Tis the season to binge-watch things, fa la la la la la la la la. In our ongoing monthly feature, The Edge takes a look at ten of the best new releases coming to Netflix UK in December. Among this month’s releases are some excellent indie gems as well as a few crowd-pleasing series.
Pacific Heat: Season 1 – 2nd December
Credit: Netflix
Adding to their ever-expanding animation vaults, Netflix’s latest adult animation, Pacific Heat, is a crime satire that follows a covert squad of operatives short on smarts but long on confidence as they tackle crime on the glitzy Gold Coast of Australia. With it’s rudimentary style and crude humour, chances are that if you like BoJack Horseman and Archer, you might like this too.
Fuller House: Season 2 – 9th December
Credit: Netflix
Following the success of Full House’s reprisal series, a second season of Fuller House is on the horizon. Following the same premise as the original 80s/90s series, the show is set in a house that’s fit to bursting with family fun and drama. If you liked the original sitcom, want a blast from the past or just the occasional glimpse at John Stamos, this could be the binge-watching choice for you.
Medici: Masters of Florence – 9th December
Credit: Rai 1
Medici: Masters of Florence is the latest drama to be added to Netflix’s historical drama vaults. Joining the likes of Reign, Magnificent Century and The Tudors, the series is set in 15th Century Florence and follows the rise of the Medici dynasty. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Game of Thrones‘ Richard Madden, this is sure to prove an interesting watch for those with a penchant for renaissance drama.
Anomalisa – 11th December
Credit: Paramount Pictures
From the mind behind Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, comes this poignant and thought-provoking stop-motion animation. Directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, Anomalisa follows the struggles of a lonely customer service expert as he travels to Ohio to promote his latest book. Featuring the voice talents of David Thewlis and Jennifer Jason Leigh, our reviewer called it a “disconcertingly honest and painful” film that is “essential” to watch nonetheless.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency – 11th December
Credit: BBC America
Max Landis’ TV adaptation of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is coming to Netflix in December. Based on the novels by Douglas Adams (the man behind Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy), the series follows the adventures of an eccentric detective who solves cases by following fate. Starring Samuel Barnett as Gently and Elijah Wood as his reluctant sidekick, Todd. This BBC America/Netflix show is a bit like Sherlock, only much, much weirder.
Barry – 16th December
Credit: Netflix
With the end of this year comes a sombre realisation. This is our last month we can call Barack Obama the President of the United States. So, before Donald Trump comes and ruins it all in January, why not watch Vikram Gandhi’s biographical film, Barry, exclusively on Netflix? Charting the young Barack’s life at Columbia University in the 1980s, the film stars Devon Terrell as the man himself, with support from Anya Taylor-Joy, Ashley Judd, Famke Janssen and Ellar Coltrane.
Brooklyn Nine Nine: Season 3 – 19th December
Credit: FOX
The third season of Andy Samberg’s brilliant police procedural sitcom, Brooklyn Nine Nine, will also be arriving on the service later this month. Starring Samberg, Chelsea Perretti, Terry Crews and Joe Lo Truglio, the series follows a quirky bunch of detectives working at a New York police department in Brooklyn. This latest season sees the arrival of Bill Hader’s new Police Captain and is an absolute must see for sitcom fans.
Green Room – 27th December
Credit: A24
One of the late Anton Yelchin’s final films is coming to Netflix towards the latter end of the month. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Green Room is a thrilling horror that follows the trials of a punk band as they find themselves under attack from a group of Neo-Nazi skinheads after witnessing a murder at a gig. Also starring Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat and Patrick Stewart, our reviewer called this film “visceral, lean and ingenious.” A must-watch for anyone looking for a festive reprieve.
Hunt For The Wilderpeople – 31st December
Credit: Vertigo Films
Possibly the most exciting Netflix release of the month, Taika Waititi’s latest stroke of comic genius, Hunt For The Wilderpeople will be arriving on the streaming service on New Years Eve. Starring Sam Neill and newcomer Julian Dennison, this New Zealand comedy adventure follows two outcasts who strike up an unlikely friendship after they both flee into the New Zealand bush to escape their troubles. If you liked What We Do In The Shadows (also available on Netflix), you’ll love this.
Eddie The Eagle – 31st December
Credit: Lionsgate
Rounding off our list of new Netflix treats is Dexter Fletcher’s feel-good comedy drama, Eddie The Eagle. Based on the life and times of Britain’s first Olympic ski jumping competitor Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, the film stars Hugh Jackman and Kingsman’s breakout star Taron Egerton as the unlikely bespectacled hero. An endearing and heartwarming tale of perseverance and spirit, this is a lovely film to finish what has been a pretty rough year.
