Oldboy – Picture: FilmDistrict
As the final countdown begins for Christmas, you may be either braving the shops for last-minute purchases or settling in for a new movie to watch. If your weekend plans are the latter, here are our favorite new movie releases on Netflix over the past 7 days.
Please note: this list is specifically geared towards Netflix US’s new releases. Movie availability will vary by region.
Prefer a new show to dig into? Our best new shows list is, of course, headlined by The Witcher but there are other worthy new releases to tuck into as well.
Oldboy (2013)
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
Director: Spike Lee
Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Samuel L. Jackson
Writer: Garon Tsuchiya, Nobuaki Minegishi, Mark Protosevich
Runtime: 104 min
This week, Netflix signed a comprehensive new agreement with Spike Lee who will be creating new content for Netflix and training up a new generation of talent too. Fitting then that one of the new releases this week is a Spike Lee movie and one that wouldn’t instantly come to mind when you think of his body of work.
Last seen on Netflix back in 2015, Oldboy stars Josh Brolin who plays Joe Doucett who gains his freedom and is out for vengeance.
Puff: Wonders of the Reef (2021)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Nick Robinson
Cast: Rose Byrne
Writer: Peta Ayers, Nick Robinson
Runtime: 62 min
Our documentary pick of the week is Puff, a brand new nature documentary that has seemingly snuck up out of nowhere onto Netflix but is well worth a watch. That goes especially for younger generations.
The premise of the playful documentary is that we follow a baby pufferfish who has to find a new home in the Great Barrier Reef.
The documentary, as you can imagine, is a joy to watch especially on vibrant 4K televisions and features some excellent narration from Australian actress, Rose Byrne.
The Hand of God (2021)
Genre: Drama
Director: Paolo Sorrentino
Cast: Filippo Scotti, Toni Servillo, Teresa Saponangelo
Writer: Paolo Sorrentino
Runtime: 130 min
Netflix’s big movie for the week is the Italian movie, The Hand of God. Coming from the esteemed Italian director known for Youth (2015) and The Great Beauty (2013), The Hand of God is hotly tipped for awards in 2022.
Here’s what you can expect if you decide to jump in:
“In 1980s Naples, young Fabietto pursues his love for football as family tragedy strikes, shaping his uncertain but promising future as a filmmaker.”
The movie isn’t going to be for everyone as it’s a slow burn but if you do decide to check it out, let us know what you think in the comments.
Eye in the Sky (2015)
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: Gavin Hood
Cast: Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman
Writer: Guy Hibbert
Runtime: 102 min
This movie sadly serves as Alan Rickman’s final live-action movie and it’s made all the greater because of his involvement. The military action thriller sees a military officer on a mission to capture terrorists in Kenya but the mission soon gets out of hand.
It scooped a number of awards when it was released 6 years ago and most reviews are still glowing. Don’t miss this.
The Shack (2017)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Director: Stuart Hazeldine
Cast: Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Tim McGraw
Writer: John Fusco, Andrew Lanham, Destin Daniel Cretton
Runtime: 132 min
Our final pick this week is one that was added to Netflix last week but we haven’t managed to feature it in a top movie list just yet. Despite poor critical reception at the time, we’ve had glowing reviews flood in (particularly on our Facebook page) for this movie.
Starring Avatar’s Sam Worthington, the drama sees Mack Phillips looking for answers after receiving a letter instructing him to head for an abandoned shack in the middle of nowhere.
The movie has dominated in the US top 10s this week and if you haven’t yet, check it out now.
What new movies have you been watching on Netflix this week? Let us know in the comments down below.