mid-day's OTT recommendations: Five movies and shows that you can binge-watch

I veered of documentaries because honestly, with so much going on, we want to keep the real things at bay and float in the happy zone. Having said that, this time it is different. Why do you ask? Read on to see mid-day’s OTT recommendations and you will know

July has been rather lulling. Barely a handful of releases and fewer that catch your eye. The gloomy weather of course adds to the mood. So, to spice up the month with interesting content, I dug out a few old releases that some (ardent content-bingers) may have watched over time, but they featured on my timeline out of the blue. Now, documentaries are usually not everyone’s cup of tea, some make you doze off, and sometimes it feels a tad too real – trust me, the feeling is mutual. I veered of documentaries because honestly, with so much going on, we want to keep the real things at bay and float in the happy zone. Having said that, this time it is different. Why do you ask? Read on to see mid-day’s OTT recommendations and you will know.

How to become a Tyrant: Netflix

Documentaries have a set formula/pattern, but Netflix’s 'How to become a Tyrant' swerves off a different path and makes it an engaging historical watch. With Peter Dinklage, yes, the man who played Tyrion in the Game of Thrones franchise, as the narrator -- the docuseries retells the stories of six dictators who wreaked havoc on people. Of course, if you are well-versed with history, none of these stories come as a surprise, but it is not so much the stories as much as understanding the pattern that makes you sit up and take notice. If you are watchful (of current affairs), you may even be able to make some keen relevant observations. The docuseries throws light on a carefully devised and summarised playbook on how Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong, Muammar Gaddafi, Kim Il-sung, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein rose to power. The conclusion being: "Anyone can be a dictator".

The Keepers: Netflix

This documentary revolves around the unsolved murder of a nun/teacher Catherine Cesnik in 1969. However, the seven-part retelling begins 50 years later when two ex-students -- Gemma Hoskin and Abbie Schaub -- dedicate their retirement to investigate the mystery behind the murder of their favourite teacher. But, the Emmy-nominated series goes much beyond it and throws light on how the murder may be connected to the cover-up of sexual abuse of minors orchestrated by one Father Joseph Maskell. It also illustrates the attempts of the state and archdiocese of Baltimore in covering up the crime. The docu series stands apart for its eye for detail, research, the sensitivity with which it is portrayed, leaving the viewer at the edge of their seats, or weeping into their kerchiefs, or questioning the state. And mind you, the investigation is still on and justice is still denied like in the case of Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein.

Also Read: mid-day's OTT recommendations: Five movies and shows that you can binge-watch

The Little Things: Amazon Prime Video

In a career spanning about 46 years, Denzel Washington has probably done countless movies on police investigations or played the crusader of justice, but this neo-noir crime thriller takes off on a slightly different path and has you fooled right till the end. Set in the 1990s, the film follows two detectives -- Washington, who has moved away from homicides after a breakdown, and Rami Malek, who replaces him. They get together to investigate a string of murders leading them to a strange loner who may be the culprit (Jared Leto). While you are completely invested in finding the serial killer, you are also compelled to follow the psyche of the leads. It would be unfair to talk about it without mentioning the edgy performance of the three actors, but that you already knew, right?

Girl From Nowhere: Netflix

*Statutory warning* The two-season fictional series based on real-life stories, brimming with gore is not suitable for the faint-hearted. But here is a little background before you delve into this Thai outing. In 2020, Thailand was marked with the Bad Student movement – where school children protested on the streets in uniform, questioning the education system and demanding the resignation of their education minister. The first season dropped in 2018, much before the movement was set in motion. In 2020, the OTT giant released the second instalment which has been getting rave reviews across Asia. Luckily, the series has English voice-overs, which makes it easier for people who hate reading subtitles. It is an anthology that showcases a new story in every episode lead by the central character, Nanno (Chicha Amatayakul). In each episode, Nanno – clearly not human -- is the new student who exposes the faulty system, or the crimes committed by students or the faculty. From sexual abuse to the dichotomy between rich and poor, to social media hypocrisies to early pregnancies, Nanno tackles it all ending with her cacophony laugh. Of course, had they cast better actors, the series would have hit the right mark in every episode.

Also Read: OTT brings regional content into the spotlight

Malik: Amazon Prime Video

Another Faahadh Faasil offering and my sole reason to catch this film. Over the years, Indian cinema has explored communal violence and the hand that politics plays in it multiple times. This Malayalam outing is a blend of politics and the mafia world. It differs in its treatment, storytelling, and of course the performance, while the storyline remains largely the same. Faasil aka Sulaiman Ikka is the central focus, but you cannot ignore the feisty character of Roseline played effortlessly by Nimisha Sajayan. The story is engaging, intense, and realistic yet dramatic, but the duration and build-up may hinder a few opinions. This Mahesh Naryanan-directorial film revolves around the once harmonious brotherhood between three small-time smugglers -- Sulaiman, PA Aboobacker (played by Dileesh Poothan) and Victor (Vinay Forrt). Not one to succumb to pressure and constantly striving to improve the life of Muslims and Christians in Ramadapally, Sulaiman starts a mini-mafia empire, which soon becomes a hindrance for the smuggler-turned-politician Aboobacker. In order to solidify his hold in the government, he creates a rift between Sulaiman and Victor, resulting in misunderstandings and deaths of family and community members. Malik, while scores on several points, and makes for an interesting watch, still cannot be considered one of Faasil's best works.

Also Read: Fahadh Faasil: Was doubtful about playing the old character

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