Are you looking for a distraction from classes and having no luck? As we all know, Netflix is a vast sea of movies and shows, but sometimes it’s difficult to find anything new and interesting. Without further ado, here are three Netflix Originals that are sure to keep you wanting more.
- The Queen’s Gambit
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Created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott – Based on the novel by Walter Tevis – Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Harry Melling – 1 season, 7 episodes, each roughly one hour-long
Before watching The Queen’s Gambit, I never thought that a game of chess would have me on the edge of my seat. However, it is a an entirely different story.
Set in the 1960s, the limited series follows Elizabeth “Beth” Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she navigates life and discovers herself through chess. Taught at the age of nine by her orphanage’s janitor, Beth quickly develops a love for the game and is determined to learn as much as she can in order to win. Immediately, Beth is recognized for her talents and rises through the ranks, defeating highly skilled opponents with ease — although her success is not without its obstacles. Throughout the seven episodes, Beth tackles issues such as addiction, identity, loss, inequality and love.
Beth Harmon’s story is provocative, vulnerable and truly empowering. For these reasons and many others, I rate The Queen’s Gambit a 5 out of 5.
- Lupin
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Created by George Kay – Based on the novels by Maurice Leblanc – Starring Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, and Clotilde Hesme – 1 season, 5 episodes, each roughly 50 minutes long
Already renewed for a second season, Lupin tells the story of Assane Diop (Omar Sy), an amazingly smooth criminal finessing his way around France.
Deeply inspired by the fictional thief Arsène Lupin, Assane dedicates himself to solving the mysteries surrounding his father’s wrongful conviction and untimely suicide. The show opens up with a Louvre heist and continues to get even messier as Assane’s agenda entwines his family and friends of the past.
Lupin is cunning, satisfying, and touches on matters such as racism, toxic masculinity and fatherhood.
While watching Lupin, I highly recommend switching the language to French. Subtitles can be intimidating, but with this show, they are easy to follow and keep you concentrated. Plus, who wouldn’t want to listen to hours of charmingly-spoken French? Overall, I rate Lupin a 5 out of 5.
- Fate: The Winx Saga
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Created by Brian Young – Based on the animated series Winx Club – Starring Abigail Cowen, Danny Griffin, and Hannah van der Westhuysen – 1 season, 6 episodes, each roughly one hour-long
Fate: The Winx Saga takes place at Alfea, a university for fairies and fighters, and centers around Bloom (Abigail Cowen), a fire fairy who’s new to the magical realm of the Otherworld.
While adjusting to college life, Bloom struggles with controlling her powers and begins to question her identity. During her search for the truth, Bloom is relentlessly challenged by the forces of good and evil, but she is far from alone. With the unwavering loyalty of her friends, Bloom has what it takes to find herself and protect Alfea from quickly emerging threats, which have taken everyone by surprise.
To be transparent, Fate: The Winx Saga is a bit overwhelming in the beginning. However, its relatability, life lessons, couple goals, and unlikely friendships make it all worthwhile. With that being said, I rate Fate: The Winx Saga a 3 out of 5.