By Sam Joyce
We all know there are some absolute shockers in the depths of the Netflix archive. Once so desperate for viewing material I found myself watching ‘Goal of the Dead’, which is as you may have guessed a zombie football movie.
There are however a few decent movies on Netflix which aren’t as well advertised as the big new releases. Here is a list of hidden gems that won’t make you want to poke your own eyes out.
1. Safety Not Guaranteed
Image: collider.com
This quirky indie movie stars Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) as a browbeaten intern at a Californian magazine. She’s forced to forego her natural cynicism when she’s sent to investigate the writer of a classified ad seeking a time travel partner, safety not guaranteed. It’s charming and sincere throughout with some truly funny moments.
2. Short Term 12
Image: mubi.com
Tragic and uplifting story of a compassionate care worker at a children’s foster home, struggling with some deep seated issues of her own. A relatively unknown movie, it draws you in and really makes you care about the characters.
3. Into the Wild
Image: enigmasmovies.com
The semi-biographical story of Alexander Supertramp, a promising young man of privilege who rejected civilised society and all its benefits to go into the wild of Alaska. Filled with fantastic shots of beautiful American wilderness as well as heart-warming human stories, this film will probably make you want to go live in a tent in the park.
4. Primer
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I guarantee you will not fully understand this movie until at least a second viewing. Afterwards though, you will laugh at people who tell you they struggled to get their mind around Inception. Made on a shoestring budget, this film is about two software geeks who invent a time travel machine to make money on the stock market. It all goes very wrong however, in the most complicated way possible.
5. Blackfish
Image: indiewire.com
I am going to recommend you watch this even though it will probably make you sad. A documentary about captive killer whales, mostly at SeaWorld parks, but more specifically the whale Tilikum – who has killed three people during his lifetime. An incredibly interesting insight into these deadly and intelligent creatures and the unfair way they are held for our entertainment.
6. Food Inc.
Image: chicagonow.com
Eye-opening documentary about the evils of the food industry. Interviews with American farmers, food producers and writers like Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) catalogue the way food corporations make huge profits while exploiting animals, the planet and consumers. It will make you think twice about your next cheeseburger.
7. Starter for 10
Image: bbc.co.uk
Set in the 80s, this comedy sees a young James McAvoy take on University Challenge. It’s full of cracking wit, romance and likeable characters. It’s a little predictable at times and awfully clichéd at others, but makes up for it in all its charming Britishness.