As a cinephile with a keen eye for quality content and a deep respect for the artistry that goes into creating it, I must say that this year’s Netflix releases are nothing short of remarkable. Each title showcases a unique blend of talent, storytelling, and production value that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Netflix functions as an all-encompassing platform for any video content you might desire. It provides movies, TV series, documentaries, children’s programs, and everything in between that can be streamed. The streaming service is so well-known that the phrase “Netflix and chill” has entered common usage, symbolizing spending quality time together.
When you’re truly watching Netflix, you’ll be astonished by their vast array of options. Although you can practically reach any content through the streaming service, it’s important to note that there’s a distinctive collection of Netflix original movies and TV series that the platform creates independently. From this unique selection, we’ve chosen the following 15 titles.
Here are some amazing movies such as “Rebel Ridge” and “Orion and the Dark,” excellent TV series like “Supacell” and “A Man on the Inside,” and even a highly-rated docuseries titled “American Nightmare.” These picks were largely drawn from the author’s personal preferences, but there’s one exception, “Arcane,” which she hasn’t had a chance to watch yet. However, its Rotten Tomatoes critics’ ratings are too impressive to be overlooked. Let’s explore the 15 best Netflix originals of the year.
The Brothers Sun
Creator: Byron Wu and Brad Falchuk
Showrunner: Brad Falchuk
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li, Joon Lee, Highdee Kuan
Genre: Dark action-comedy
Number of episodes: 8
In essence, “The Brothers Sun” revolves around a family living apart, brought close by an urgent need when Charles Sun (Justin Chien)’s father becomes a target in Taipei, Taiwan. This forces Charles to relocate to Los Angeles, California, where he safeguards their mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), and younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li). Unbeknownst to Bruce, his father is a notorious crime boss in Taipei, and Charles has been schooled in the same underworld methods. Before this turn of events, Bruce’s rebellious streak was limited to skipping medical studies for improv classes. However, as he finds himself disposing of corpses and being captured – just in the early episodes – he realizes that this is a whole new ballgame.
The Brothers Sun” is an absurd yet realistic comedy that flawlessly combines two distinct universes. Regrettably, decision-makers at Netflix failed to recognize its brilliance; it was discontinued following a single season. However, it’s well worth a watch as it ranks among the wittiest and funniest series on their platform.
American Nightmare
Written and directed by: Bernadette Higgins and Felicity Morris
Featuring: Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn, Henry Lee
Genre: True Crime
Number of episodes: 3
Although the title “American Nightmare” might not seem impressive at first glance, it’s an engrossing true-crime tale. In 2015, Denise Huskins was kidnapped from her residence in Vallejo, California. However, when Aaron Quinn, her boyfriend, reported the incident to the police, he became the prime suspect. What added to the mystery was the fact that Denise reappeared alive, leading both of them to be charged with fabricating the crime.
Among today’s numerous true crime narratives, this one is exceptional due to its unexpected turns and efforts to uncover the truth. As portrayed in this documentary series, Quinn and Huskins, often referred to as the real-life equivalent of “Gone Girl,” experienced a harrowing ordeal that is graphically depicted. The series explores themes such as police misconduct, making it a chilling viewing experience, particularly because it raises questions about our reliance on law enforcement in emergencies.
Orion and the Dark
Actors: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Colin Hanks, Mia Akemi Brown, Ike Barinholtz, Nat Faxon, Golda Rosheuvel, Natasia Demetriou, Aparna Nancherla, Angela Bassett)
Director: Sean Charmatz
Rating: TV-Y7
Runtime: 93 minutes
The movie “Orion and the Dark” stands out for its distinctive narrative style, penned by the one-of-a-kind writer Charlie Kaufman. This work is an adaptation from Emma Yarlett’s book, and while it may not be as unconventional as some of his previous projects like “Being John Malkovich” or “Adaptation,” it still reflects Kaufman’s core themes, such as intense anxiety and philosophical questions about existence.
The 2024 animated film we highly recommend features the tale of young Orion (Jacob Tremblay) and his encounters with Dark (Paul Walter Hauser), an initially frightening entity. However, this movie offers so much more than that. It intertwines the stories of Orion’s daughter and grandson to create a narrative that spans three generations within a family. Despite its grand ambitions, it remains remarkably approachable and engaging.
