Our monthly round-up of the most talked-about Netflix works you should be shortlisting
The King
What it’s about: A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henriad, which covers the transformations of frivolous 15th century party boy Hal into war hero King George V.
Who’s in it: Internet favourite Timothee Chalamet plays the titular royal, with new beau Lily-Rose Depp playing Catherine of Valois, supported by Robert Pattinson and Joel Edgerton.
Why watch it: To be honest I’m not the fondest of medieval pieces but I suspect like most people, I’ll be tuning in for Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp.
When it’s available: Nov 1
Atlantics
What it’s about: A surreal romance drama -17-year-old Ada falls in love with young construction worker Souleiman, who returns to the neighborhood after disappearing at sea.
Who’s in it: Mame Bineta Sane as Ada and Ibrahima Traore as Souleiman.
Why watch it: This Senegalese film debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix – it’s also the first movie made by a woman of African heritage to premiere at the prestigious festival, and is on track to become Senegal’s entry into the Oscars next year. But beyond the critical acclaim it’s been receiving, the storyline is intriguing; it gradually becomes a tale of ghosts and star-crossed lovers (though it’s not intended to be a horror flick).
When it’s available: Nov 29
The Irishman
What it’s about: An epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of real-life World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman. Spanning decades, the film chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of the mafia.
Who’s in it: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.
Why watch it: That it’s directed by Martin Scorsese should be reason enough. The Irishman has been receiving rave reviews that claim it’s Scorsese’s best work in years – alongside career bests from his leading men, all three of whom are titans in their own right.
When it’s available: Nov 27
Earthquake Bird
What it’s about: Set In Tokyo during its economic boom in the ’80s, an enigmatic British expat has relocated to the country in an attempt to escape her own traumatic past, only to find that trouble finds her wherever she is – she is suspected of killing her friend, who’s gone missing in the wake of their love triangle with a local photographer.
Who’s in it: Alicia Vikander in her first major role since 2018’s Tomb Raider, alongside Riley Keough and Naoki Kobayashi.
Why watch it: Earthquake Bird‘s director Wash Westmoreland has got pretty solid chops – he previously directed the slow-moving yet touching Oscar-winning piece Still Alice that starred Julianne Moore. Besides which, fans of Japanese culture should probably find this film a treat.
When it’s available: Nov 15
