Words: Antonio Wedral
Netflix just keeps getting better. This year, films starring Dustin Hoffman and Will Smith are coming to the streaming service, released across Netflix rather than in cinemas. Mixing originals alongside existing titles, the platform is now an unparalleled wealth of entertainment – and this is what to expect this November…
Starring up-and-coming Brit Jack O’Connell as Roy Goode, an injured outlaw on the run from his former boss Griffin – played with menace by the usually-comic actor Jeff Daniels – Godless sees the chase lead to the quiet town of La Belle, made up almost entirely out of women.
A spin-off of the wildly successful Daredevil Netflix show, The Punisher sees Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle using lethal methods to fight crime as a gun-toting vigilante. With Deborah Ann Woll picking up her character from Daredevil, and Brit Ben Barnes on board as the villain, it proves to be a no-holds barred thrill ride – but not one for you if you’re squeamish about blood.
Another Netflix original film, this time starring Carey Mulligan and Garrett Hedlund, Mudbound sees a family who have relocated to rural Mississippi trying to cope with numerous issues, including racism and a relative’s return from World War II.
Last year’s smash – if you haven’t seen La La Land yet, we don’t know where you’ve been hiding. The twisting, musical and thoroughly whimsical love story of Sebastian and Mia, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone charm their way through a sprawling Los Angeles-based narrative that may or may not end in heart break. We’re not telling you – go watch it, and hum the soundtrack for weeks after.
The ultra-stylised, mega-violent tale of John Wick is an exciting ride. Keanu Reeves legendary assassin retires after marrying the love of his life – who promptly dies. In deep mourning, Wick’s life is turned upside down when a sadistic mobster steal his car and kill his puppy – leading to a well-dressed and lock-and-loaded rampage…
It’s 1980 in Texas. A college freshman meets his new baseball teammates and is thrust head-first into a world of unruly partying, disco-dancing and skirt-chasing. You know a film’s going to be good when it has not one, but two exclamation marks after it and, in the deft hands of director Richard Linklater, this is one fun, fresh movie.
A war film directed by Ridley Scott was always bound to be good. Although no-one predicted it would be this good. With an ensemble cast and two Oscars to its name, Black Hawk Down tells the story of a 1993 raid in Mogadishu by the US military aimed at capturing Mohamed Farrah Aidid – and the ensuing firefight. It’s an intense watch – but well worth your attention.
Jamie Bell plays Rusty Firmin in this real-life story of the Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980 London. Mark Strong shines through a hostage negotiator and Abbie Cornish keeps things on track as newscaster Kate Adie. An incredible insight into the early days of domestic terrorism, this is a slow-burner – but one with an explosive end.
The favourite film of our editor, the GJ team were instructed to watch Hacksaw Ridge when it came out – and we’re glad we did. Desmond Doss, a pacifist who won the Congressional Medal of Honor during WWII, is played deftly and heart-warmingly by Andrew Garfield – with predictably spectacular results.
This Matt Damon vehicle is another Ridley Scott instant classic. Filmed simply, and with a relatively simple story to boot, the power is in the character performances – from Damon, Michael Pena, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig and Jeff Daniels. Also, watch out for a great soundtrack – filled with some 70s pop rock classics.
Had a busy month? Here’s what we recommended you watch on Netflix in October.
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