Today : Mar 18, 2025
Arts & Culture
12 March 2025

Amazon Prime Video Loses Oscar-Winning Thriller While Adding New Films

With major changes to its lineup, viewers must act quickly to catch favorites before they're gone.

Amazon Prime Video is set to bid farewell to the captivating legal thriller Anatomy of a Fall, directed by Justine Triet, which is disappearing from its streaming library on March 28, 2025. This highly acclaimed film, released after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, captured audiences with its gripping narrative and earned the prestigious Palme d'Or award for its artistic merit.

Since its debut, Anatomy of a Fall has enjoyed immense success, grossing approximately $36 million (£27.7 million) against its modest $6.7 million (£5.1 million) budget. It also garnered the coveted Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, alongside nominations for four additional Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film has been lauded by critics, claiming a remarkable 96% rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

At the heart of Anatomy of a Fall is the story of Sandra Voyter, portrayed by Sandra Hüller, who becomes the main suspect following the suspicious death of her husband. His body is discovered beneath their chalet, shrouded by the snow of the French Alps, igniting intense public and legal scrutiny. The film onlookers are taken on a psychological expedition, exploring the turbulent dynamics of Sandra and her husband Samuel Maleski's relationship.

Fine performances by Hüller, Samuel Theis, Swann Arlaud, and Milo Machado-Graner, among others, have impressed audiences and critics alike. Reviewers have described the film as ‘mesmerizing’ and ‘one of the strongest courtroom dramas in recent memory.’ The National has hailed it as ‘one of the greatest films of the contemporary era,’ reflecting its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.

Despite its challenging 150-minute runtime, fans have expressed their admiration on social media. Comments such as “Riveting! Like watching a train wreck in slow motion!” and “Fantastic acting, and man, what a screenplay” capture the emotional impact and narrative brilliance of the film.

While Amazon Prime Video viewers will soon lose this remarkable thriller, the addition of Nocebo adds fresh horror content to the platform. Recently released on March 11, 2025, Nocebo is an Irish and Filipino co-production featuring Eva Green and Mark Strong. The psychological horror film follows the story of Christine, played by Green, who grapples with mysterious symptoms alien to her doctors and husband. Help arrives from her Filipino nanny, whose folk healing practices entangle Christine's life in unsettling revelations.

Despite its initial 2022 release encountering mixed reviews, Nocebo has achieved a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critiques praising its chilling narrative. Some fans have reacted positively, emphasizing its lack of jump scares as appealing to horror aficionados who favor more gradual tension. Comments online highlight the film as “a great slow-burning horror without the jump scares!” and celebrate its effective storytelling and visual artistry.

The film's director, Lorcan Finnegan, sheds light on the socio-political elements woven throughout the story. He described the film as addressing pressing issues like colonialism and consumer capitalism, criticizing the exploitation of labor and production methods employed by global brands.

Another noteworthy addition to Amazon Prime Video on March 11, 2025, is The Talented Mr. Ripley. Released earlier, this 1999 thriller, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, remains relevant today due to its thematic resonance. The narrative follows Tom Ripley, portrayed by Matt Damon, who schemes to convince the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf, played by Jude Law, to return to New York City. Ripley’s relentless pursuit of Greenleaf’s luxurious lifestyle turns increasingly dark as he resorts to extreme measures.

Though Saltburn, released recently, has drawn comparisons to The Talented Mr. Ripley over perceived similarities, audiences maintain diverging opinions about the films’ originality. While viewers on social media debate the parallels, directors of both films have asserted their unique visions, with Emerald Fennell of Saltburn citing inspiration from the British country house tradition rather than directly from Highsmith’s work.

Both The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn benefit from positive reception, with fans praising them for their character depth and narrative dexterity. Comments on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes highlight the former as “a compelling thriller,” establishing its classic status among fans of the genre.

The approach to streaming these three films reflects Amazon Prime’s strategy to maintain its competitive edge by diversifying its film library across various genres, ensuring offerings for thriller lovers, legal drama enthusiasts, and horror fans alike. Amazon Prime is actively enriching its lineup, promising to inspire conversations among filmgoers.

With Anatomy of a Fall scheduled to depart soon, those eager to enjoy this compelling film are urged to prioritize watching it before its removal. Meanwhile, viewers can explore the chilling thriller Nocebo and the classic intrigue of The Talented Mr. Ripley streaming now on Amazon Prime Video, keeping audiences engaged with varied cinematic experiences.