam Pinkett innocently answers a mobile phone left near a car crash, he doesn’t want anything to do with a possible kidnapping plot.  Unfortunately, he listens to co-worker Phil Bourne’s advice to solve this mystery to do something worthwhile in their lives.  The two idiots wind up beset by a murder frame-up, Russian mobsters, and being hunted by MI5.

Dangerous Animals (Hulu)--In Sean Byrne’s horror film, a shark-obsessed boat captain named Tucker (Jai Courtney) is actually a serial killer who kidnaps tourists and films them being devoured by sharks.  When a drifter named Zephyr falls into Tucker’s clutches, she must use whatever resources are available to her to stay alive.