With all of us spending more time at home, some days have become a challenge. The humdrum routine of everyday life drives even the most enthusiastic to boredom. In these strange times, more people than ever are turning to streaming service Netflix to keep themselves entertained. (Fun fact: In 2020, Netflix gained 37 million new subscribers in 2020, reaching a new milestone for the fast-growing company.)
However, even with the endless amount of content on the platform, it can be a struggle to find something to watch. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of new arrivals coming to Netflix in February 2021. Read on to find out what’s worth adding to your watchlist!
For a feel-good series that captures the essence of female friendships
“Firefly Lane” is a poignant story based on the bestselling novel of the same name by popular American novelist Kristin Hannah. The drama series follows Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke) from their meeting in 1987 to the present. Throughout their 30-year friendship, the pair formed an inseparable bond, strengthened by the natural ups and downs of life. One of this season’s most highly anticipated shows starring a stellar cast, “Firefly Lane” is a relatable exploration of love, loss and the magic of friendship. Be prepared to watch with a box of Kleenex in hand, as this series promises to invoke all the emotions you’re looking for in a classic drama.
Release date: February 3
For a ‘sci-fi meets dystopian universe’ Korean blockbuster
Sci-fi and deep space exploration movies can be some of the most disappointing: too often, a promising plot gets undermined with tacky CGI as a result of a tight budget. Judging from its trailer, Korean Netflix original “Space Sweepers” looks to be none of that with action scenes and grandiose spaceships that rival even those found in Hollywood blockbusters. “Space Sweepers”, Korea’s first space blockbuster, tells the tale of a crew on board ‘The Victory’ spaceship hoping to escape the destruction of Earth.
Release date: February 5
For a blistering examination of a love-hate relationship on the brink of collapsing
From the creator of HBO’s award-winning teen drama “Euphoria” comes “Malcom & Marie,” the first feature to be entirely written, financed and produced during the pandemic. The black-and-white art house movie was funded entirely by director Sam Levinson, his wife, and co-stars Zendaya and John David Washington. In the movie, filmmaker Malcom (Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) come home from what should have been a triumphant night—his first movie premiere. Instead, the pair find themselves in an argument and as the story unfolds, different aspects of their past are brought to light, putting their love to the test. The movie is shot in a hauntingly stylistic manner and showcases the pure talent behind two up-and-coming actors: Zendaya in a more serious and mature role than ever before and Washington cementing himself as a rising star following in the footsteps of his father Denzel Washington.
Release date: February 5
For a gripping true-crime story that will keep you up at night
Though much of downtown Los Angeles has gentrified over the years—old landmarks replaced with yoga studios and coffee bars—there is still one building on Main Street whose past remains the talk of the town. Hotel Cecil was first built in the ’20s as a destination for business travelers and tourists. However, after the Great Depression, the hotel became notorious for violence, suicide and murder. In his four-part docuseries “Crime Scene: The Vanishing at The Cecil Hotel,” Emmy-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger takes a look at how the downtown hotel became a well-known resting spot for serial killers. This won’t be Berlinger’s first project on real-life American horror stories; his past works include “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” and “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” both of which uncover the dark days of serial killer Ted Bundy.
Release date: February 10
For something light and sweet to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day
In the third and final installment of “To All The Boys,” Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) find themselves in a situation some of us are all too familiar with: the thrill of your last year in high school along with the stresses of college applications, self-discovery and a relationship you’re not quite sure will make it to the next chapter of your life. “To All The Boys: Always and Forever” is a satisfying last hurrah to Netflix’s successful film series. There’s prom and life-changing trips (finally, we get to see more than just the grounds of Alder High School). There’s character development and clear growth. And, as always, there’s a lesson to be learned. The movie is strategically set to release right before Valentine’s Day.
Release date: February 12
For a sharp, clever and uncompromisingly witty plot
“I Care A Lot” boasts an impressive cast with household names like Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage and Dianne Wiest. Marla Grayson (Pike) makes a living out of stealing from the elderly by deceiving judges into appointing her as their legal guardian and seizing their assets through dubious means. Grayson’s latest victim, Jennifer Peterson (Wiest), has ties to gangster Roman Lunyov (Dinklage) resulting in a fierce and vicious struggle of who can one-up the other. The dark comedy thriller has received rave reviews already (93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and is a refreshing addition to a movie industry that’s been plagued with action, superhero and romcom movies.
Release date: February 19
Writers: Uracha Chaiyapinunt and Noah Sumayao
