2020 was a rocky ride for all of us. As it comes to a close, we should rest and recharge for the new year ahead.
If you have some time off, explore some of the newest line-ups on Netflix. Whether you’re in the mood for something dark and riveting, or a little more fun and light-hearted, here are some shows to get you through the new year.
The Queen’s Gambit
Season 1 (8 episodes)
Language: English
What it is about: This limited series has become one of Netflix’s most watched shows since its release in October. The period drama dives into the chess scene of the 1950s and 60s where it tells the story of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy played by Anya Taylor-Joy.
As convoluted as the game itself, her rise to fame is no easy one, and Beth must navigate through the intense world of chess while struggling with trauma and addiction.
Sweet Home
Season 1 (10 episodes)
Language: Korean
What it is about: A mix between horror, thriller and sci-fi, Sweet Home is a gripping story set in a world where humans start turning into monsters as a result of a new disease. Watch a shut-in high school student and his neighbours fight to survive in this nightmarish world.
It might sound like another rehash of an overdone zombie flick, but the unique monsters (there are spider-like creatures, giants and more) and all too relevant context set it apart from the rest. And of course, it still has blood, guts and gore to keep you on your toes.
The Stand In
Language: English
What it is about: This comedy gives its take on the classic Parent Trap doppelganger trope. Drew Barrymore plays a movie star who has fallen from grace, and she sends her stand-in (also played by Barrymore) to go to rehab in her place. Much to her surprise, her stand-in comes to embrace her identity much more than she does.
The Midnight Sky
Language: English
What it is about: George Clooney directs and stars in this thought-provoking sci-fi film based on the 2016 novel Good Morning, Midnight. A cataclysmic disaster wipes out almost the whole earth’s population, and amid this apocalyptic scene, a scientist played by Clooney races to contact the crew of a returning spacecraft to tell them not to return to Earth.
The Ripper
Season 1 (4 episodes)
Language: English
What it is about: This true crime docuseries takes a close look at the infamous serial killer that ravaged England in the late 1970s. Over the course of four episodes, the series exposes not just the brutal crimes committed by the Yorkshire Ripper, but the failure of the police force to track him down.
Touching on the social and gender prejudices of the day, it is much more than a show of guts and gore—you will find it just as much a commentary on the police as it is of The Ripper himself.
The Prom
Language: English
What it is about: Meryl Streep, James Corden, and Nicole Kidman are just a few of this production’s star-studded cast. Adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name, this musical comedy is about a group of washed-up Broadway stars who throw their support behind a high school girl who just wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom. Tune in if you want a feel-good film with upbeat musical numbers and dance sequences.
Alice in Borderland
Season 1 (8 episodes)
Language: Japanese
What it is about: Enter an alternate Tokyo where the only way to survive is to take part in a series of deadly games. Like Alice in Wonderland, a trio of best friends “go down the rabbit hole” and together, they must figure out how to get back to civilisation while trying to stay alive.
This fast-paced series is so packed with action and mystery, you’ll surely keep watching to find out why and how the characters ended up in this world. It has already been renewed for a second season.
Bridgerton
Season 1 (8 episodes)
Language: English
What it is about: Fans of Downtown Abbey will be thrilled to watch this new period drama based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels. Beneath the diverse cast and colourful costumes, the plot itself focuses on the love lives of the Bridgerton family.
It begins with the death of their father and the consequent drama surrounding the inheritance, which is entangled with the steamy love affair between Daphne Bridgerton and the infamous Simon Bassett.
Equinox
Season 1 (6 episodes)
Language: Danish
What it is about: Fans of German time travelling drama Dark have touted this series as its Danish cousin. The plot centres around Astrid, a radio host who is tormented by her sister who mysteriously disappeared along with a class of students 20 years ago.
The past catches up with her when a caller on her radio show claims to know what happened, which leads her into investigating the truth surrounding the event. With numerous twists and turns, every episode promises to leave you on the edge of your seat.
