1.) Peaky Blinders (Netflix series)
Peaky Blinders is set in the year 1919 in the slums of Birmingham, England. WWI veteran Thomas
Shelby (Cillian Murphy) has become the leader of a gang called the Peaky Blinders. His gang, which includes some of his family members, engage in extortion and run illegal gambling hubs all around the city and other neighboring cities. As time goes on, Thomas endures obstacles that get in the way of his organization, make him want to take control and, sometimes, make him want to give up. During the duration of the show, you’ll be able to see character development and which characters change in perspective.
When I first watched this series, I was reeled in by Thomas Shelby’s backstory. He was involved in the first World War. Being that he is a survivor, he lived to tell the things that he saw and still haunt him. He is unable to live a normal life. The war left him with memories of painful times the world had endured. Thomas tries day and night to protect the gang. He feels he was no one before the formation of the Peaky Blinders.
Thomas always wanted something to have and with the Peaky Blinders, he finally has something that he built and is proud of. This is a definite watch if you enjoy crime/dramas and maybe want to see something from the past.
2.) Yellowstone (Paramount series)
Set in the present-day in the state of Montana, viewers follow the Dutton family as they fight to protect their land in what is called “Yellowstone,” America’s largest ranch. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) is the owner of the ranch and oversees the land that past generations have handed down to him. John has two sons and a daughter: Kacey Dutton (Luke Grimes), Jaime Dutton (Wes Bentley) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilley). One day, they will be left in charge of the entire ranch. Struggles arise as the family tries to bring in revenue to keep the ranch afloat and as they fight off potential threats. Various situations put the ranch danger, from people wanting to build near the ranch to people just wanting to cause harm to them in general.
In this western, you’ll be quick to appreciate the writing that is done by Taylor Sheridan and how it easily flows throughout the episodes. While these are long, you should be able to pick up on how the characters carry themselves. I enjoy watching these types of westerns, as it brings something fresh to the table compared to the many remakes of westerns that exist. Taylor Sheridan has also written another short series called 1883. It is the foundation to Yellowstone and shows how Yellowstone was obtained in the first place. It takes the viewer to the 1880s and the untamed Wild West.
3.) Stranger Things (Netflix series)
Starting in the year 1983, a group of middle school kids start to see weird things happening in their quiet town of Hawkins, Indiana. Some think that it could be aliens, others think imaginations are just running wild. In Hawkins, there happens to be a lab where government officials conduct experiments and use kids as the test subjects. Viewers meet El – or Eleven, as she prefers to be called. Her name comes from a tattoo that she has on her arm, and is a clue to her mysterious past. She tries to find who she is as she tries to escape the facility she is in. Eleven will eventually become a main character in this series, taking the audience through a wave of emotions spanning several years.
After finishing a series, I was scrolling through the catalog, trying to find the next thing to watch, and found this. When the series originally came out, I was intrigued that this was a series that takes place in the 80s, instead of in today’s world. We don’t see many films or series take that approach. I liked how the creators focused on every detail of the series from the clothes that the characters wore, to the whole feel of their environment. In every episode, you can find action, drama, comedy, and bits of references here and there. I think this is a solid series to watch, as it takes you back to that point in time – but with a twist.
4.) Knives Out (film)
Leading actor Daniel Craig, Ana De Armas, and Chris Evens are in this crime/mystery/comedy. You will start to feel involved as you watch this film – you will want to solve the mystery. Taking place inside a rich family, you watch as the family finds tries to figure out a murder and its motive.
When the announcement came out that Daniel Craig was behind this film, I knew it was a must watch. It features some of my favorite actors. The film was like a book, leaving hints and clues to the viewer as the story progresses – clues that the characters don’t get to pick up until later in the film. The film has a clear introduction, a climax and ending, and you find out who did it in the end. If you enjoy crime solving with a hint of comedy, then put this on your list of films that you need to see.
Jose Valdez
Reporter