One Day
Creator: Nicole Taylor
Cast: Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall
Genre: Romantic drama
Number of episodes: 14
Initially, “One Day” was a well-known novel by David Nicholls and a 2011 film featuring Anne Hathaway. Later, it was transformed into this Netflix series. The plot is straightforward: We follow the lives of two characters, Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall), on the same day every year, starting from 1988 until 2007. This structure provides an intriguing foundation for the series, with each episode, except for the last two, representing a single year. However, it’s the evolving relationship between Emma and Dexter, who first meet on their last night at college, that sets this show apart from others.
Watching the evolution of this couple over the years imbues “One Day” with a rich backstory and depth often missing in other series. From their lighthearted university farewell to struggling through unfulfilling relationships, and finally finding love in each other, this captivating show delivers a heart-wrenching message at its conclusion.
Baby Reindeer
Creator: Richard Gadd
Cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau, Tom Goodman-Hill
Genre: Dark dramedy
Number of episodes: 7
The series “Baby Reindeer” is inspired by the true experiences of its lead actor Richard Gadd. The plot centers around Donny (portrayed by Gadd) and a pivotal moment when he offers Martha (Jessica Gunning) a complimentary cup of tea at his workplace. This seemingly innocuous act triggers Martha’s obsession, leading her to bombard him with numerous unwanted text messages, which in turn significantly disrupts Donny’s life. However, this incident is not the only instance of sexual abuse Donny has experienced; he was also a victim of his mentor, writer Darrien O’Conner (played by Tom Goodman-Hill).
Watching Donny’s journey unfold can be a heart-wrenching experience, yet since its initial release, this show has captured viewers’ hearts. In fact, it has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Emmy for outstanding limited or anthology series. Despite its emotionally taxing narrative, the series is definitely worth your investment of time.
Dead Boy Detectives
Creator: Steven Yockey
Showrunner: Steven Yockey and Beth Schwartz
Characters: George Rexstrew, Jayden Reiver, Kassius Nelson, Briana Cuoco, Ruth Connell, Yuyu Kimura, Jenn Lyon (Note: I’ve corrected a few spelling errors for clarity)
Genre: Supernatural detective drama
Number of episodes: 8
As a devoted fan, I can tell you that “Dead Boy Detectives” shares similarities with numerous teen supernatural series available today. There’s a touch of the enigmatic allure found in “Supernatural,” an inkling of the intricate mysteries woven in “Locke & Key,” and a dash of the eerie suspense from “The Midnight Club.” However, it manages to stand out as something uniquely quirky, irreverent, and endearing. It’s more than just another piece in the puzzle; it’s an appealing extension of Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner’s “The Sandman” universe, breathing life into characters originally conceived for DC Comics.
The show revolves around Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), two dead teenagers who, instead of going to the afterlife, stay on Earth to investigate crimes involving the supernatural. One such case involves Crystal (Kassius Nelson), a psychic who is possessed by a demon. Edwin and Charles rescue her, and the three of them end up forming a partnership, which brings them to the town of Port Townsend, Washington, where a girl has gone missing. “Dead Boy Detectives” is creative and clever in its depiction of all its characters, but Netflix canceled it after just one season. A dire mistake.
Supacell
Creator: Rapman
Performers include: Tosin Cole, Adelayo Adedayo, Eddie Marsan, Josh Tedeku, Nadine Mills, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Calvin Demba, Rayxia Ojo)
Genre: Superhero
Number of episodes: 6
The creator of “Supacell” had an original idea that would get people talking: What if superpowers came from those who had a family history of sickle cell disease? This unique premise led to the rare show that links the popular genre to real issues, and audiences ended up bingeing “Supacell” as a result. In the series, a delivery driver, a father, a drug dealer, a nurse, and a gang leader all start to exhibit different superpowers. They then discover that a secret organization is after them before coming together to form a cell that will take on that organization.
