Although I haven’t been watching that many new movies and series in the past year, I’ve found some gems that are worth looking into if you haven’t already:
De Dag
I wouldn’t be doing my country any honors by not adding at least one Belgian production in the mix. The unique way of storytelling of De Dag (The Day) is perhaps what makes this one of the most memorable series that was released in 2018. Each episode the narrative switches between the police and the criminals, so in order to fill in the gaps, you better watch this series 2 episodes at a time. If you can hold yourself back from bingewatching the entire thing that is.
A Quiet Place
Emily Blunt stars next to hubby & director John Krasinski in this horror story where talking may cost you your life. Due to the lack of lines both actors really show what they’re made of. One where you’ll be at the tip of your seat till the very end. I’m looking forward to A Quiet Place: Part II which is coming to theaters in 2020.
If you liked this movie, you’ll enjoy Netflix’s Bird Box too. In this story, Sandra Bullock is trying to survive a hostile world where unnatural forces are making people kill themselves if they see them. The concept is similar, but A Quiet Place takes the top spot for me.
Chernobyl
When the last episode of Game Of Thrones aired, HBO knew they had to follow up with another smash hit, and they sure delivered. This miniseries is based on the true story of the nuclear disaster of 1986, during which one of the nuclear reactors exploded near Chernobyl in Ukraine (then the Sovjet Union). The series tells the story of the people who caused it, those who tried to cover it up, as well as the first responders to the scene and the scientists who are doing everything they can to prevent the radiation from spreading. It really shows what kind of price one has to pay for lies.
Leaving Neverland
The only documentary in the list, but one that had many talking in 2019. Leaving Neverland focusses on two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege they were sexually abused as children by the singer Michael Jackson. Rolling Stone described it as follows: “Tough to watch, tougher to ignore and impossible to forget.” And that’s exactly what it is.
You
“What would you do for love?” You follows the story of Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager in New York, who upon meeting Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer, becomes infatuated with her. He feeds his toxic obsession using social media and other technology to track her presence and remove obstacles to their romance. This seriously had me thinking about how much of our lives we are sharing on social media that could be used by people with bad intentions. Without a doubt, Penn Badgley’s best role since Gossip Girl. Maybe even his best, period.
Euphoria
This list wouldn’t be complete without some teen drama. Euphoria follows a group of high school students through their experiences of sex, drugs, friendships, love and trauma. Although the storyline can get quite deep sometimes in a way I can’t relate, I did find it was easy to sympathize with each of the characters. What really got me hooked on Euphoria is how much of a visual masterpiece it really is. Especially if you love to get creative with make-up, this show is an absolute must-watch!
And of course other noteworthy series I have watched the new seasons of: Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, The Handmaid’s Tale, Big Little Lies.
What had you clinging to your screen in 2019?