There are SO many things to watch on Netflix that I always struggle to figure just WHAT to watch. Now, this is not a comprehensive list of ALL that’s coming to Netflix which includes older movies that’s been released before, i.e. The Bank Job, Inception, The Patriot, War Dogs, Captain Fantastic, etc. but these are NEW stuff from the streaming service, part of the 70 new original content Netflix promised to release in 2021. There’s an extra dose of romantic-themed content released in February because of Valentine’s Day, but there’s a comedy + thriller thrown in.
In any case, so here are 5 new movies + 1 limited series coming to Netflix this month:
Malcolm & Marie
Releases February 5 – read my review
A director and his girlfriend’s relationship is tested after they return home from his movie premiere and await critics’ responses.
One of the best things about TENET is John David Washington and I like Zendaya based on the two things I saw her in, The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man Far From Home. I haven’t seen her in Euphoria yet, which is created by the director of this film, Sam Levinson (who happens to be the son of Barry Levinson who won an Oscar directing Rain Man).
Some of you might have seen this by now as it was released last Friday. Let me know what you think if you have seen it!
The Last Paradiso (L’ultimo paradiso)
Releases February 5, 2021
In 1950s Italy, a passionate free spirit dreams of love, justice and a better life till a forbidden affair threatens everything. Based on real events.
Of course seeing the title reminds me right away of Cinema Paradiso, one of my all-time favorite non-English language films. This one is also a love story, a forbidden affair no less, that’s based on a true story. I recognized the lead actor Riccardo Scamarcio from John Wick 2, he’s got such an intense stare that’s hard to forget. I’m down to be swept away to the South Italy’s countryside for a couple of hours. Love, passion, rebellion… hopefully would make a memorable drama.
Red Dot
Releases February 11, 2021
When Nadja becomes pregnant, they make an attempt to rekindle their relationship by traveling to the north of Sweden for a hiking trip but soon their romantic trip turns into a nightmare.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few Nordic thrillers, such as The Hunt, Headhunters, though I should watch more. Scandinavian filmmakers sure know how to make effective noirs. This one comes from Swedish filmmaker Alain Darborg, and it has that ominous, atmospheric vibe to it.
Layla Majnun
Releases February 11, 2021
While in Azerbaijan, Layla, an Indonesian scholar, falls for Samir, an admirer of her work — but her arranged marriage stands in the way.
I rarely blog about Indonesian movies (despite the fact that my late dad used to work in the Indo film industry), but this one caught my eye. I’m not familiar w/ any of the cast but the setting in Azerbaijan and the familiar-yet-still-enticing forbidden love story sounds like a perfect one to watch around V-day.
I Care A Lot
Releases February 19, 2021
A shady legal guardian lands in hot water when she tries to bilk a woman who has ties to a powerful gangster.
I’m intrigued just reading the description and the cast: Rosamund Pike, Eiza González, Dianne Wiest, Peter Dinklage.I love Rosamund Pike and it’s nice to see her in a dark comedy, playing a shady character no less. This film premiered at TIFF and currently has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating, praising Pike’s a wicked performance. Can’t wait!
Behind Her Eyes (miniseries)
Releases February 17, 2021
A single mom becomes entangled in a twisted mind game when she begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while bonding with his mysterious wife.
Want a bit of twist with your Valentine romance? How about a psycho-sexual thriller with a good looking UK cast? I’m a huge fan of Tom Bateman who’s the epitome of tall, dark & handsome and also super talented. I’ve just seen Eve Hewson in Tesla and really like her, looking forward to seeing the love triangle between these two and Simona Brown.
The miniseries is produced by Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind the prestigious drama The Crown.
The ones I want to see are I Care A Lot and Malcom & Marie (maybe). I’m not sure about everything else.
I Care A Lot looks bonkers! Nice to see Rosamund Pike in a comedy as I’ve been seeing her in so many heavy dramas lately.
I put RED DOT on my to watch list, it looks interesting. There are a bunch of other shows I want to catch up on, started watching LUPIN, 3 episodes in and so far so good.
Hey, glad you enjoyed LUPIN! I’ve just finished another French series, Call My Agent, so now I can’t wait to watch LUPIN as it’s also set in Paris. I do love a good heist movie, esp set in a gorgeous location!
I watched Malcolm and Marie today and I Care A Lot has been on my radar for a while too. Red Dot was new to me, and that looks very intriguing. I set a reminder for it.
I look forward to reading your thoughts on Malcolm and Marie! I Care A Lot screener just arrived on my Preview Content tab so I hope to watch it this weekend. Red Dot looks scary but nordic thrillers are usually really good.
I’m planning on watching Red Dot tonight, it sounds good. I absolutely can’t wait for I Care A Lot, I love Rosamund Pike and that role seems perfect for her. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with Netflix releases once cinemas open again!
Hey Allie, let me know what you think of Red Dot! It looks good but might be too scary for my feeble nerves, ahah. Yes I LOVE Rosamund too and I can’t wait to see her in a dark comedy. I think it’ll be a slow going for me to go back to cinemas, I might go a couple times a month if there are new releases worth going to, but mostly I’ll just be streaming stuff in the comfort of my home 🙂