W E E K E N D B I N G E
Fatin Hamama, Rahin Amin
Don’t pretend. We know very well that you’ll not be going to the gym on Friday, neither will you arrange yourself a relaxing bath in the evening, start reading a book right after, or do ANY of the productive tasks you had planned to do during the weekend.
However, since you’re getting into your sweats and preparing to spend a sleepless night navigating your way through Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu anyway; here’s a list containing the trending shows and movies on some of the most popular streaming services that are perfect for a weekend binge!
1. Bridgerton
Genre: Period Drama
The love child of Pride and Prejudice and Gossip Girl, Bridgerton follows the eldest daughter of the influential Bridgerton family of London in the 1800s as she makes her way through Regency London’s most competitive marriage market. Though it received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike, this Netflix miniseries is perfect for when you’re feeling like watching something that has baroque visuals, but is fun and easy to follow, and that makes Bridgerton the perfect hot and steamy affair you’re looking for.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the trailer here.
2. Pieces of a Woman
Genre: Drama
A mishmash of some moments that are too emotionally overwhelming and other moments that are not, the film Pieces of A Woman follows Martha Weiss through her emotional fallout and the chasm it creates between her and her loved ones, after a heart wrenching tragedy during a home birth.
While the movie establishes a promising story due to the stunning job of acting delivered by Vanessa Kirby in the first half, things get a little disappointing the latter parts owing to the inconsistent, discordant subplots. However, if you’re in for a rollercoaster ride that takes you to the peak of profuse emotions one second, and plunges you down to nonchalance the other, you could give this a go.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the trailer here.
3. AK vs AK
Genre: Black Comedy, Thriller
Probably both Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap’s boldest on-screen experiment, the mockumentary AK vs AK switches between fiction and reality, staging a meta war between Kapoor and Kashyap playing themselves as Anil Kapoor searches for his kidnapped daughter.
While the beginning is immersive and exciting, the story runs its course soon after where the plot becomes a little incoherent and some elements repetitive. However, if you’re looking for something that’s humorous and fun but demands a little attention to keep up with, AK vs Ak will be the perfect watch.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the trailer here.
4. History of Swear Words
Genre: Documentary
This one is a six-episode-long documentary where scholars sit down with Nicholas Cage to discuss the origin stories, usage, science, and cultural impact of some of the most popular curse words in the contemporary world.
Although unique in its concept and even educational in its delivery, History of Swear Words is little more than a manifestation of Netflix’s favourite clickbaiting tendency. However, Cage’s charm and spontaneity is still reason enough to give this documentary a go when you’re bored with some extra time to spare during the weekend.
Available on Netflix.
5. Paava Kadhaigal
Genre: Drama
Paava Kadhaigal is a Netflix anthology of four Tamil short films, each of which are set with extremely compelling storylines and deal with elements revolving around the themes of toxic patriarchy, caste, and gender.
The cast does a job amazing enough to make the audience sit through all 4 of the stories at one go, all of which are equally worth a watch. Flawless in its storytelling and plot progression, Paava Kadhaigal has to be one of the few names on this list that doesn’t disappoint in any way. Do watch this quartet of short films when you’re in a mood for watching something with a crucial magnitude instead of the usual light and breezy stuff.
Watch the trailer here.
6. Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Genre: Animation, Family Comedy
Although Dreamworks Animation’s adaptation of Peabody’s Improbable History from the 1960s animated variety show The Adventures of Rocky Bullwinkle and Friends was a box office flop, it became a critics favourite soon after its release and is still considered one of the most brilliant animation movies from the last decade. The 2014 film has recently been added to Netflix, and is a perfect watch for a weekend family time.
The intelligent concept along with puns-so-bad-that-you’re-forced-to-laugh and brainy cultural references, this movie can make sure you have a good time after a tiring week.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the Trailer Here.
7. We Can Be Heroes
Genre: Action Comedy
Robert Rodriguez drew characters from his previous franchise Spy Kids and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D to create another movie of the same genre starring Priyanka Chopra, Pedro Pascal, and YaYa Gosselin.
Although Robert Rodiguez’s previous record as a director doesn’t give us much hope for a quality time, this movie contributed to record setting viewership for Netflix during Christmas.
If you’re looking for an exciting light watch this weekend, you can check out We Can Be Heroes.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the Trailer Here.
8. Feluda Pherot
Genre: Thriller
Srijit Mukherjee’s adaptation of the Ray franchise is very textbook and makes us relive our childhood nostalgia. Mr Srijit didn’t have to do much, except for sticking (sometimes too much) to the sketches and the script initially made by Satyajit Ray. The nostalgic value of Feluda was enough to earn him praise and views.
The series, on its own metric, has a lot of limitations which includes but doesn’t stop at bland cinematography and too controlled acting. If you’re a nostalgia junky, the mini series will definitely satisfy you.
Available on Hoichoi.
9. The Trial of the Chicago 7
Genre: Political Drama
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a similar historic adaptation like Feluda Pherot, and although the two adaptations are from different genre, The Trial of the Chicago 7 consists of exactly what the Feluda adaptation lacked, compact acting, breathtaking cinematography that makes the viewers realise the chaotic mood, and a creative breathing space all over the film.
Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom drama adapted from 60s political history of the USA is meant to send out a message, and he does a great job in doing so. This is undoubtedly one of the best films from 2020, and if you still haven’t watched it, this should be your first binge this weekend.
Available on Netflix.
Watch the Trailer Here.
10. Shundori
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Shundori is a Bangla drama thriller series starring F S Nayeem, Aparna Ghosh, and others, that centres around a series of murders and characters’ psychological trauma. This pseudo goth mini series has all the necessary characteristics to be a good thriller, and if you want to check out the local content creating scenario this weekend, this is a perfect watch.
Available on Bioscope.
Watch the Trailer Here.