Words by Rayhanah Ginwalla
This month is filled with new seasons of beloved shows, as well as entirely new movies to watch.
It’s February – the shortest month of the year! With it still comes the occasional need to wind down and relax, so we’re here to help with our list of what to watch on Netflix this month.
Farha
Farha is a movie following a Palestinian girl before and during the initial Nakba. Karam Taher plays Farha with an emotional intensity that is beautiful, if heartbreaking, to watch. Despite the widespread atrocities of Al-Nakba, the movie retains a sense of the personal and does not get lost in abstract statistics. It is a heavy watch, so do check content warnings.
Outer Banks
The long-anticipated season three is set to release on February 23rd. In case you don’t know what this show is about (where have you been?) it follows a group of friends who decide to go on a treasure hunt. However, there are increasingly murderous twists and enemies who would like to see their downfall to avoid it. The show is packed with love, adventure, danger, mystery and friendships – the perfect recipe for an enticing watch.
An Inconvenient Love
This movie follows a couple from the Philippines, as they enter adulthood and all the uncertainties that come with it. It is a heartwarming rom-com that showcases moments of peace and happiness among the busy, sometimes broken moments of life. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it is the perfect watch to enjoy the mood of romance – although its release is a bit later, on the 23rd of February.
The Strays
The Strays is a psychological horror, telling the story of a light-skinned black woman’s life unravelling after two strangers reappear in her life. The trailer promises mystery and intrigue so don’t miss its release on the 17th of February.
The Lying Life of Adults
This Italian Drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante. A Queen of fiction in her own right, if the series does the book any justice it’ll be well worth the watch. The show follows a young girl’s journey of childhood into adolescence, navigating the currency of relationships and tensions that ensconce her family.
Four Good Days
Four Good Days tells the story of a recovering addict, living with her mother. It is a poignant movie, with a beautiful script and powerful performances from Glenn Close, playing the mother, and Mila Kunis, playing the daughter. The content can be heavy, so do check warnings.
Class
Class is an Indian adaptation of the Spanish Elite set to be released on February 3rd. Three poor students join Hampton International: a school filled with the privileged elite. The show explores issues of class divides and the nuances of the Indian class system. We watch the students navigate those social currents, with the darker appetites of murder on the horizon – making for a thrilling, twisted show.
Freeridge
Fans of On My Block will be pleased to know about this spinoff, that follows a fresh set of teenagers at Freeridge High. The trailer promises familiar elements of humour, friendship and chaos, along with a little cringe. It’s released on February 2nd so don’t miss out watching this comedy!
A Sunday Affair
This Nollywood movie tells the story of two best friends who fall for the same man. This devastating revelation tests their loyalties, and the trailer promises a nuanced exploration of the meaning of friendship and love. Don’t miss its release on valentines day!
Ali
Smith got the Oscar nod for his performance as Mohammed Ali, making it one of his best work. As far as biographical films go, it’s up there.
You
Last, but certainly not least, is everyone’s favourite thriller. The first part of season four is released on February 9th – with a twist. This time, someone has flipped the game on Joe, and he is the one being stalked. Tune in for the delusions of Joe’s mind, and the stellar acting promised by Penn Badgley and Tati Gabrielle.
Here’s our cover story with TikTok’s favourite funnyman Arthur Hill