In this strange and uncertain time of Coronavirus-induced isolation, we search for answers, toilet roll, and new things to watch on Netflix. I am here to help distract you from the sickness fears, hand-picking some of the best hidden gems Netflix (UK version) has to offer. Don’t worry, I washed my hands first.
You Were Never Really Here
Forget Joker; if you want to see Joaquin Phoenix as a mentally unstable loner who’s been chewed up and spat out by society, look no further than Lynne Ramsay’s twisted thriller You Were Never Really Here. It’s not for the faint-hearted but at a taut and gripping 89 minutes, it should be the first on your list.
Good Time
People who still think of Robert Pattinson only as Edward from Twilight need to think again. Since his bloodsucking days, he’s starred in a number of great films and Good Time could be his best performance to date. Directed by the Safdie brothers who went onto craft Uncut Gems, this is a dizzying ride of crime and corruption.
Mean Streets
Before the likes of Goodfellas and The Departed, the legendary director Martin Scorsese made his name in the gangster genre with Mean Streets. This sets the precedent of what was to come in his later, more accomplished years. It’s raw and scrappy and sports an electric turn from a young Robert De Niro.
The Invitation
A group of friends reunite for a dinner party in Karyn Kusama’s mystery horror The Invitation. Based on the novel of the same name by Lucy Foley, this storytelling will have you guessing what’s going on from start to finish but in the best way!
Blindspotting
Known for his work on the award-winning musical Hamilton, actor and rapped Daveed Diggs stars in Carlos López Estrada’s brilliant directorial debut Blindspotting. It’s a poetic and at times harrowing tale of a friendship that is challenged by race issues.
Swimming With Men
Rob Brydon takes the leading role in Oliver Parker’s midlife crisis comedy. Like an underwater Full Monty but without the casual sexism, this is full of feel-good, life-affirming fun.
Bad Day for the Cut
A Bad Day for the Cut, but a good day for Irish cinema. Nigel O’Neill is middle-aged farmer Donal in Chris Baugh’s gritty revenge drama; a darkly comic and violent low-budget indie gem!
In The Shadow of the Moon
With a complex narrative that spans decades and genres, In the Shadow of the Moon is a great piece of movie escapism by director Jim Mickle. The story begins in the late 80s when a series of suspicious murders occur in Philadelphia, leading a rookie cop to dedicate his life to solving the case.
Ingrid Goes West
Elizabeth Olsen and Aubrey Plaza combine in Matt Spicer’s timely comedy drama which pokes fun at Instagram culture. It’s smartly written and well-acted, and sheds light on the dark side of social media.
Hook
Steven Spielberg’s Peter Pan classic is an oldie but a goldie. Perfect viewing for an afternoon with the family featuring fantastic performances from Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts and the late, great Bob Hoskins and Robin Williams. Rufio! Rufio! Rufio!
Cinema Perspective 