The concept is not just compelling; it’s excellently executed through acting, scriptwriting, and direction. Moreover, the series tackles important issues such as sickle cell disease, racial profiling, poverty, and violence. It has been renewed for a second season, leaving us eager to follow the journey of these emerging superheroes.
Rebel Ridge
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to rephrase the cast list in a more personal and engaging manner:
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 131 minutes
In “Rebel Ridge,” the initial encounter with character Aaron Pierre’s Terry Richmond involves him cycling into a quaint town to secure bail for his relative. However, things take a turn for the worse when he’s forcefully knocked off his bike by police, threatened with guns, handcuffed, and his funds confiscated. This marks the start of an intense and impactful cinematic journey that portrays the repercussions of one individual being pushed to the brink by a corrupt law enforcement system. Remarkably, Terry is an ex-Marine skilled in close combat, but even this doesn’t shield him from the escalating chaos.
The movie titled “Rebel Ridge” is a gripping crime drama that incorporates themes of social justice, yet it never fails to keep viewers engaged. Furthermore, this production catapulted Aaron Pierre to stardom as its captivating lead. Given his performance in “Rebel Ridge,” it’s anticipated that he will excel in the role of DC’s upcoming Green Lantern on the show “Lanterns,” and continue to shine in future projects.
Nobody Wants This
Creator: Erin Foster
Showrunner: Erin Foster and Steve DiGregorio
Actors: Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, Tovah Feldshuh, and Emily Arlook
Genre: Romantic comedy
Number of episodes: 10
In a different setting: A rabbi and an agnostic woman find themselves falling for each other. Will they call it off due to the potential difficulties, or will they pursue their feelings regardless of family opposition? The answer in “Nobody Wants This” is that they decide to take the chance, despite their families, particularly his, not approving.
One reason you might want to check out this captivating TV series is Adam Brody’s compelling performance as a rabbi. The narrative of the couple’s challenges is also relatable and moving. However, it’s important to note that some Jewish female characters in the show are not favorably portrayed. This could be due to the writers’ perspective or simply because the characters are upset about Noah breaking up with his former Jewish girlfriend. Regardless, with new showrunners for Season 2, there’s hope that the representation of women will improve. Despite these issues, the series boasts many other appealing aspects that make it worth considering for your viewing list.
The Lincoln Lawyer, Season 3
Creator: David E. Kelley
Showrunner: Ted Humphrey
Cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, Yaya DaCosta
Genre: Legal drama
Number of episodes: 10 in each of three seasons
In its third season, “The Lincoln Lawyer” delved deeper into mystery and heightened personal involvement. Each installment is adapted from a distinct book in Michael Connely’s “Lincoln Lawyer” collection, with Season 3, derived from the novel “The Gods of Guilt,” being the most captivating so far. Despite Mickey Haller’s prestigious reputation as an L.A. defense attorney, he finds himself unprepared for the shocking revelation that his friend and informant, Gloria – who goes by Glory Days and works as a prostitute – has been killed. The plot thickens when the prime suspect, Julian La Cosse, seeks to hire Mickey as his legal representation.
In this particular case, there are numerous unexpected developments, yet it’s clear that Mickey, aided by his skilled associates, successfully apprehended his target. The captivating series keeps improving with every new season, as the performers grow more and more at ease in their respective roles.
Woman of the Hour
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, Pete Holmes, Autumn Best
Director: Anna Kendrick
Rating: R
Runtime: 95 minutes
In her first attempt as a director, Anna Kendrick brings the captivating true-crime film “Woman of the Hour,” based on the story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer known for his unusual background. During his decade-long killing spree, he also appeared and won on the popular dating show “The Dating Game.” Netflix initially secured the rights to this movie when Kendrick was set to star but not direct. Later, they let the film go until it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. After watching it once, it becomes clear why Netflix wanted it back again.
