Netflix is single-handedly responsible for ruining many social lives. Regardless, we love it just the same. Whether you’re finally caught up on Grey’s Anatomy or waiting impatiently for season 2 of Marvel’s Jessica Jones, here are a few hidden gems on Netflix that feature fierce female leads, from one entertainment addict to another:
1. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries– I can’t resist a good period piece. For those of you with a Downton Abbey-shaped hole in your heart *tears*, this is the show for you. The antique glitz and glamour is the same, with the added bonus of murder and intrigue. Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis) is Australia’s finest female detective during the 1920’s. Her greatest attribute is her inability to avoid a mystery, much to the chagrin of the handsome local detective, Jack Robinson (Nathan Page). The costumes are delicious, the plotlines twisty, and Phryne’s complete disregard for the gender norms of the time is fabulous.
2. The Decoy Bride– In the mood for a romantic comedy? Movie starlet Lara (Alice Eve) and English author James (David Tennant, of Doctor Who fame) just want to have a small wedding in peace. But the paparazzi aren’t about to let that happen. After multiple failed attempts, Lara and James decide to get married where they think no one will ever recognize them: a remote, rainy Scottish island. They enlist the help of a romantically-challenged local resident named Katie (Kelly McDonald) to act as a decoy bride to throw off suspicion. Of course, nothing goes as planned and hijinks ensue. Katie, who had basically resigned herself to life as a spinster, is sarcastic, relatable, and hilarious. This romcom is adorably goofy and 100% sleepover-approved by me.
3. Life Partners– As much as we hate it, friendships can fizzle when one of you enters a relationship. Paige (Gillian Jacobs) and Sasha (Leighton Meester) are best friends who share everything. It seems nothing can tear them apart…until a man enters the picture. Paige falls for Tim (Adam Brody), at the expense of potentially losing Sasha. Many of us have faced the real-life scenario of dealing with shifting dynamics when you or your BFF starts dating someing new. The transition isn’t fun and there are usually some bumps but Life Partners shows sisterhood is worth fighting for.
4. Brave Miss World– For documentary-lovers, Brave recounts the story of Linor Abargil, a successful Israeli pageant queen who was sexually assaulted 6 weeks before winning the Miss World title in Milan, Italy. During the midst of what was supposed to be the most exciting time of her life, she endured extensive media coverage about her violent attack and the subsequent trial. Abargil details her inspiring story of resilience as she turned a personal and public tragedy into an opportunity to help other survivors speak out. Have tissues ready for this one.
5. Velvet– Another period piece (shocking, I know). This one is in Spanish but no fear, there are subtitles for those of us who are not-so-fluent. Velvet takes place in glamorous 1950’s Spain and tells the forbidden love story between a seamstress named Ana (Paula Echevarria) and Alberto (Miguel Angel Silvestre), an heir to a fashion empire. This couple faces more drama than Romeo and Juliet. Ana is a kicka** protagonist; not only is she amazing at her job, she’s constantly tackling social barriers in order to be with the man she loves. If you enjoy the “starcrossed lovers” theme, this show is your new obsession.
6. Muriel’s Wedding– Lastly, one of my personal favorites films of all time. This classic from the early 90’s is a mix of She’s All That and Mean Girls (two cinematic masterpieces, if you ask me). Muriel (Toni Collette) is the town outcast. The in-crowd rejects her, her clothes are completely wrong, and she’s still listening to Abba while everyone else is out buying the new Nirvana album. Her only escape from her horrible social life and family is the daydream of one day getting married and proving everyone else wrong. Once Muriel reconnects with high school rebel Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), she finally starts transforming her life and future. But, like in real life, things never seem to turn out like you think they will. The character of Muriel is so incredibly lovable and her friendship with Rhonda through joy and tragedy is the film’s greatest asset. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll thank me for introducing it to your life.