Is ‘Cherry’ on Netflix? Where to Watch Tom Holland’s Bank Robbery Film
Cherry is a harrowing new streaming drama that represents a huge, more mature departure for star Tom Holland. The actor is best known for playing Peter Parker in the most recent Spider-Man series. In Cherry, conversely, he plays a war veteran struggling with PTSD and opioid addiction.
Holland is joined by fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe alumni, Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed the new film. The sibling duo is best known for helming a handful of massive MCU hits: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
With that level of popular talent involved, there’s sure to be a lot of viewers eager to check out Cherry when it hits streaming tomorrow. So, is it on Netflix? Or, will you have to venture a bit further afield to get it?
Is ‘Cherry’ based on a true story?
Cherry is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name from 2018 by Nico Walker. Walker served as a combat medic in the Iraq War from 2005-2006. Upon returning home, PTSD and depression led him to heroin addiction, and eventually he turned to robbing banks to fund his habit. He was later convicted for robbing four banks in the Cleveland area and was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2012. He was released early in 2019.
Cherry, the novel and the film, change a few elements of Walker’s true story. The most prominent is the shift from the protagonist dealing with heroin addiction to opioid addiction, giving the story a timely quality.
There’s also a personal quality for the Russo Brothers. The story of Cherry is set in Cleveland, the brothers’ hometown. Angela Russo-Otstot, the duo’s sister, also co-wrote the film’s screenplay. In the past, she’s made cameos in various Russo Brothers projects, including Arrested Development, Welcome to Collinwood, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
While it’s always up to viewers to make their own call, Cherry has had a rough critical reception since its premiere. It currently sits around 38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, with many writers deriding the film’s overblown visual style, which can detract from the important story at its core. The performances, Holland’s in particular, were widely praised despite the other issues.
Where to watch ‘Cherry’
Apple dished out $40 million to acquire Cherry back in September 2020, according to Variety. This fits the company’s ongoing philosophy when it comes to original films, which is the pay big for movie-star-laden projects in order to attract viewers. Its upcoming film slate includes buzzy projects from Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Scarlett Johansson.
As such, Cherry will only be available to stream on Apple TV+. The only other viewing option would be theatrical, as the film was released in a handful of locations on Feb. 26.
Apple TV+ is available for $4.99 a month on its own, but can also be had as part of the Apple One bundles, which range from $14.99-$29.99. A free year of the service is still included with the purchase of new Apple hardware, including iPhones and iPads.