As a fan, I must admit that Rodney steals the spotlight, but the true allure lies with the women of this narrative. Sheryl (Kendrick) strives for acting success, yet finds herself falling short; Laura (Nicolette Robinson) fights tirelessly for her friend’s justice, a victim of rape and murder; and Amy (Autumn Best), a runaway teenager, is ensnared by Rodney’s charm. Each of these women is sharp and resourceful, but they encounter challenges not just from Rodney, but also an unjust system that too often undervalues them. This tale unfolds as a chilling portrayal of ordinary women confronting a sinister outsider. Despite the grim circumstances, the film is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Diplomat, Season 2
Creator: Debora Cahn
Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Allison Janney
Genre: Political thriller
Number of episodes: 6 in Season 2; 8 in Season 1
Initially, “The Diplomat” was impressive in its debut season, but it truly shone in Season 2. The show centers around the character of Kate Wyler, portrayed by Keri Russell, who becomes the U.S. Ambassador to the UK. One might assume this role wouldn’t be filled with excitement, but the minds behind TV writing often have other ideas. Across both seasons, Kate forms alliances, manages international conflicts, and struggles with her complex relationship with her husband Hal (played by Rufus Sewell), a former diplomat to Lebanon who must adapt to his new role as Kate’s companion.
The TV series has real-world origins, but it significantly deviates from reality. Russell delivers an outstanding performance as Kate, who values her work immensely yet struggles to comprehend the necessity of her appearance for it. In the second season, Allison Janney portrays the American Vice President, providing a formidable challenge for Kate. Although tension and high-stakes drama are evident from the beginning, the climax in the finale is uniquely surprising.
Arcane, Season 2
Creators and showrunners: Christian Link and Alex Yee
Characters portrayed by: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, JB Blanc, Reed Shannon, Mick Winget
Genre: Animated steampunk action-adventure
Number of episodes: 9 episodes in both Seasons 1 and 2
In simpler terms, the second and concluding season of “Arcane” received a perfect score of 100% from critics and a near-perfect rating of 90% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. The show’s stunning animation, captivating world-building, and engrossing plot have left audiences enchanted. Even if you’re not familiar with the game “League of Legends” or haven’t played it, you can still enjoy this series focusing on sisters Vi (played by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell).
In the second series, the plot delves into the consequences of a devastating assault on the government, as the tension between the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun escalates to a critical level. As Kambole Campbell from Empire points out, “The storytelling is as direct as a magical punch, yet this is part of its intriguing allure – a show that seems limitless in its potential to transform at any given moment.
A Man on the Inside
Creator: Michael Shur
Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephanie Beatriz
Genre: Comedy
Number of episodes: 8
Instead of detective shows being popular because they feature seasoned detectives hunting down criminals, consider the series “A Man on the Inside” which presents Charles Nieuwendyk (Ted Danson), a man with no prior criminal investigation experience, taking on a unique case: he goes undercover in a retirement community to locate a missing ruby necklace. As he delves into his investigation, he not only uncovers secrets but also forms meaningful connections with the residents, making a positive impact on their lives and vice versa.
The series, produced by Michael Shur, known for “The Good Place,” stands out with its heartwarming and clever charm, making it an engaging choice. Unlike most detective shows focusing on tough investigators or sitcoms leaning towards cynical humor, “A Man on the Inside” exudes optimism, yet doesn’t avoid harsh realities. It offers a distinctive and captivating viewing experience.
The Piano Lesson
Characters: John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Michael Potts, and Skylar Aleece Smith
Director: Malcolm Washington
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 127
In essence, “The Piano Lesson” is not just a Washington family production – it’s produced by Denzel Washington, directed by his son Malcolm, and stars his other son John David. However, this doesn’t fully encapsulate the film as merely a Washington project. It boasts an outstanding cast of actors at their peak performance. Among them, Danielle Deadwyler stands out particularly as Berniece, displaying intense passion in her portrayal while retaining a touch of tenderness and ultimately, a glimmer of lightness.
This story, modeled after a play by August Wilson, revolves around the destiny of a piano that holds great significance for the Charles family. One of their ancestors, who was enslaved, meticulously etched art onto the piano’s wood, making it precious to Berniece. However, her brother, Boy Willie (portrayed by John David Washington), is eager to sell this heirloom in order to acquire a piece of land. This disagreement becomes the main focus as other family members and acquaintances offer their opinions. The actors deliver captivating performances that are nothing short of remarkable.
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2024-12-11 00:31