Have you always wanted to watch buzz worthy movies, but couldn’t access them? Do you feel guilty about watching films on prohibited websites or pirating them, so you avoided them? Or maybe you missed out on watching a movie in the theatre for some reason or the other. Are you jaded by the content available on OTT platforms? No worries! Netflix now has some exciting, colourful films on its upcoming roster for April and May. These movies are rich in variety: being old and new, crowd pleasers and Oscar winners, indie films and masala films. And movies which never received a proper Indian release due to Covid restrictions. We’ve got you covered! Read below to find out the exciting roster, and the expected date for each movie to make their entrance on the streaming platform.
1. The Invisible Man
Date: May 16
‘The Invisible Man’ is a science fiction horror film which made waves when it was released in 2020. The big budget Blumhouse production could have been a more massive success had it not been for the pandemic and eventual lockdowns. Inspired by H. G. Wells’ classic novel, the movie follows Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) who escapes her abusive partner. But the bitter partner won’t leave her alone, and begins to violently traumatise her. The catch? He is invisible and Cecilia cannot prove his existence to the authorities.
2. Gangubai Kathiawadi
Date: Tuesday, April 26
The lavish Sanjay Leela Bhansali film stars Alia Bhatt as the charismatic and fearless Gangubai Kathiawadi. The biographical drama follows the powerful rise of Gangubai, a brothel madam and mafia don. Those who wanted to check this out in the multiplex but missed it, can now revisit it whenever they wish from April 26 onwards.
3. Harriet
Date: May 16
This sprawling historical film is based on the amazing true story of Harriet Tubman, an African-American freed slave who helps free enslaved people through the now famous Underground Railroad. Packed with suspense, action and inspiring message, ‘Harriet’ is a great way to educate viewers on a crucial period in recent history.
4. Little Women
Date: Tuesday, April 26
This Oscar winning film has a star-studded cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothee Chalamet, Florence Pugh and more. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’, it beautifully follows the saga of four sisters and their mother in nineteenth century America. Poignant, heart warming, romantic, inspiring and humorous, this drama is a great choice for family viewing.
5. Jumanji: The Next Level
Date: May 10
For those who want to watch over an hour of epic, mindless entertainment and action, look no further. The Jumanji sequel stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jack Black, Nick Jonas, Kevin Hart, Awkwafina and Danny Devito, and follows a rag tag group of gamers as they venture inside the Jumanji game to find their friend.
6. Brokeback Mountain
Date: May 1
The Academy Award nominated film was released in 2005, gaining notoriety for its portrayal of a same sex relationship which was shocking at the time. Today, it is hailed as a cult classic for its progressive story and Heath Ledger’s
unforgettable performance as a repressed cowboy. Watch this Ang Lee-directed Western romance movie in all its scenic glory only on Netflix.
7. Emma
Date: May 16
Based on Jane Austen’s comedy of manners, ‘Emma’ follows a young woman who tries to play matchmaker for her friends. But things don’t go as planned. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, the romantic comedy stars everybody’s favourite ‘it girl’, Anya Taylor-Joy, who’s known for ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, ‘Split’ and the new horror film, ‘The Northman’.
8. Wonder Woman 1984
Date: May 15
The sequel to 2017’s smashing success, ‘Wonder Woman’, this time we follow Diana Prince into the year 1984 where she clashes heads with supervillains Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and the Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). The retro 80s looks, Hans Zimmer’s epic soundtrack and Diana’s new wings are sure to make this movie hugely enjoyable.
9. The Hunt
Date: May 16
A movie so controversial that it was blasted by Donald Trump for being anti-conservative, while others criticized it for encouraging a rightwing anti-liberal narrative, ‘The Hunt’ is a story about a group of liberals who hunt conservative Trump supporters for sport. The violent Blumhouse movie was also said to have made test audiences uncomfortable with its politics. ‘The Hunt’ will now be joining the Netflix roster for your entertainment.
10. Cats
Date: May 16
‘Cats’ has been blasted by almost every critic for its nightmarish portrayal of cat-cum-human characters, confusing character design, and less than memorable songs. Based on the musical ‘Cats’, the project initially seemed promising as it was directed by the reliable Tom Hooper (‘Les Miserables’). But the musical crashed and burned upon its release, inviting ridicule from every side of the film community who claimed that the film gave them nightmares for days. Today, the movie has built intrigue for its notorious reputation. Watch it at your own risk.
11. Queen & Slim
Date: May 16
Released right when discussions surrounding police brutality against minority communities were at an all-time high, ‘Queen & Slim’ is a sort of Bonnie and Clyde story about two Black lovers who accidentally kill an abusive cop. Being hunted by the authorities, the couple are forced to go on the run. Directed by Melina Matsoukas (‘Insecure’), it stars Daniel Kaluuya (‘Get Out’, ‘Black Panther’) as Slim and Jodie Turner-Smith (‘The Neon Demon’) as Queen.
12. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Date: April 30
Uncle Rogers is a part of millions of people’s childhoods. With his widely loved show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the TV personality is said to have made the world a better place. The gentle drama, directed by Marielle Heller, is about a young journalist for Esquire who meets Fred Rogers (played by Tom Hanks) and is made to see the world in a new, hopeful way.
13. The Photograph
Date: May 16
This cute little drama is directed by Stella Meghie, the brains behind ‘Everything, Everything’, ‘Jean of the Joneses’ and ‘The Weekend’. With the brilliant pairing of stalwarts Issa Rae (‘Insecure’, ‘The Lovebirds’) and Lakeith Stanfield (‘Sorry To Bother You’, ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Knives Out’) as lovers, this story is about a photographer who falls in love with a journalist, and dives into a decades-long mystery. This romance film is sure to make hearts soar and eyes water.
Also read: ‘Killing Eve’ Season 4: A spoiler-heavy reflection on the seasonal finale
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