Netflix has been a friend to us all while we’ve been stuck inside (because hopefully you HAVE been staying inside and wearing a cloth mask when going out in public, as the CDC demands). Unfortunately, just like most friends from high school, they get old real quick.
Luckily for us, there are some shows and movies on Netflix that do not get nearly as much love as they deserve. Here are some underrated, hidden gems to uncover on Netflix while we’re working/living from home.
(*Note: I know there is already a “Hidden Gems” category on Netflix but I’ve tried to find content that’s not included in that category. Yanno, originality and such.)
Dragula (TV Show)
Directed by: Nathan Noyes & Adrian Varatti
Starring: The Boulet Brothers, Peaches Christ, Alaska Thunderfuck, and so many more!
Plot: Ghouls unite! In the Boulet Brothers’ horror-infused drag competition show, performers face-off in challenges and runways to become America’s next drag “supermonster.”
Why I Like It: RuPaul Charles is controversial and oftentimes problematic. In my opinion, which I seem to share with many others, he has a very limited view on what “true drag” is; and, to him, it doesn’t involve anyone who isn’t a cis-gendered male. This is especially troublesome considering the fact that the ballroom scene of the 70s/80s, made famous by the film “Paris is Burning,” heavily influences RuPaul’s show and it was widely popularized by the talent of many trans women. It’s just…very upsetting, to say the least.
“Dragula” is different. The Boulet Brothers (famous drag duo and hosts of the show) constantly reinforce the idea that all drag is valid, not only on their show but on all their platforms of social media. In fact, they call their contestants “ghouls” rather than “queens” because of the non-binary performers on their show. Through the show, you can see they’re creating a really strong, loving community. In addition to their open-mindedness, “Dragula” is crazy. Rather than having “lipsyncs for their life,” the ghouls have to endure “extermination challenges” if they’re in the bottom, which are grueling physical challenges like a paintball fight/duel or stapling one-dollar bills to their skin! The show is wild, innovative and I’ve been in love with it ever since the episodes got their humble beginnings on YouTube. I was ecstatic to learn they’d moved to Netflix and I hope you are, too.
Unbelievable (TV Miniseries)
Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko (Ep. 1-3), Michael Dinner (Ep. 4-6) & Susannah Grant (Ep. 7 & 8)
Starring: Toni Collette, Kaitlyn Dever, Merritt Wever
Plot: After a young woman endures a brutal rape, local authorities and those around her become more and more skeptical of her story. Three years later, two female detectives in a different state uncover the pattern of a serial rapist, making his way across the country and using the same MO the young woman described years earlier. Based on the 2015 news article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong.
Why I Like It: This story is so shocking, I was hooked from the first episode. Obviously, I believed the young woman from the get-go, which made the show ten times more frustrating to watch but ten times more satisfying when the detectives start piecing together the truth. All the performances are incredible, especially those of Kaitlyn Dever, Merritt Wever and (one of my favorite actresses EVER) Toni Collette. However, arguably the best part lies in how the showrunners handled the nudity of the show. That sounds strange but female nudity in the media greatly outnumbers male nudity. But “Unbelievable” doesn’t exploit a single naked woman throughout the show. The only nudity that’s shown is when the rapist is finally brought to justice and he’s stripped naked in his jail cell. The camera stays on him, humiliating him and quite literally exposing him. It’s a small taste of justice after spending seven episodes vehemently hating him.
Someone Great (Film)
Directed by: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Starring: Brittany Snow, DeWanda Wise, Lakeith Stanfield
Plot: A music journalist suffers a harsh break up with her long-time boyfriend and calls upon her best girlfriends for one final, incredible night in New York City before she moves to San Francisco.
Why I Like It: Okay yes, unfortunately, Gina Rodriguez is in this. She is awful. BUT, one of my best friends recommended this movie to me and I think she did because it’s such a feel-good buddy movie. The three women featured (DeWanda Wise, Brittany Snow…*sigh* Gina Rodriguez) have such a beautiful bond and they seem like genuine friends. The film is funny, light-hearted and will give you just the right tingly feelings if you’re missing your friends while being stuck in isolation.
Sleepover (Film)
Directed by: Joe Nussbaum
Starring: Alexa PenaVega, Sara Paxton, Evan Peters
Plot: A sleepover with friends turns into a wild scavenger hunt after Julie and her friends make a bet with the most popular girl in school to see who will win a coveted lunch spot when they start high school in the fall.
Why I Like It: Arguably, this would not “qualify” as “cinema.” Yes, it’s a biased pick because it’s a movie I adored when I was a kid and I think it’s underappreciated. But! It’s one of the few great teen flicks from the early 2000s that feels straight out of the blissful 1990s teen flick golden age. (“10 Things I Hate About You,” “She’s All That,” “Clueless,” etc.) It’s so much fun to see beloved actors like Steve Carrell, Jane Lynch and Evan Peters star in this tiny production. Especially Evan Peters; his character is a far cry from his usual moody/creepy/murderous personas on “American Horror Story.”
Pan’s Labryinth (Film)
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Maribel Verdú
Plot: In 1944 civil war-era Spain, a young girl is drawn to a magical labyrinth and must complete three tasks in order to prove she is the reincarnation of an ancient princess, escaping her sadistic step-father, pregnant mother and the raging battles surrounding her.
