This comedy-crime-thriller arrived on Netflix a little while ago after a stunning debut at Sundance. Written and directed by feature debut filmmaker Macon Blair, the film featured a superb cast, including Melanie Lynskey, Elijah Wood, David Yow, Jane Levy and Devon Graye.
After having her house burgled, a depressed woman (Melanie Lynskey) and her obnoxious neighbour set out to find the thieves, but they soon find themselves up against a group of dangerous criminals.
The film won the Grand Jury Prize for the U.S. Dramatic competition at Sundance 2017, and was released online in all Netflix territories on February 24, 2017. It’s definitely worth a watch.
2- Barry
This short, though very enjoyable movie is based on the university life of future President Of The United Stars, Barack Obama. Titled Barry, his nickname, the film follows Obama during his junior year at Columbia University. Here, he struggles to stay connected to his mother, his estranged father and his classmates.
The film is expertly directed and wonderfully acted, particularly by Devon Terrell as the title character. The film was picked up by Netflix after screening at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
3- Hush
If it’s ball-tightening horror you’re after then look no further than this 2016 flick, Hush. Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Before I Wake), directs the film which centers on a young woman living alone in the woods. Author Maddie Young (Kate Siegel) lives a life of utter isolation after losing her hearing as a teenager. She’s retreated form society, living in seclusion and existing in a completely silent world. But one night, the fragile world is shattered when the masked face of a psychotic killer appears in her window. Without another living soul for miles, and with no way to call for help, it appears that Maddie is at the killer’s mercy… but he may have underestimated his prey. As this horrifying game of cat and mouse escalates to a breathless fever-pitch, Maddie must push herself beyond her mental and physical limits in order to survive the night.
Trust us, this one is terrific, but perhaps not one to watch alone.
4- Tallulah
Another favourite from 2016, and a film that also hailed from the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year. Ellen Page stars as Lu, a young woman who lives in a van and is fiercely independent in her hand-to-mouth existence. When a chance encounter incites her to impulsively “”rescue”” a baby from a negligent mother, Lu, at a loss for what to do, turns to the only responsible adult she knows: Margo (Allison Janney), who mistakenly believes she’s the child’s grandmother.
We reviewed the film at last year’s Sundance London festival, and you can read our positive take at the end of the link.
5- Okja
We mentioned this one at the top of the post, but trust us, you’ll never see a more original movie on the service this year. Directed by Bong Joon-ho and co-written by Bong and Jon Ronson, the film feature an all-star cast, including Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal.
For 10 idyllic years, young Mija has been caretaker and constant companion to Okja – a massive animal and an even bigger friend – at her home in the mountains of South Korea. But that changes when family-owned, multinational conglomerate Mirando Corporation takes Okja for themselves and transports her to New York, where an image-obsessed and self-promoting CEO has big plans for Mija’s dearest friend. With no particular plan but single-minded in intent, Mija sets out on a rescue mission.
The film competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes 2017 and has been warmly received by critics. Read our review here.
6- War Machine
War Machine trailerBrad Pitt makes his Netflix Originals debut with this $60 million production from director David Michod.
Pitt stars as a successful, charismatic four-star general, Glenn McMahon, who leaps in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalist’s no-holds-barred exposé.
This one has received mixed reviews, but there’s a lot to like in the brave, and indeed very expensive piece of storytelling.
7- The Incredible Jessica James
We’re cheating a little here as this one isn’t actually released on Netflix until July 28, but it is a bit of a corker. Warm, funny and original, the film stars Jessica Williams as the title character, and Chris O’Dowd in a wonderful supporting role.
The comedy-drama revolves around an aspiring playwright (Williams) in New York, fresh from a break up, who strikes up a new relationship with a recently divorced man (Chris O’Dowd). Watch the trailer below and read our review of the film from Sundance London over here.