At times you might find yourself scrolling for ages (what truly feels like hours) through Netflix, struggling to select a film to watch. But hey, in that case, you are not rushing and have all the time in the world to find something enjoyable.
On the other hand, choosing a movie with friends may feel like an anxious battle. You could have a relaxing evening planned with snacks and drinks, but find yourself in a pointless, mood-ruining argument solely because your cinematographic taste differs from others’.
Below I have created a list that consists of a variety of films that you could suggest during a movie night that most people would enjoy.
1. Rebecca.
‘Rebecca’ is a 2020 British romantic thriller based on Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars recently popular actor Armie Hammer and actress Lily James.
The film begins with Mrs van Hopper’s young personal assistant encountering a mysterious and rich widower, Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo. Just like the novel, the movie revolves around the two characters’ blossoming romance and sudden marriage after a short period of courting.
Whilst the film initially may appear as a heartfelt love story, it gradually turns into a nightmare for the young woman. Despite her marriage to Mr de Winter, the gentleman’s past begins to suspiciously emerge and poison their everyday lives.
As if she were haunted, Mr de Winter’s first wife, ‘Rebecca,’ is sensed to be present even after her tragic death in a shipwreck.
‘Rebecca’ is truly intense, filled with twists and turns, ultimately making it an incredibly exciting film to watch. It also greatly moves your senses and emotions as you increasingly become more sympathetic towards Mrs de Winter’s misfortune.
You find yourself asking the questions: “What did she do to deserve this?” “Why is Rebecca constantly returning to the Manderley Mansion?”
After being digitally released on Netflix across the globe on 21 October 2020, ‘Rebecca’ became the most-watched film on Netflix for two days after its release and also finished as second in the top ten at the end of the week.
2. The Guilty.
‘The Guilty’ is a 2021 American crime thriller film and a remake of a 2018 Danish film. It is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jake Gyllenhaal.
In comparison to ‘Rebecca’s’ mysterious estate, Fuqua’s film is much more gut-wrenching and intense. The plot revolves around LAPD officer, Joe Baylor’s, last day at the 911 call center and a very disturbing cry for help that he receives from an abducted woman named Emily Lighton.
‘The Guilty’ is a truly different movie experience as it is recorded in a single location, only allowing the audience to see Joe’s surroundings in the call center and to hear the 911 calls.
‘The Guilty’ premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2021, and was available to stream on Netflix on October 1, 2021.
The film proved to be an immediate success with ‘The Guilty’ being streamed in more than 69 million households during the first month, also becoming the ‘top-watched’ movie across 91 countries.
3. Love Hard.
‘Love Hard’ is a 2021 American rom-com starring Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang. The film revolves around a young journalist, Natalie Bauer, being well-known for her disastrous first dates after meeting someone online.
Whilst usually Natalie’s dating life is incredibly unlucky and she has constant anxiety about going back to work, she finally starts talking to a young and attractive man named Josh. The two spend increasingly more time on the phone chatting before Natalie decides to fly from L.A. to Josh’s hometown, Lake Placid in New York.
The rest of the movie follows Natalie’s Christmas in Lake Placid with Josh and his family. And, well, turns out Josh was not who he said he was, admitting to catfishing Natalie with one of his friends’ photos.
This is not a spoiler! However, sadly, it is reality. With the advancements of technology and the internet nowadays you can never be one hundred percent sure if you are talking to a real person. It’s due to this that ‘Love Hard’ also holds an educational purpose, reminding people to be extra careful with online dating.
Nevertheless, director Herman Jimenez restores our faith both within humanity and love by creating a romance out of a situation which would appear the farthest form love. Jimenez also gives an insight into private businesses and how doing what you like best will become your happiest place to work.
‘Love Hard’ was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and was released by Netflix on November 5, 2021.
‘Love Hard’ is a truly heart-warming film which sets the festive mood for Christmas and could be enjoyed within company (and with a big mug of hot chocolate).
