Another new month means there’s plenty more new stuff to watch on Netflix, and today we’ll be picking out some of the best films and TV shows you can catch on Netflix UK at the moment.
Film Recommendations
First up is Netflix’s biggest original film of the year so far, Sam Levinson’s searing Malcolm & Marie. The film follows a couple, director Malcolm (John David Washington) and his partner Marie (Zendaya) the night are Malcolm’s latest film premieres. It hones in on their relationship: examining the hidden problems that have been bubbling between them, and the personality flaws that not only brought them together, but also threaten to rip them apart. It’s very well directed – shot all in Zendaya’s own home during the first lockdown, cleverly opening the setting up as the film progresses – and while its commentary on the role of film critics has proved very controversial, the brilliant lead performances make this worth a watch.
Next up is a film approaching its tenth anniversary, that has a cult underground following for good reason: Dredd. Karl Urban stars as the iconic comic character in a grisly, brutal action thriller, that earns its 18 certificate with gory executions and visceral violence. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but the taut plot, fascinating setting and dark tone make this a must for any action movie night. And hopefully, if enough people watch it on Netflix, the long-anticipated sequel may finally get made!
Last up is a comic-book film that we loved upon release, Deadpool. Everybody knows about Ryan Reynolds’ X-Men character, and his first outing – ignoring the awful X-Men Origins: Wolverine – is funny and violent in equal measure. Reynolds rarely shows his face, utterly immersing himself as the Merc with a Mouth, with plenty of comic-book references for fans of the genre, and switch-your-brain-off fight scenes for everybody else. With Deadpool 2 coming to Disney+ when Star releases later this month, now is the perfect time to refresh your memory of the record-breaking original.
TV Recommendations
First up is a show that’s taken Netflix by storm in the past weeks, and if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out: Bridgerton. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, it creates a period drama world with much more diversity, telling a classic romance story with a unique twist. It’s been famed for its likeable characters, classical-but-contemporary soundtrack, and raunchy sex scenes, and with 82 million households having watched the show, it’s quickly become one of the most popular shows in Netflix history. With a second series officially on the way, now is the time to make sure you’re up to date on Netflix’s latest sensation.
Next up is a true crime docuseries in the vein of Don’t F**k With Cats, that’ll hook you in from the first episode and not let go until the very end – Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. It follows the mysterious disappearance of 21-year-old Elisa Lam at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles in 2012, uncovering the dark history behind the hotel, and the viral explosion that led to so much attention being paid to the case. The ethics behind it are questionable – you might disagree with the dramatisation of a real-life incident for entertainment purposes – but it’s so easy to binge, and tells a story you’re certain to not forget. If you stick the first episode on, be prepared to not move from the TV until all four episodes have played – it’s that addictive.
Lastly is another Netflix Original show, whose most recent season came out in January – Disenchantment. This animated comedy comes from Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, and while the characters and settings may not be as legendary as those shows, it’s still worth a watch. Disenchantment follows Bean, the reluctant princess of Dreamland, as she locks horns with her father Zøg and comes to terms with secrets from her past. Along with her on her adventures – as she travels to realms filled with ogres, Steampunk planets and even Hell itself – are the chirpy elf Elfo and Bean’s personal demon Luci, creating a group of main characters who bounce off each other so enjoyable. It’s a really well-written show that is definitely better than late-era Simpsons episodes, so if you’re missing that style of humour, and want something a bit more plot-driven, then Disenchantment is for you.
There you have it – some recommendations of things to watch on Netflix. Have you seen any of the films or shows here? Let us know what you think – thanks for reading!
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