Three Underrated Netflix Movies You Should Watch This Weekend (April 11-13)

Navigating aimlessly through Netflix can be a frustrating experience when it seems like there’s nothing interesting to watch. Although the platform showcases a variety of blockbusters and trending titles, there are films that—while less known—offer captivating stories and memorable performances that truly surprise. This weekend, instead of opting for the more popular choices, it is suggested to consider unconventional films. Netflix offers a selection that includes dramas, moving war stories, and productions inspired by true events. These hidden gems, often overlooked, deserve a place on your watchlist.

One such recommendation is The Wonder (2022), set in Ireland after the Great Famine. English nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is summoned to a remote village to observe Anna O'Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), an 11-year-old girl who claims to have survived without food for four months. As Lib investigates this "divine miracle," she confronts the community's religious convictions. This work, based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue, stands out for Pugh's restrained performance and an Irish setting that adds beauty and tension to the narrative. While its slow pace may not be to everyone’s taste, it is ideal for those who enjoy introspective stories.

Another film that deserves attention is First They Killed My Father (2017), which offers a glimpse into the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from the perspective of Loung Ung (Sreymoch Sareum), a five-year-old girl. Her tranquil life is shattered when her family must flee, and as the regime escalates, Loung is forced to confront a series of atrocities, including separation from her loved ones and becoming a child soldier. Directed by Angelina Jolie, this film addresses a dark and significant part of Cambodian history, and although it has been critically acclaimed and nominated for awards, it is often ignored in discussions about the best true-story films.

99 Homes (2014) is another noteworthy piece that explores the impact of the housing crisis in Orlando. Andrew Garfield plays Dennis Nash, a construction worker who finds himself on the brink after losing his home. The story complicates when Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), a real estate broker, hires him to assist in his questionable eviction practices. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, this film focuses on Dennis's struggle between despair and survival, highlighting the relevance of its message about the American dream in difficult times.

These films, while underrated, offer profound reflections and valuable narratives that enrich the movie-watching experience.