Netflix is set to add a star-studded period drama to its streaming service.
Originally hitting the big screen in 2022, the film Amsterdam will soon be available for home viewing as it joins Netflix’s ever-evolving catalogue on 1 September.
Upon its initial release, the film split opinion among critics, but has since garnered a more favourable reception from viewers.
The film was penned and directed by Oscar-nominated David O. Russell, known for his acclaimed work on Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and The Fighter.
According to the film’s synopsis, Amsterdam unfolds in the aftermath of World War One, centring on three friends who witness a murder.
They soon find themselves under suspicion and stumble upon one of the most audacious schemes in American history, reports the Mirror.
The conspiracy at the heart of the story is based on a real-life plot believed to have been hatched to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.
However, many elements, including plot details and character names, are purely fictional.
The film boasts an impressive cast list featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including former Batman Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Zoe Saldana, Rami Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michael Shannon, and Robert De Niro. Brief appearances are also made by Austin Powers’ Mike Myers, Justified’s Timothy Olyphant, comedian Chris Rock, and pop sensation Taylor Swift.
As previously noted, the film received poor reviews from critics, earning just a 31% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Nevertheless, as years have passed, numerous viewers have started championing the movie as underappreciated.
Expressing their opinion online, one admirer commented: “Loved it. Immensely entertaining. If you want star-studded fare with the camera lingering on the beautiful and interesting, then this is the film for you.”
They continued by drawing comparisons to a recognised cult favourite, stating: “I’m irritated with all the critics who have followed the same line of it being overly busy, or overly complicated, or it being 12 films in one. I didn’t hear that criticism for the equally epic (and excellent) Big Lebowski-in fact, there’s a lot to this film that reminds me of the Coen brothers.”
Another person expressed a comparable perspective, writing: “An instant classic. Given time, it will be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. The cast is outstanding. I can’t remember ever seeing so many talented actors in one film like this before. Everyone brought their A-Game and absolutely nailed their respective performances.
“I haven’t been this intrigued or as impressed by a film in many years. It’s absolutely brilliant. The handful of negative reviews I have seen completely baffled me. They must be a due to a lack of intelligence, a lack of a sense of humour, perhaps a lack of taste in film itself, or a combination of all three.”
One viewer was left baffled by the initial reviews, remarking, “I don’t understand why some people had problems with this film. I found it quite interesting and gripping. The ensemble cast doesn’t disappoint at all.”
Amsterdam is streaming on Netflix from September 1.