Halt! Check Out This Fantastic Movie on Netflix Before It Exits in June 2025

Farewell to a Netflix Favorite

It’s that time of the month when Netflix is shuffling its catalog again, and a bunch of films are bidding their farewells on May 31. Among those making their exit is Christopher Nolan’s renowned Dark Knight trilogy. But, for those who indulge in movie nights (like me, popcorn in hand), there’s one film that stands out and you might want to catch it before it disappears.

Mike Nichols, known for his Oscar-winning magic and holding the rare EGOT status, brought Patrick Marber’s stage play to life on the big screen back in 2004. Marber, who penned the script, expanded upon his original narrative. And oh, the cast – it was like Hollywood royalty came together.

This romantic drama features the talents of Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen. It’s hard to imagine anyone else filling those shoes. Portman’s portrayal of Alice Ayres, a young woman entangled in a stormy relationship with Dan Woolf (played by Law), earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. There’s this scene where Alice faces off with Anna Cameron (Roberts), confronting her about Dan’s straying intentions – Portman’s vulnerability hits hard.

Alice isn’t just another character; she’s perhaps the soul of the film. While others seem lost in their web of infidelity, Alice remains true. It’s her sincerity that tugs at your heartstrings, making you root for her throughout.

Considering the movie has aged over two decades, calling it a mirror to modern romance might not ring true today. Society has evolved since then. The original play itself will be celebrating its 30th anniversary soon enough – hard to believe how time flies. The crisscrossing lives of Dan & Alice and Anna & Larry Gray (Owen) reflect a tangled dance of relationships, albeit from a different era.

The stage version had a darker ending – something more somber than what we see on screen. Perhaps the film chose to end on a note of hope instead. Some say it makes for a more satisfying watch without dwelling too much on tragedy.

If you’re curious about these love entanglements and missed out earlier, now’s your chance. You can stream it on Netflix. Just make sure to settle in before it vanishes from the platform.

I guess that’s part of what keeps us watching – that promise of a little hope amid chaos…

For more context, see this BBC Entertainment overview.