It’s a massive understatement at this point to say that Netflix is generating content at an insane pace. Not only do they produce new series on a seemingly weekly basis, but the streaming service announced a new comedy special every week in 2017! The content machine is also focused on creating Netflix Original movies too. We could all use some escapism in these bizarro times, but who can keep up! Fortunately, you don’t have to, that’s why Monkeys Fighting Robots is here.
As Netflix Original movies pop up, it’s clear the streaming service is not ignoring any genre. But nothing made people take notice more than the recent announcement of Bright, a fantasy film starring Will Smith. Netflix is serious about making good, if not, great, content and the five movies on our list serve as clear evidence that they’re off to a good start.
Binge Watch These Five Netflix Original Movies
Over The Weekend!
I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore
A crime thriller with a healthy dash of comedy. I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore won the Grand Prize at Sundance in 2016. Netflix promptly snapped up the movie and smacked its XYZ Productions logo on it. The film stars Melanie Lynskey (Two And A Half Men) and everyone’s favorite Hobbit, Elijah Wood. The one central theme of the flick that you need to know: Don’t be an asshole.
Arq
Comedy, horror, science fiction, Netflix Original movies fear no genre. For viewers, this is a great thing. Arq is a science fiction film in the spirit of Source Code and Looper. Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor star as a couple stuck in a time loop. At the start of each loop, a group of masked men kidnaps the couple and holds them hostage for money. Each pass through the loop brings the pair closer to the truth.
Spectral
What if Ghostbusters met Aliens? Not a question many people ask but both of those things are inspirations behind Spectral. In a war-torn city, soldiers are found dead, killed by creatures which most easily described as ghosts. A scientist is brought in to create innovative technology that can combat the “spectrals.” Supernatural goes science fiction by the end. Along the way is some beautiful cinematography dragging along a lackluster plot.
iBoy
Netflix dives right into the superhero origin story with iBoy. IBoy is an edgy look into the life of Tom (Bill Milner) who gains the power to manipulate the internet and all interconnected things with his mind. The film follows a bit of the typical origin movie steps but serves it up with a gritty spin. Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones is the object of Tom’s affection who joins the fight for justice after her tragedy.
13th
As a testament to the diversity of movies on Netflix, check out 13th. Directed by Oscar-winner Ava DuVernay, the documentary chronicles the history and impact of the 13th Amendment of the United States. Slavery was abolished, but it was still a long road for African-Americans to become an equal citizen. DuVernay’s ability to squeeze heart-wrenching emotion packs a powerful punch here.
