In light of the events of this year, I know a lot of us are or were cooped up at home, with nothing to do, other than surfing the web endlessly or flipping through a book mindlessly. Here are some movies and shows that kept me entertained through this quarantine!
1. The Talented Mr. Ripley
This movie was a roller coaster. It follows the path of a man named Tom Ripley, who has an uncanny knack for impersonation. He worms his way into the company of the elite Richard Greenleaf and chaos ensues. The movie can be long but it ramps up the tension in the second half. I was on my seat constantly, wondering about the fate of the protagonist (Matt Damon, which is also a plus). If you want an interesting thriller, this is the movie for you.
2. Good Girls
This show was both light-hearted and suspenseful. It follows 3 mothers who rob a grocery store together when they’re in need of cash and the aftermath that follows. The acting is phenomenal and you really connect with the characters. Good Girls really excelled in meshing both real life tensions with this crazy story of robberies and gangsters, while keeping a humorous aspect to the show. Currently, the first two seasons are on Netflix and the third season has been airing on NBC.
3. Mindhunter
This show is definitely not for the lighthearted. People who are fans of Criminal Minds, Catching a Predator, and true crime documentaries will definitely enjoy this show. It follows two detectives (and a professor) that tour the country interviewing famous serial killers and while solving crimes. Mindhunter does a really good job of keeping things historically accurate. It also deals with a lot of characterization and complex relationships which are certainly showcased in the second season. Mindhunter has two seasons, and as of now, is on indefinite hold. It isn’t explicitly graphic but some things described could be upsetting so viewers should watch with caution. 4. Train to Busan
This movie is probably one of my favorites to date. It is in Korean, but don’t let that keep you from watching it. The movie follows Gong Yoo and his daughter as they go on a perilous journey and are trapped on a train full of infected zombie passengers. This movie is harrowing and heart-racing and won’t let you move without finishing it. As someone who usually hates zombie movies, Train to Busan really entertained me and didn’t turn me away like some other zombie films have. The movie also has a proposed ‘sequel’ to be released, called Peninsula.
6. Sherlock
Sherlock is a classic show, but is super re-watchable. If you haven’t seen it, all the better. Sherlock follows the life of a retired army veteran, John Watson, and a private detective, Sherlock Holmes. The show is full of mystery, twists and turns, and really unexpected plot twists. The cast is wholly entertaining and pulls you in after the first episode itself. As the series progressed, I found myself so attached to the characters, it was almost embarrassing. This show garnered a huge fanbase when it was first airing, which was well deserved. Fans of non-gory, intellectual mystery will love Sherlock.
--Krushi Bandam, TAB Member
Commentaires