The older I get, the more I appreciate the homebody’s cinema: Netflix. My best winter breaks were spent recharging from school, and it’s all thanks to the pleasant plethora of Netflix premieres. While there were plenty home-runs from the best binges, there were a few potholes along the road. Whether you are looking for recommendations or reading this section for fun, the following review pertains to my most recent watches. Reviews exists to express, so without further ado, here is a list of the my 2018 Netflix binges from worst to best.
13 Reasons Why (3/10)
As if it wasn’t controversial enough, the series that is best known for its suicidal romanization returned with a second season. This season features plenty more disgusting, graphic scenes than it’s previous. Some argue that the show is designed to make a statement, however, it senselessly showcases triggering scenes that do little to raise awareness for the problems they pose. The one thing that the show does successfully, is what executive producer Selena Gomez claims, a “catalyst for conversation”. There are more successful ways to raise awareness that can be done without the cumbersome shock value. Viewers beware of the explicit scenes of sexual assault and suicidal ideation.
Lost in Space (5/10)
While the series wasn’t the worst possible thing to watch on Netflix, it certainly does not meet the criteria of a worthy watch. The story surrounds the Robinson family, as they decide to start a new life within a space colony. Whilst stranded on an unfamiliar planet, the family makes an unlikely bond with an alien robot in the midst of danger. While some may defend the show as a wondrous remaster of the 1960 version, it falls short of memorable moments and lacks ambition overall. On the brighter side, the show retains potential and can be redeemed with some heavy lifting in the following season (if will be one).
Disenchantment (5/10)
Matt Groening arises with a new show that resulted in a mediocre RottenTomatoes critic score of 65% and audience score of 75%. Groening has been known for addressing modern day dilemmas in The Simpsons and the future’s potential troubles in “Futurama”. Disenchantment takes place during medieval times. Disappointingly, it is generally rough around the edges and requires a clean cut. It’s not to say you can’t enjoy the series, but it’s not a memorable favorite. The series has a hard time living up to Groening’s previous successes. It is flimsy in its execution; guilty of a predictable plot and mundane jokes.
Stranger Things (7/10)
Unfortunately, the rumors are true: Stranger Things is suffering from arc fatigue. The plot drags in season two, hitting the right marks with a severe delay. However, once delved into, there’s no getting back out. The unmistakable nostalgic 80s show now pulsates eerier tones than its predecessor. Despite it’s slow-paced performance, it deserves patience for its spectacular plot. As the season progresses, viewers that are susceptible to nail-biting are at risk of losing their fingers.
You (8/10)
Since it’s release, this Netflix original has been the core of conversation on several social media platforms. We guiltily become an accomplice as soon as we sympathise with the main antagonist, who happens to be the focal point of the plot. It’s immersive quality makes it almost too easy to root for Joe, the sleuthing stalker. This riveting modern drama embodies an amplified expectation of the dangers of remaining oblivious in dating.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (8.5/10)
The renovation of Sabrina the Teenage Witch took a tasteful and appropriately sinister path, (like it’s counterpart: Riverdale.) This rendition sets fashionable, cut-throat witches in a rustic, yet retro town known as Greendale. Although the show requires a sliver of patience in the beginning, the rest is promising and delightful overall. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a thrilling storyteller, held up by with the perfect dose of vulnerability and innocence of youth.
The Good Place (9/10)
Make better choices than me: I initially skipped over the opportunity to watch this feel-good sitcom only to learn that it shatters all expectations with a vibrantly designed afterlife. Kristen Bell plays Eleanor, a morally mediocre New Jersey woman who discovers the realms of ethics to make amends for her poor behavior. Mistakenly placed into “the Good Place”, she turns to Chidi, a former ethics professor during his life on Earth. The Good Place creates balance between its lighthearted, lively humor and stark complexities of reality. With plenty unexpected plot-twists, it is bound to perplex you. It is, without a doubt, designed for the existentialist who isn’t afraid to have a hearty chuckle.
The Haunting of Hill House (10/10)
The potential of this horror-thriller is not to be underestimated. Before you know it, you’ve been prompted fear at every corner and corridor. The Crains, a family of seven, become more haunting than the ghosts that haunt them. Jumpscares are used economically; it’s evident that Mike Flannigan believes that they are ornamental, not fundamental. Scenes sway like a pendulum, sewing together the past and present. The non-linear storyline comes full circle with new information each time until your head is spinning with soul-shattering realizations. It’s not the supernatural essences haunting the family that keep your skin crawling, it’s the realistic, yet uncanny situations that they undergo. The remarkable cinematography is the cherry-on-top that sets the mood for this masterpiece. Even Stephen King, who typically shrugs off revisions, dubs this modern adaptation as “close to a work of genius, really.”
What to Watch this 2019:
Moving forward, I’m elated for what is to come. My list is already accumulated as we’ve entered the new year. To get you started, here are some recommendations based off my current list:
Carmen Sandiego
Carmen Sandiego, voiced by the lovely Gina Rodriguez, is the story of an iconic Latina thief-gone-good. This animated action-adventure series encompasses the Carmen and her trusty sidekicks. Based off the 80s video game, it comes to life in Netflix’s new adaption. Recommended to those who couldn’t get enough of classics like Kim Possible and Totally Spies.
Sex Education
A perfect consideration after watching Big Mouth, Sex Education is reminiscent of the awkwardness that entails high school hormones. This series is refreshing, relatable to today’s youth, and sex-positive. Graphic yet sincere, it is complete with intersectional characters and considerate of spectrums. Hectic and clever, it manages to get a good cackle out of you every now and then.
The Umbrella Academy
Coming to Netflix this February 15, MCR’s Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba have brought his comic series to television. The story follows superheroes who happen to be in a super-dysfunctional family set out to uncover the mystery behind their father’s death. Their goal is to set aside their differences and prevent the impending end of days.
Regardless of the review, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Simply because a show’s reviewed as mediocre by critics, doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy it. Vice versa is also true. What’s lovely about Netflix is that it offers hundreds of different titles. People of all ages can enjoy shows and films that appeal best to them.
I encourage everyone to seek a show that broadens their mind, changes their life, and makes their heart beat a little faster.
Alma Tovar
Features Editor
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