Cover "One for the Road" / Netflix
"One for the Road" / Netflix
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Maybe you’ve been looking for them all over, or maybe you’ve never heard of them at all—either way, these elusive shows are available on Netflix and ready to indulge you over the weekend
Browsing through Netflix may sometimes be a bit tiresome for many. We end up scrolling infinitely, searching for films or series that would speak to us through their digital cover or controversial title and plot. So we've rounded up a list of critically acclaimed and feel-good shows that you might have never heard of before or have been looking for so long. From comedic crime thrillers to haunting short films that revisit the Nazi regime, these eight hidden gems on Netflix are true must-watch productions you should check out:
1. My Father's Violin
Written by Palaspandiras and directed by Andaç Haznedaroglu, this heartwarming 2022 Turkish film Babamin Kemani follows the story of Ozlem (Gulizar Nisa Uray), an eight-year-old kid who is suddenly orphaned after her busker father’s death, as she searches for love in her newfound family with her uncle Ali Riza (Selim Erdogan), a renowned international violinist. Not only does it focus on serious issues in families and marriages, but it also gives us a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in modern-day Turkey. The power of music takes the spotlight in this drama, which journeys with the characters’ emotional arcs quite perfectly.
Watch it here.
2. Something New
This 2006 American romantic comedy and drama film explores interracial relationships from the African-American lens. Director Sanaa Hamri makes an irresistibly charming atmosphere between Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, who portray certified public accountant Kenya and landscape architect Brian Kelly respectively, and perhaps more importantly, tackles stigma against interracial relationships, issues of colour and race, social norms, and other significant social issues prevalent during the 2000s.
Watch it here.
3. The Disciple
Without a shadow of a doubt, The Disciple is a critically-acclaimed, must-watch production; the 2020 Indian film was written, directed, and edited by esteemed filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane, executively produced by Alfonso Cuarón, and even won FIPRESCI International Critics Prize and the Best Screenplay award at the 77th Venice International Film Festival. It focuses on the struggles of Sharad Nerulkar (Aditya Modak) as he follows in his father’s footsteps to become an Indian classical music vocalist while dealing with issues of insecurity along the way. It is praised for shedding light on the intangible musical treasure in Bombay and also tackles its relevance to the present generation.
Watch it here.
4. One for the Road
This 2021 Thai-language drama is a Chinese/Hong Kong/Thai co-production helmed by no other than acclaimed auteur Wong Kar-wai. Directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya, One for the Road is a heartwrenching film that hits home, most especially for young adults, gearing heavily on nostalgia, teenage romance, adulthood, and the meaning of life, love, and friendships. Having premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, the narrative follows Boss (Thanapob Leeratanakajorn), a hedonistic bachelor working as a mixologist going on his “one last ride” with his terminally-ill best friend Aood (Nattarat Nopparatayapon). This road trip film fleshes out the characters’ deepest dreams and desires as they make amends with their past relationships, making their outdoor adventure on the road truly a journey within.
Watch it here.
5. I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore
This 2017 American comedy thriller film stars Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood as nursing assistant Ruth and her neighbour Tony, who find themselves in the middle of a criminal investigation. Its many twists and turns have made this 2017 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner a hilarious and captivating film that exhibits our observations on gender roles and social norms in present-day America.
Watch it here.
6. Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Above Photo: "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" / Netflix
Photo: "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" / Netflix
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This short German drama co-written and directed by Ashley Eakin is a clear-cut gem for a 14-minute-long film. With dramatic action, solid screenplay, impressive acting, and top-notch lighting and musical scoring to boot, Forgive Us Our Trespasses should certainly not be missed. It gives modern-day viewers a sobering glimpse of Nazism and how its radical philosophy was introduced to children and soldiers. The film explores this horrific chapter in world history through the eyes of Paul, a German child with a limb difference.
Watch it here.
7. The Trader
This Sundance-winning short film documentary by Tamta Gabrichidze sheds light on the poverty and hardships that riddle rural Georgia. The Trader is a 25-minute film that follows Gela, a travelling merchant, who trades clothes and household items in exchange for potatoes, which seem to be both the currency and an essential staple in those parts.
Watch it here.
8. The Giant
Originally titled Handia, this 2017 Basque-language film is a period drama that relieves the story of the world’s tallest man, Miguel Joaquin Eleizegui. A technical masterpiece with stunningly beautiful cinematography, The Giant is an endearing story of two brothers, their sibling rivalry, and the pursuit of their lifelong ambitions, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War in the 1830s. Directed by Aito Arregi Galdos and Jon Garaño, the film was greatly favoured by critics and has earned several accolades at the 32nd Goya Awards and San Sebastian International Film Festival, and was also screened at the BFI London Film Festival.
Watch it here.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
