Words: Zoe Dickens
It’s finally here – the first of the month. Which, for those of you who have exhausted the best of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Audible since the UK went into lockdown, means there’s a whole raft of new content coming your way. From your chance to watch some truly classic films to a new Chris Hemsworth action flick and the much-anticipated return of a Ricky Gervais black comedy, here’s what to watch on Netflix this month.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1 April
Escape the four walls of your flat and go on a rollercoaster ride around Chicago with the help of this 1986 classic teen comedy. Starring Matthew Broderick in the titular role, this light, fun film by John Hughes sees Bueller skip school for a day in the city, dragging friends Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara) along with him. Critically acclaimed for its direction and the performances of Broderick and Ruck, it’s also worth watching for the starring role of Bueller’s father’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.
Community, 1 April
All six seasons of Dan Harmon’s hit US comedy are coming to Netflix this month and, if you’ve yet to see it, you’re in for a treat. The series follows Jeff Winger, a high-flying lawyer who is disbarred when it’s discovered he lied about having a degree from Columbia. He enrols in the fictional Greendale Community College to legitimately earn his degree and meets an ensemble of quirky characters who lead him into misadventure. Consistently praised for its writing, smart humour and acting from the likes of Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs, Kim Jeong and Chevy Chase.
The Innocence Files, 15 April
Meet your next true crime obsession. This nine-episode docu-series follows the work of The Innocence Project, and specifically co-founders Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, as they fight for justice on behalf of those they believe to have been wrongfully convicted. Created by award-winning directors Liz Garbus, Alex Gibney and Roger Ross Williams, the series highlights eight individual stories, examines the key causes of wrongful conviction and investigates why the pursuit of justice in the American criminal system can be a long and arduous process. Prepare yourself for an eye-opening, gut-wrenching look at the true impact of miscarriage of justice.
The Willoughbys, 22 April
This big budget Netflix Original animation comes from Kris Pearn, the writer/director of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, and Canada’s BRON animation and is the streaming service’s first real attempt at giving the likes of Pixar a run for their money. And they’ve gone all in too. Based on the books by Lois Lowry, The Willoughbys tells the story of four children who are abandoned by their old-fashioned parents and must adapt to create a new modern family (it’s more fun than it sounds) and features Ricky Gervias, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara and Jane Krakowsi.
Peaky Blinders Season 5, 22 April
Yes, we know you didn’t miss a moment of Peaky Blinders when season five aired on BBC last year – but that was in August so surely it’s time for a rewatch? The latest series of the much lauded show about Birmingham’s notorious post-WWI crime gang sees leader Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) headed to London to take his seat in parliament, leaving the younger members jostling for leadership and attempting to extend the gang’s US stronghold in the wake of the 1929 financial crash. An all-star cast, including Adrien Brody, Tom Hardy, Sam Claflin, Helen McCrory, Finn Cole and Anya Taylor-Joy, also return, while those yet to start the series (honestly, where have you been?) can also catch up on seasons one to four.
After Life Season 2, 24 April
Ricky Gervais fans are in for a treat this month as the comedic polymath is also returning with the second season of his much-loved black comedy After Life. After series one saw Gervais’ Tony turn on the world following the death of his wife, series two will see him work to repair relationships with those around him and, in true comedy-set-in-a-small-English-town style, culminates in a local Am-Dram show that may just save everyone. Expect Gervais’ signature witty dialogue, acerbic observations and heart-warming storylines.
Extraction, 24 April
What could serve as a better distraction from the scary pandemic happening outside than a big slice of Chris Hemsworth at his action hero finest? Swapping mythical hammers for a good old fashioned gun, Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a black market mercenary enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. But, of course, when you’re dealing with a global ring of drug traffickers and weapons dealers, not everything tends to go to plan. Also look out for a star turn by Stranger Things’ David Harbour.
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