Cinema lovers across the UK have a reason to celebrate as one of David Lynch's most acclaimed and disturbing films, Blue Velvet, has officially arrived on the Netflix streaming platform. This comes nearly a year after the visionary director's death, offering a chance for both longtime fans and a new generation to experience his unique brand of surreal storytelling.
A Shocking Masterpiece Reborn
Originally released in 1986, Blue Velvet was a film that almost didn't see the light of day. Its graphic sexual and violent content led to it being declined by several major studios. However, its eventual release proved to be a career-defining moment for Lynch, successfully revitalising his standing after the commercial failure of Dune in 1984.
The film's plot is a quintessential Lynchian mystery. It follows Kyle MacLachlan as Jeffrey Beaumont, a young man who returns to his hometown after his father suffers a stroke. The discovery of a severed human ear in a field pulls him into a dark and twisted investigation. Teaming up with the detective's daughter, Sandy Williams, played by Laura Dern, Jeffrey is drawn into the depraved underworld of psychopath Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) and the troubled lounge singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini).
From Critical Divide to Lasting Legacy
While Blue Velvet divided opinion upon its initial release, its power was undeniable. It earned David Lynch his second Oscar nomination for Best Director and was celebrated by the National Society of Film Critics. Time has been exceptionally kind to the film, which is now widely regarded not just as one of Lynch's finest works, but as one of the greatest films ever made.
This status was formally recognised in 2008, when the American Film Institute selected it as one of the ten greatest American mystery films. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 91% rating. The critics' consensus notes that while the story may be challenging, the film offers "a deeper perception of the potential of film storytelling."
Contemporary reviews captured the film's unsettling brilliance. The London Evening Standard called it "one of the most extraordinarily erotic and mesmerising experiences I have ever had in the cinema," while the Boston Globe stated it "utterly redeems Lynch from the debacle of Dune."
A Timeless Film's New Home
The arrival of Blue Velvet on Netflix serves as a poignant tribute to its late director. David Lynch passed away earlier this year at the age of 78. His cause of death was confirmed as cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition linked to his years of chain smoking.
For those inspired to explore more of Lynch's filmography, here is where you can find his other iconic works:
- Eraserhead – Available to rent and buy on Apple TV+
- The Elephant Man – Mubi and StudioCanal+ via Prime Video
- Mulholland Drive – Mubi via Prime Video
- Wild at Heart – Prime Video
- Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me – Available to rent and buy on Apple TV+
Blue Velvet is now available to stream on Netflix, ready to captivate and disturb a whole new audience with its unparalleled vision.
