Discover Ethan Hawke’s Range with a Double Feature on Netflix
For those looking to stream something truly captivating before the next Academy Awards, Netflix currently offers a stellar double bill starring Ethan Hawke. Recognized for his emotionally rich and nuanced performances, Hawke’s filmography spans indie dramas, mainstream thrillers, and inventive horror, making him one of the most versatile actors working today. With his latest project, Blue Moon, he carves out yet another unique space for himself, inviting both loyal fans and newcomers to witness a tour de force just as awards season heats up.
Blue Moon: A Lyrical Journey with Richard Linklater
Blue Moon is Hawke’s most celebrated recent collaboration with director Richard Linklater, a partnership already respected thanks to projects like the iconic Before trilogy and Boyhood. In this striking drama, Hawke steps into the shoes of Lorenz Hart, the gifted and troubled lyricist best known as half of the Rodgers and Hart songwriting duo. Set during a pivotal moment — the premiere night of Oklahoma!, when Hart finds his old creative partner launching a new era with Oscar Hammerstein II — the film draws viewers into a single, emotionally charged evening. The stellar supporting cast includes Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott, creating an atmospheric character study that dives deep into the anxiety, competitive spirit, and artistic vulnerability of a man confronting his changing world.
This film has quickly cemented its place as a critical favorite, with nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay—a reflection of Hawke’s intense, layered portrayal, and the deft, sensitive writing that defines Linklater’s best work. If you have a passion for films that mix theater, music history, and human drama, Blue Moon is an essential stream.
The Black Phone: A Haunting Turn in Modern Horror
For viewers daring enough for a darker night in, Netflix pairs Blue Moon with one of Hawke’s most chilling performances in The Black Phone. Directed by Scott Derrickson—best known for Sinister and Doctor Strange—this horror thriller follows the sinister exploits of «The Grabber», a masked serial killer who kidnaps children and holds them captive in his basement. Hawke’s portrayal is nothing short of menacing, blending a childlike sense of play with unspeakable cruelty, making The Grabber one of the most memorable movie villains in recent years.
The twist: his latest victim, Finney, played by Mason Thames, discovers an old disconnected phone in the basement. Through it, he can communicate with the spirits of The Grabber’s previous victims, turning the film into a supernatural battle of wits and willpower. The Black Phone was both a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim and sparking a sequel thanks to its powerful performances and unsettling atmosphere.
A Showcase of Acting Mastery
What’s remarkable about pairing these two films is the window they provide into Hawke’s formidable talent. In Blue Moon, he is a man on the edge, intellectual and self-assured on the surface, yet plagued by insecurity and a fear of irrelevance as the world evolves around him. Hawke brings out the contradictions and vulnerabilities that make Lorenz Hart such a compelling figure.
Switch to The Black Phone, and he transforms completely, slipping into the skin of a sadist whose unpredictability and cruelty redefine the horror antagonist archetype. In both roles, Hawke reveals the depths of his range and commitment, proving himself equally comfortable with introspective drama and pulse-pounding suspense.
Technical Highlights and Where to Watch
Blue Moon stands out with its period-accurate production design, evocative score, and single-night structure—tools that let audiences feel the pressure-cooker tension of a fateful evening. For fans of Richard Linklater, it’s yet another masterclass in how to use dialogue and space to reveal character and history.
Meanwhile, The Black Phone blends sharp cinematography and atmospheric sound with supernatural elements, building real dread beyond the jump scares. Scott Derrickson crafts a world where childhood innocence is at war with grown-up evil, and Hawke’s performance keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Both Blue Moon and The Black Phone are streaming now on Netflix, giving film lovers the perfect opportunity to appreciate the full spectrum of Ethan Hawke’s abilities ahead of awards night. For more on each film or to watch directly, visit the official Netflix app or website.