Why I Like It: I could gush about this film for hours. Guillermo del Toro is one of my absolute favorite directors and this masterpiece was made before he became a household name in the U.S. It’s my favorite of his for many, many reasons. For one, the characters are incredible. The protagonist, Ofelia, is fiercely brave and damnably imaginative. Her only friend in her new household, Mercedes, is a stone-cold badass and unbelievably smart. I freakin’ love women. Then there are the special effects. The creatures! The “Pan” that is referred to in the title is this gigantic, ancient faun that is played by the lovely Doug Jones (You think you don’t know him but he’s played hundreds of monsters, especially for del Toro; look him up!) and is brought to life through incredible practical effects. The most terrifying scene in the whole film, the one that made the king of horror Stephen King squirm in his seat, brought the Pale Man into the horror hall of fame. There are no words to describe the Pale Man; you’ll have to see him for yourself. Overall, it’s a beautiful story of childhood innocence, unadulterated imagination and small acts of resistance that spark a rebellion.
Hook (Film)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Dante Basco
Plot: When his children are kidnapped in the middle of the night, workaholic Peter Banning is shocked to learn he is the legendary Peter Pan and he must save his children from his notorious nemesis, Captain James Hook.
Why I Like It: This is yet another film from my childhood. Unfortunately, it brings a sour taste to my mouth when I remember Dustin Hoffman plays a lead role. The movie itself is really wonderful, though. It’s one of those films I watched recently to see if it held up to my childhood standard and it turns out it did. It’s surprisingly witty, profoundly whimsical and has Robin Williams in what I think is one of his best roles. Goddamn, I really miss Robin Williams. It’s really fun and takes a smart spin on one of the most beloved stories that have ever been told.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (TV Show)
Created by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna
Starring: Rachel Bloom, Donna Lynne Champlin, Santino Fontana
Plot: Unhappy with her life as a big-shot lawyer in New York City, Rebecca Bunch abandons her life to move to West Covina, California, after running into her childhood love.
Why I Like It: If you love musicals, you will love this show. Rachel Bloom (executive producer and star) is a severely underrated musician and comedian. I’m not going to lie, season one is kind of slow but after that, it’s fantastic. The show is hilarious, witty and some of the songs are actually really catchy. Not to mention every song is a stroke of pure genius; sample songs include: “Let’s Generalize About Men,” “You Stupid Bitch,” “Oh My God, I Think I Like You,” “We Tapped That Ass.” Bloom’s series also talks about important topics such as sexuality, abortions, mental health, postfeminism, and actual feminism. It’s really a home run for me.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (TV Show)
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Nathalie Emmanuel, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy
Plot: In this prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film “The Dark Crystal,” three Gelfling from different tribes must gather the creatures of Thra in a rebellion after a horrifying secret is discovered about their leaders.
Why I Like It: I love love love Jim Henson. (If you’re unfamiliar, he’s the one who created the Muppets and that wonderful 1986 film “Labyrinth” starring David Bowie.) Much as I love Henson, I am not the biggest fan of “The Dark Crystal” film, which was a pretty big deal at the time due to its insane puppetry and special effects. To me, this series is SO much better than the film it stems from. The characters are well-rounded and lovable (especially the adorable, warm Deet), the plot is way more fleshed out and there are constant twists and turns that leave the audience wanting more. Even though movie-making magic has come a long way, the puppetry is still absolutely stunning. Not to mention the cast is STAR! STUDDED! The cast includes but is not limited to Taron Egerton, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Mark Hamill, Lena Headey, and Helena Bonham Carter.
Abducted in Plain Sight (Documentary)
Directed by: Skye Borgman
Plot: In this shocking documentary, a family describes their anguished journey leading up to and following their 12-year-old daughter’s kidnapping by a family friend…and the second time he kidnapped her several years later.
Why I Like It: I had never heard of this documentary until my boss and one of my co-workers mentioned it to me. I was intrigued and watched it and OH MY GOD. It’s truly insane. This horrible, sociopathic pedophile manipulated this family in every way, shape and form. As the story unravels, you can’t help but scream at your screen because of the f*cked up shit that went on for so long. I still can’t believe he was able to abduct her twice. TWICE! The shock factor is definitely there and I think it serves as a tale of warning to parents everywhere. Keep your kids close and don’t keep your creepy neighbors closer.
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (Film)
Plot: Best friends Tucker and Dale try to escape to their quiet cabin in the woods but they are soon pulled into a giant, grisly misunderstanding when a group of nearby college students mistakes them for crazed murderers.
Why I Like It: Please don’t be deterred by the fact that it’s a horror movie. I promise it is not scary. The only reason it’s rated R is for violence and language, and all the violence is played for comedy. Anyway, I love this movie. Tucker and Dale look like your run-of-the-mill creepy dudes but they’re actually really sweet and the friendship the two share is so wholesome. The whole concept of the film is a really fun play on the “cabin in the woods/college students getting killed off one by one” trope that is often seen in horror movies. It’s like a funny version of the 2011 film “The Cabin in the Woods,” if you’re familiar with that. (If you’re not, it’s available to stream on Hulu, which I also recommend even though it’s the wrong platform.)
I love these shows/films a lot but I completely…well, kind of understand if they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. As previously mentioned, there is a “Hidden Gems” section of Netflix if you’d like better, more professional recommendations. Call it narcissism but I think mine are pretty damn good.
Stay safe and please please PLEASE follow CDC guidelines and stay safe!
