In the second edition of our brand new feature, The Edge takes a look at ten of the best new releases coming to Netflix UK in August. This month sees the release of several big blockbusters, as well as some intriguing new shows.
Dior and I (1st August)
Written and directed by Frédéric Tcheng, Dior and I is a fascinating insight into the fashion industry. Taking place in 2012, the documentary follows Dior’s (then) newly appointed creative director, Raf Simons, as he dives into his new position at one of the world’s most reputable fashion houses. As well as looking at how Dior’s talented seamstresses create the brand’s haute couture pieces, the documentary features a number of famous faces- from fashionistas like Anna Wintour and Donatella Versace, to actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Marion Cotillard.
The Grandmaster (1st August)
The Grandmaster is a 2013 Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts drama, which is based on the life story of Wing Chun grandmaster, Ip Man. Tony Leung stars as the martial artist who is most famous for training Bruce Lee. As well as exploring Man’s life throughout the early 1930s-1950s, the film also focuses on the end of an era in Chinese martial arts history, following the breakout of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The film was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design at the 86th Academy Awards.
Mouse Hunt (1st August)
Mouse Hunt is a 1997 comedy caper, starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans as a pair of hapless brothers who find themselves outsmarted by the crafty mouse who occupies their would-be home. The film is set in a humorously indeterminate 20th century time period, and sees Lane and Evans working in a Laurel and Hardy-like comedy partnership. The film also features a brilliant cameo role from Christopher Walken, wherein the iconic actor plays an eccentric exterminator who is hired by the duo to try and get rid of the pesky rodent.
Gotham: Season 1 (2nd August)
Following its initial broadcast on Channel 5, the first season of Batman spin-off series, Gotham is coming to Netflix. Developed by Bruno Heller and featuring several new twists on iconic DC characters, the series follows the righteous beginnings of police detective, James “Jim” Gordon (Ben McKenzie) as he attempts to investigate into the high-profile murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne. The series also stars Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sean Pertwee and Robin Lord Taylor.
Kick Ass 2 (9th August)
Following on from Matthew Vaughn’s hit 2010 film, Kick Ass 2 sees teenage crime fighters, Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) on another adrenaline-fuelled, mega-violent adventure. Despite their efforts to retire and lead normal lives, the duo join a group of amateur superheroes, led by reformed mobster, Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). Meanwhile, a vengeful Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) has reinvented himself into a supervillain known as ‘The Motherf*cker’, intent on hunting Kick-Ass down.
Love, Rosie (16th August)
Based on the 2004 novel, Where Rainbows End, by author Cecelia Ahern (P.S. I Love You), Love, Rosie is a romantic comedy drama that follows the decade-spanning chemistry felt between two childhood friends. Starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the film depicts the tumultuous relationship between the eponymous Rosie and her best friend Alex, as they continue to fall in and out of love with each other. The film also stars Tamsin Egerton, Suki Waterhouse, Jaime Winstone and Christian Cooke.
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (20th August)
The epic final chapter of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy is finally coming to Netflix. Based on the novel by J.R.R Tolkein, The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies, sees the fight for Erebor come to a head, as Sauron sends legions of bloodthirsty Orcs to attack the Lonely Mountain. Meanwhile, an increasingly paranoid Thorin (Richard Armitage) becomes obsessed in his quest to find the Arkenstone – much to the frustration of Bilbo (Martin Freeman). As the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance, the races of Men, Elves and Dwarves must decide whether to unite or die.
Horns (23rd August)
Loosely based on Joe Hill’s novel of the same name, Horns sees Daniel Radcliffe in a role unlike anything you’ve seen before. The Harry Potter actor stars as Ig – a man who is accused of brutally murdering his girlfriend, Merrin (Juno Temple). Despite his declarations of innocence, Ig is shunned by his community and labelled a killer in the press. Things become even stranger however, when Ig wakes up one morning to find that he has developed supernatural powers, brought about by the newly embedded horns that protrude from his head. The film also stars Max Minghella and Joe Anderson.
From Dusk Till Dawn: Season 2 (26th August)
The second season of American horror series, From Dusk Till Dawn is heading to Netflix. Developed by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, The Mexico Trilogy), the series forms part of the cult franchise that originated from the 1996 film of the same name, which was penned by Quentin Tarantino. The series expands on the chronicles of the Gecko brothers, Seth and Richie (D.J Cotrona and Zane Holtz) as they struggle to fight off a gang of bloodthirsty vampires.
Narcos: Season 1 (28th August)
The much-anticipated first season of Jose Padilha’s original series, Narcos will finally premier on Netflix at the end of the month. Set in the 1980’s, the series chronicles the gripping real-life efforts of the US and Colombian forces who attempt to battle the infamous Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura) and his Medellin drug cartel. The series also stars Maurice Compte, Joanna Christie, Boyd Holbrook and Game of Thrones‘ Pedro Pascal.
