In the age of streaming (combined with the spates of boredom brought on by a pandemic) it can often feel like you’ve exhausted all streaming services possible. But there’s always more out there, especially when service algorithms aren’t showing us a show we may absolutely love because we binge-watched a whole load of crappy Vanessa Hudgens Christmas romcoms that one night. Here are some of my favourite Netflix Original series that even if you’ve seen before, you’ll love watching again!
1. Dear White People
I am obsessed with this show and I am anxiously awaiting it’s fourth and final series. It’s genuinely one of the best TV series I’ve seen in ages. Aside from the characters, the cinematography and directing is beautifully done. The point-of-view structures for most of the main characters all discuss different issues, and develops each character in deep and believable ways. They’re all so complex and you can believe that they’re real people. This show is all about nuance, understanding other people’s perspectives and developing your own to encompass that. It highlights issues such as colourism, intersectionality, white privilege, class divisions, police brutality, the model minority stereotype, and a whole load more. All while being funny, clever, unpatronising and complicated. Honestly this show is so well written and the talent in all aspects is phenomenal. Bring on series four!
 |
| Source: Netflix |
2. Dead to Me
A dark comedy centred around the growing friendship of two middle-aged women, Dead to Me had me hooked. Grief is a central theme to this series, both in terms of what we grieve and the different ways people manage their grief. Both of the main characters are complex, well thought out, and interesting.It is suspenseful throughout, and while I didn’t think the second series was as good as the first, I’m still excited to see what happens next!
 |
| Source: Netflix |
3. 13th
Directed by the brilliant Ava DuVernay, this documentary discusses how slavery didn’t end with the passing of the 13thamendment, due to a loop-hole relating to prison-labour. I learned so much from 13th. It was such an eye-opener and after I watched it, I have also come to learn more about how the prison-labour system operates in the UK (although I don’t know enough as I should and am still learning). Not only is it incredibly informative, it is also an incredible piece of film-making. It’s so well put together, with outstanding visuals and structure. Some of the backgrounds to the interviews look amazing. My favourite is the abandoned train station where DuVernay interviews Angela Davis. This is also available to watch on YouTube.
 |
| Source: Netflix |
4. Sex Education
I feel like everyone has watched Sex Education, but there’s no way I couldn’t mention it here. Some people find the mixture of US and UK settings and of different era aesthetics a bit off-putting, but I quite like it. I love loads of the clothes, especially Aimee’s outfits in series 2. This show talks about so many issues that don’t tend to get representation in mainstream media or education. The cast is diverse in several ways, and the wide range of storylines covers so many areas, both serious issues like sexual assault, revenge porn and drug addiction to blossoming friendships, joyful coming out scenes and moments of empowerment. Episode 7 of series 2 never fails to make me cry. I won’t lie, I also kind of aspire to be Jean Milburn... Gillian Anderson at her finest.
 |
| Source: Netflix |
5. Never Have I Ever
If you need any more proof of what a talented writer Mindy Kaling is, look no further than Never Have I Ever. This high school coming of age series centres around Devi, in the year after both the death of her father and her temporary paralysis. It covers grief so well, and even the characters who would be normally depicted as horrible people in any other teen drama are given complexities and become likeable. But don’t worry, it’s not all seriousness. While it is certainly heartfelt and touching, it is also hilarious. I genuinely laughed out loud so many times, and do I even need to mention that John McEnroe is the narrator. Yes, you read that right, John McEnroe?! There’s so much I could say about this show, I could honestly go on for ages. One of my other favourite aspects include the way they represent female sexuality, the fact that teenage girls actually want and think about sex too – something I’ve not really seen anywhere before.
 |
| Source: Netflix |
No comments
Post a Comment