You’ve noticed the leaves turning, haven’t you? As the days grow shorter and there’s that unmistakable chill in the air, our minds naturally drift to popcorn and movies. Thankfully, so has Netflix’s! It’s rolling out a fantastic selection of new films and shows. Whether you’re looking for gripping dramas, hilarious comedies, or insightful documentaries, this season has something for everyone.
Win It All (2017)
Win It All is a new-to-Netflix film about an amateur poker player who tries to win a few hands with some money that might not quite belong to him. For poker enthusiasts, some of the scenes in this will be truly nailbiting, particularly when you consider that Eddie, played by Jake Johnson, doesn’t quite seem to have his poker hands ranking properly nailed down! When it comes to his bluffing skills, it’s a wonder that Eddie didn’t opt for poker in the online realm. Playing in person means his tells are painfully obvious, when one of the big bonuses of an online poker table is nobody notices if you tap your fingers, raise an eyebrow, or even do a nervous giggle. Anyway, regardless of Eddie’s lack of poker prowess, Win It All stands up as a film that’s equal parts nerve-wracking and hilarious. Joe Swanberg’s input is obvious in some of the scenes that have that unmistakable improv feel. It’s a bit silly, but it works.
Fair Play (2023)
Fair Play is a seriously intense psychological thriller. From the very beginning, you’re plunged into the toxic dynamics of a couple working at a high-stakes hedge fund. Not a recipe for marital bliss! After Emily is promoted over her boyfriend Luke, their relationship unravels, exposing hidden insecurities and ambitions. The tension builds, with their workplace becoming a battlefield of manipulation and jealousy. This feels like a film with a whole host of experience behind it, but it’s actually Chloe Domont’s directorial debut. It made waves and garnered rave reviews at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, too. Basically, it’s a gripping one, that’s well worth adding to your watch list.
Beckham (2023)
Beckham has made the headlines more than once already. It offers an up-close and personal look at the life of one, you guessed it, David Beckham. The four-part series goes beyond the football field, exploring Beckham’s rise to global fame, his marriage to Victoria (this part generated some well known memes), and the pressures that come with being in the public eye. One particularly fascinating part of the documentary revisits Beckham’s infamous red card during the 1998 World Cup, which nearly derailed his career and made him a target of national outrage. Directed by Fisher Stevens, the series mixes archival footage with candid interviews, providing a humanizing portrait of the man behind the legend.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
It’s spooky season, right? Well, you’re going to love this one. In this gothic series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, the powerful Usher family is haunted – both literally and figuratively – by their past decisions. As their empire crumbles, eerie and unexplainable events begin to surround them, leading to tragic consequences for each family member in turn. Classic horror fans will love the suspense in this one. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House, brings his signature touch to this adaptation. He chose Vancouver as the show’s backdrop, known for its haunting architecture and dramatic landscape. It’s a beautiful one, but plenty spooky.
Old Dads (2023)
For a good laugh this fall, Old Dads is the perfect pick. This comedy follows three friends (played by Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, and Bokeem Woodbine) who are struggling to adjust to modern-day parenting after having kids later in life. Burr, who also directed the film, shines as the cynical and out-of-touch dad who constantly finds himself at odds with younger parents and new societal norms. With sharp humor and heartfelt moments, you’ll be laughing and crying along as the dads are forced to navigate everything from preschool applications to awkward playdates.