By Katherine Coble || News Editor
Photo Courtesy of digitalspy.com
Every month, the popularity—and power—of Netflix seems to grow stronger. Far from the simple entertainment subscription service it began as, Netflix is now one of the biggest names in the industry, churning out quality television and film every month. They move at a pace few traditional studios can keep up with and few people would have predicted. Simply scrolling through Netflix can become an activity in itself, with so many possible categories, recommended items, and trailers almost bursting out of your television screen. Instead of wasting an entire afternoon trying to figure out what to watch on Netflix this month, check out these sure-to-be solid hits instead.
The End of the F***ing World (Season 2): This unique British series, based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, first aired on UK’s Channel 4 before taking Netflix and its American audience by storm. The series centers on a budding teenage psychopath, James (played by Alex Lawther) and his relationship with the rebellious, angry new girl Alyssa (played by Jessica Barden and her amazing Yorkshire accent). The two actors have instant chemistry, combined with incredible dialogue and a score to make your heart flutter. Season one ended on a mysterious cliffhanger, so season two is sure to please its fans. The twenty-minute long episodes make it easy to digest between club meetings or as a study break. Just be warned: once you start watching, it may be difficult to stop.
The Crown (Season 3): This Netflix original, with a new season coming out on November 17, might not be the one if you’re seeking thrilling plot twists and fast-moving storylines. But The Crown is still worth watching for its cinematography, attention to detail, and one of the greatest casts ever compiled. Olivia Coleman, most recently the winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, takes center stage as Queen Elizabeth during the 1960s. Helena Bonham Carter stars as ever-rebellious Princess Margaret, while Outlander star Tobias Menzies takes on the role of Prince Phillip. The third season of the show will cover an extremely tumultuous decade, both for the world and for Britain’s royal family, and is sure to impress those patient enough to seep themselves into The Crown’s world.
High Seas/Alta Mar (Season 2): High Seas is one of those Netflix shows that gets stuck under the radar, partially due to the sheer quantity of content Netflix puts out. It’s a shame because this self-aware Spanish soap opera is one of the most binge-able shows they’ve ever released. The first season of “High Seas” centered upon a murder mystery. On a magnificent cruise ship. In the late 1940s. So really, what more could you want from a setting? “High Seas” doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is all the better for it. The drama is easy to digest and sure to serve as a stress reliever during finals week due to its November 22 release date.
Don’t have time to commit to a full television show, especially if it means catching up on prior seasons? No need to fear. Netflix has long been stereotyped as having amazing television and subpar movies on offer, but this is increasingly not the case – particularly since the critical and commercial success of Netflix originals like “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” and Academy-Award winning “Roma.” There are several new films coming to Netflix this month which are worth checking out.
The first of these is “The King”, a historical drama starring Timothee Chalamet and Robert Pattinson. If you’re interested in some royal entertainment but can’t wait for The Crown on November 17, The King is a good bet. The accents are a little silly, but the cinematography is not to be missed. “Burning Cane” is another excellent dramatic option. The product of a nineteen-year-old filmmaker from New Orleans, Burning Cane explores the intersection of family, faith, and poverty in rural Louisiana. Finally, just in time for Thanksgiving, Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama “The Irishman” hits Netflix on November 27. With a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, it is sure to please the mobster fans among us.
Senior Katherine Coble is the News Editor. Her email is kcoble@fandm.edu.