The week of April 20 to 26 brings a host of exciting premieres to Netflix. The most talked-about release is the first spin-off of ‘Stranger Things,’ an animated series titled ‘Stories from ’85.’ This installment takes place between seasons 2 and 3 of the beloved original series, promising to delight long-term fans. Additionally, a gripping British thriller, ‘The Not Chosen,’ and a fast-paced survival thriller featuring the formidable Charlize Theron are set to make waves.
Series
Stranger Things: Stories from ’85
The first animated spin-off of ‘Stranger Things’ allows fans to revisit iconic characters from the early seasons, avoiding the issues that come with the actors aging. Set in winter 1985 in Hawkins, the peaceful aftermath of the second season is disrupted by a new threat emerging from The Other Side. The Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers, aiming to recreate the aesthetic of classic Saturday morning cartoons from the ’80s. The animation, produced by Australian studio Flying Bark Productions, combines modern techniques with a nostalgic feel, even though the original cast will not be voicing their characters.
The Not Chosen
This British psychological thriller draws comparisons to the acclaimed ‘The Leftovers.’ The story follows a young mother living with her husband and daughter in a closed-off Christian community. The sudden appearance of an escaped prisoner shakes their world, revealing the community’s dark truths and questioning their intentions towards Rosie and her family. Asa Butterfield, known for his role in ‘Sex Education,’ stars alongside former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston in this gripping narrative.
Other Series This Week
- Funny AF with Kevin Hart – April 20
- Here We Talk About Orchards – April 22
- Santita – April 22
- Hulk Hogan: Real American – April 22
- A Love That Never Ends – April 22
- He Teacher – April 23
- Orna New Move (T2) – April 23
- The Trials of Winnie Mandela – April 23
- If the Wishes They Will Kill – April 24
Movies
Dominant Predator
Titled ‘Apex’ in its original form, this survival thriller marks another return for Charlize Theron to Netflix after the less impactful sequel to ‘The Old Guard.’ In ‘Dominant Predator,’ Theron plays a grieving woman who navigates the dangerous Australian outback and finds herself ensnared in a deadly game with a psychopath portrayed by Taron Egerton. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, known for his work in high-stakes environments like ‘Everest,’ this film showcases Theron’s dedication to her craft, with the actress performing many of her own stunts after extensive training with professional climber Beth Rodden.
Usual Suspects
A classic of the ’90s thriller genre, ‘Usual Suspects’ features an impressive cast including Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Chazz Palminteri. It tells the story of a customs agent investigating a fire that killed 27 individuals on a ship in Los Angeles. The film intricately weaves the narrative of a conman who survived the incident, gradually revealing how five criminals came together in a police lineup, all while being orchestrated by the elusive Keyser Söze. With a script by Christopher McQuarrie, this film is hailed for its unforgettable plot twist.
Other Movies This Week
- Lainey Wilson: Country Is Still Playing – April 22
- Yiya Murano: Death at Tea Time – April 23
- All Sides of the Bed – April 24
Netflix continues its quest for fresh content as it searches for the next big franchise to captivate its audience. The stakes are high, and this week’s additions could mark the beginning of exciting new trends on the platform.