Words: Zoe Dickens
Yes, pubs and restaurants might be open again – and the government may be desperate for us all to ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ – but with the real possibility of a second coronavirus wave on the horizon, as with all good things, going out should still be enjoyed in moderation. Which means you’re going to need to stock up that watch list with plenty of great content to see you through the next month. And, luckily, Netflix has delivered the goods. From Oscar-winning movies and hard-hitting dramas to some spectacular superhero fare, here’s what to watch on Netflix in July 2020…
Unsolved Mysteries, 1 July
Before Serial and Making A Murderer turned true crime into the world’s most popular genre, Unsolved Mysteries was sating appetites for the macabre. Based on America’s longest running documentary series – it originally aired from 1987 to 2010 – this Netflix Original reboot delves into the human stories behind some of the world’s most mysterious crimes and occurrences. Running the gamut from unthinkable murders and unexplained disappearances to encounters with the paranormal, prepare for your curiosity to be seriously peaked.
Stateless, 8 July
This is a heavy hitter so, if the world is feeling a bit much right now, maybe add it for your list for a few months time. But, if you are up to it, you’re in for a treat. Featuring a stellar cast including Cate Blanchett, Dominic West, Jai Courtney and Yvonne Stahovski, this Australian drama examines life inside am immigration detention centre, following the refugee inmates and the newly-arrived guards tasked with policing them. Based on the real life story of the unlawful detention of Cornelia Rau, it takes the Australian immigration system to task, highlighting the internal flaws present in similar systems all over the world. A sometimes difficult but always important watch.
The Old Guard, 10 July
Something a little more light-hearted, this series based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka sees Charlize Theron take the lead as Andy, the hard-edged head of a group of mercenaries who are seemingly impossible to kill – and thus have been protecting mortals for centuries. However, when an emergency mission sees the source of their power exposed, they must pull together to stop those who would seek to replicate and monetise it at any expense. Directed by Love & Basketball’s Gina Prince-Bythewood, this is superhero silliness wrapped in a super-sleek package.
Cursed, 17 July
Graphic novel great Frank Miller (the man behind Sin City and 300) gives classic folklore his signature treatment in this retelling of Arthurian legend. Told through the eyes of a young woman who will one day become the Lady fo the Lake (played by 13 Reasons Why’s Katherine Langford), this 10-part coming of age tale takes on themes of religion, oppression, natural disaster, war and courage in the face of the seemingly insurmountable. The result is a surprisingly relatable and recognisable action-drama that isn’t just for fans of sci-fi and fairytales.
BlacKkKlansman, 24 July
For those who missed it the first time round, but were rightly impressed by June’s Netflix debut of Da Five Bloods, Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning film BlacKkKlansman will be hitting the streaming platform this month. Starring John David Washington, Adam Drive, Topher Grace and Laura Harrier, this black comedy follows an African American police officer as he attempts to infiltrate and expose the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. Originally premiering at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, it took home the Grand Prix and went on to receive six Oscar nominations and four Golden Globes nods. Quite the endorsement.
Umbrella Academy Season 2, 31 July
Another for comic book aficionados, the second season of the hugely popular Umbrella Academy makes its debut this month. Ellen Page, Robert Sheehan and Mary J. Blige all return as the superpower-wielding long long relatives who reunited after the death of their adoptive billionaire father. Picking up where season one left off, this series will see the siblings continue to work together to unravel the mystery around their father’s death while, of course, trying to stave off the impending apocalypse.
Need even more viewing suggestions? Here’s what to watch on Amazon Prime now…
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