π°π· π―π΅ what to watch this weekend and beyond
Your weekly letter of handpicked streaming recommendations
Dear friends,
In case you have the Squid Game blues, here is another new revenge thriller on Netflix from South Korea.
Hope you have a good weekend!
OUR TOP TV SHOW OF THE WEEK
My Name
On Netflix everywhere π rating: 100%
This new South Korean revenge-thriller series starts with Yoon Ji-woo, a girl whose dad, a gangster, had suddenly disappeared. The cops follow her around to see if she would lead them to him.
Her dad takes a risk and comes to visit her, and as she takes some time to open the door, he is murdered.
Ji-woo embarks on a journey to avenge her dad, which starts with her infiltrating a police unit as an undercover for a crime lord. The young girlβs journey in My Name makes for a well-executed and well-acted action story.
OUR TOP MOVIE THIS WEEK
Kontora
New on Amazon Prime π rating: 80%
At almost two and a half hours, this 2019 black and white Japanese drama requires some patience. But for viewers looking for something different, this is a visually articulate and insight-rich mystery-drama about a girl who uncovers family secrets.
After her father passes away, Sora discovers his journal recounting traumatic experiences from WWII. At the same time, a bizzare homeless man walks into her town (this man walks backwards) and helps Sora uncover some of her grandfatherβs secrets.
Kontora started the award season in December 2019, and won the Grand Prix for best film at the Tallinn film festival where it premiered. Sadly, it couldnβt continue what would have been a great festival run because of what happened right after.
TOP PICKS OUTSIDE OF NETFLIX AND AMAZON PRIME
Only Murders in the Building
On Hulu π rating: 100%
Steven Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short star in this fun series about three true crime fans who find themselves accused of murdering someone. They decide to run an investigation while recording a podcast. The season finale aired this week.
TOP PICKS OUTSIDE OF NETFLIX AND AMAZON PRIME
The Gig Is Up
On retnal services from $2.99π rating: 100%
This new documentary is a look at the growing dependence of our society on gig economy work, and how βwe have replaced the tyranny of the boss with the tyranny of an algorithmβ. It looks at Uber, Deliveroo, and similar companies but also at other gig economy apps outside of the U.S.
ThatβsΒ itΒ forΒ this week, IΒ hope thereβs something in thereΒ forΒ you.
The next edition of this newsletter will be in your inbox Friday, October 29nd.
Until then,
Bilal