Wondering what to watch this Valentine’s Day? Stream a movie spicier and more satisfying than ‘Wuthering Heights’ from home — and it’s free

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“Bound” – The Groundbreaking Lesbian Thriller That Paved the Way for The Matrix

When I was 25, single, and without Valentine’s Day plans, I took myself out on a whim to see a movie from 1996 that I’d never heard of. It followed grifter Corky (Gina Gershon) as she moved into a new apartment, immediately taken by the charms of neighbor Violet (Jennifer Tilly).

The pair become embroiled in Violet’s boyfriend Caesar’s (Joe Pantoliano) money laundering scheme, and hatch a plan to steal some of the cash for themselves. Effortlessly sexy and thrilling with an uplifting conclusion, Bound changed my life for good from that day on.

Now, any chance I get to recommend it is one that I’ll take. Created by The Wachowskis to prove to movie studios that they were able to make a film in order to finance The Matrix, it’s stacked with on-screen drama and off-screen cultural history.

Tilly and Gershon were both advised to turn the film down, given that Bound is the first Hollywood movie to feature a same-sex romance in the lead roles. 30 years later, I’m so glad that both were passionate about saying yes.

I know that ‘Wuthering Heights’ is the obvious choice of film to watch this weekend, but if my review has already convinced you to leave it alone, perhaps the promise of being able to stream Bound for free will.

Stream Bound on Kanopy in the US for free this Valentine’s Day weekend

Tell me you don’t see Tilly and Gershon’s lips nearly touching in the above trailer and not instantly swoon. Luckily for US viewers, Bound is currently available to stream for free on Kanopy… and I cannot stress how much you need to take up the offer.

UK and Australian fans don’t need to despair, though. Bound is currently on Stan down under, while Brits can find it on BFI Player (though Prime Video routinely uploads it for free with ads, so keep an eye out for that).

Violet and Corky’s connection is something incredibly special yet rarely seen, with a LGBT-positive movie ending even more unusual now than it was then. Bound set a cultural precedent in so many ways, and the fact you know it ends in happy ever after means you can enjoy the exceptionally steamy scenes that build up the pair’s budding romance.

Netflix could learn a thing or two from the gorgeous, dusky lighting, and a sparing soundtrack is used to perfection. Even the unexpectedly gross violence becomes a thing of beauty. Regardless of what cinematic element to dive deeper into, you’ll find magic.

I can’t recall how many times I’ve watched Bound now, but you can bet that streaming it is exactly how I’ll be spending my Valentine’s Day. If you think The Matrix is masterpiece cinema, wait until you see the movie that allowed it to be made.

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