Though it launched earlier this year to an immense sign-up storm, it took me a few months to bite the bullet and sign up for Netflix. For years I have tended to adopt a love of TV shows and movies long after they have been cancelled (Mad Men is the exception). When the Netflix app popped up on my iPad before a long trip, however, the stars seemed to align and suck me into Netflix mania.
Though I wouldn’t say the app is faultless, the very cheap service (£6 per month) more than delivers when I am all blogged/styled/travelled out and need a creative escape. The biggest problem for me is actually deciding what to watch. For that reason, I have created a quick access guide to ‘flix-cure your every need!
What To Watch
For those who have yet to hear of the ‘manacled Mormon’…
Tabloid. Directed by Errol Morris, this bizarre documentary features sex, lies, Mormonism, and all of Morris’ mesmerizing flair. It is delusional, disturbing, and captivating on many levels.
For those who miss The Wire…
Breaking Bad. Having recently released season five exclusively through Netflix, this is the app’s calling card. Like the drug the show is centered around, the probability of addiction is high. This show has rocked more hours on my iPad than anything else.
For some neo-noir man candy…
Drive. Has Ryan Gosling. Pretend you need a better explanation.
For some guilty pleasure…
Secret Diary of A Callgirl. Led by Billie Piper, the series – based on the anonymous blog turned bestseller, Belle de Jour – is a knowingly ironic look at the adventures of a London call girl. The reality and disillusionment of sex as a commodity is certainly interesting, but this series is more about the Sex and The City-esque one liners than any sort of sexual agenda.
For something quick and mind-blowing…
Derren Brown Trick of the Mind. Because you can only say you’ve lived when you see someone be whispered unconscious in seconds via telephone. Derren Brown does ‘magic’ in a way that would make David Copperfield cry.
For the ‘THANK YOU, LELA’ moment…
Arrested Development. I have introduced more people to this TV show than anything else. It is the smartest and best-cast comedy I have ever seen. (You’re welcome.)
For the fashionista…
…who can appreciate a satirical, frivolous, but poignant update of Jane Auste’s Emma…Clueless.
…who has ever wanted to work in fashion…The September Issue.
For the dirty Brit in you…
The Inbetweeners.
For the traitor Brit in you…
The Office (US). (Better than the original).
For unaware hilarity…
Teeth. If there is anything you will take away from this movie, it will be the phrase ‘vagina dentata’. Classed as horror, I believe this one is a little more comedic than the average slasher, but a worthwhile watch for the experience alone.
For your XY Chromosome…
Green Street (Hooligans). Gritty and poetic all at once. You wouldn’t be faulted for raising your eyebrow at a few of the casting choices, but when you combine the primal highs of West Side Story, Fight Club, and the culture of football hooliganism, you get an authentically riveting film.