FOOL ME ONCE
(January 1)
For enthusiasts of Harlan Coben’s novels, the recent years have proven to be a treasure trove, as seven of his literary creations have made their way onto Netflix as gripping series and movies.
The eighth adaptation, meticulously crafted over the past year, is poised to kick off 2024 with a bang.
This thrilling narrative revolves around a widowed mother who embarks on a compelling investigation after inadvertently capturing her deceased husband on a nanny cam.
Returning to the cast is the seasoned Richard Armitage, a familiar face for devoted followers of Coben’s previous adaptations, joined by the talented ensemble of Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar and Dino Fetscher.
DELICIOUS IN DUNGEON
Season 1 (January 3)
Launching the Japanese anime extravaganza for 2024 is Delicious in Dungeon, a fresh series from the renowned Trigger studio, celebrated for its works like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Star Wars: Visions, and Darling in the Franxx. Adapted from Kui Ryôko’s manga, this unique series seamlessly blends food and adventure.
THE BROTHERS SUN SEASON 1 (January 4)
Launching the year with an adrenaline-fuelled punch, this gripping eight-episode action series unfolds the intense narrative of Charles Sun. Hailing from the gritty underworld of Taipei, Charles, a once-unflinching gangster turned seasoned hitman, finds himself at a crossroads. His life takes a dramatic twist when he’s compelled to journey to Los Angeles, assuming the role of protector for his mother and younger brother in the aftermath of his father’s shooting by an unknown assailant.
The stellar cast of this compelling series features Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh, alongside Justin Chien, Sam Song Li, Johnny Kou and Highdee Kuan, promising a riveting tale of family, vengeance and the precarious world of a transformed hitman.
SOCIETY OF THE SNOW
(January 4)
Originally slated for a Fall 2023 release on Netflix, this Spanish film is set to make a global debut on the streaming platform in early January, following its premiere at several prestigious film festivals.
This gripping biopic narrates the harrowing true story of a rugby team’s flight that ends in a crash on an Andean glacier. Those who survive are compelled to undertake extraordinary measures in a desperate bid for rescue.
GOOD GRIEF
(January 5)
Leading the charge as the inaugural Netflix Original film of 2024 is Good Grief, marking the debut collaboration from Netflix’s exclusive deal with the talented writer and director, Dan Levy.
This poignant tale delves into the complexities of friendship and loss, navigating the intricate web of emotions entangled with truths avoided for the majority of one’s life. With a blend of humour and bittersweet moments, Good Grief features a stellar cast including Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, Luke Evans, Celia Imrie, Kaitlyn Dever, and Emma Corrin.
Get ready for a compelling exploration of life’s messy truths.
BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE
Season 1 (January 11)
Netflix introduces Boy Swallows Universe, an Australian crime drama series based on Trent Dalton’s compelling novel.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, this coming-of-age tale follows a resilient young boy navigating a challenging upbringing marked by a lost father, a mute brother, a junkie mum, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious criminal for a babysitter.
LIFT
(January 12)
Originally slated for an August 2023 release, Lift has now shifted to a prime mid-January slot, marking one of Netflix’s inaugural blockbuster movie launches for the year.
The film, led by the charismatic Kevin Hart and directed by F Gary Gray, unfolds an exhilarating narrative where a master thief and her ex-boyfriend join forces with a skilled crew to orchestrate a daring heist, aiming to abscond with over USD100 million from a high-stakes passenger flight.
MABOROSHI
(January 15)
Helmed by the visionary director Mari Okada and brought to life by the renowned studio MAPPA, this upcoming Japanese anime movie unfolds a captivating narrative immersed in a town suspended in a timeless stasis, where life persists without evolution, the struggle for a future takes centre stage. The destinies of two students undergo a profound transformation as they encounter a mysterious girl, injecting a dose of unpredictability into their otherwise stagnant lives.
SIXTY MINUTES
(January 19)
In 2023, German productions on Netflix, such as Dear Child and Sleeping Dog, garnered acclaim, contributing to the nation’s impressive line-up from previous years.
Continuing this success is a forthcoming martial arts sports film, centred on a fighter who, after opting out of a career-defining match to attend his daughter’s birthday celebrations, finds himself entangled with formidable adversaries, paving the way for another compelling addition to Germany’s streaming triumphs.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: REVOLUTION
(January 25)
Prepare for the highly debated He-Man reboot’s comeback as it unveils a fresh spin-off series later this month.
This upcoming instalment introduces a new antagonist, the formidable Hordak, while Skeletor makes a triumphant return, sporting an updated and intriguing appearance. Get ready for a riveting chapter in the He-Man saga with unexpected twists and reimagined characters.
GRISELDA
(January 25)
Griselda, the highly anticipated drug kingpin drama, originally slated for a Fall 2023 release, features Sofia Vergara as both the star and producer. This limited series delves into the gripping narrative of Griselda Blanco, the mastermind behind one of history’s most lucrative cartels in 70s and 80s Miami.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: FOUR KNIGHTS OF THE APOCALYPSE
(January 31)
Brace yourselves for an epic tale as a prophecy of doom looms over the tranquil Brittania in this new Japanese anime series.
Join a pure hearted boy on a quest of discovery and revenge in this riveting narrative. The stellar cast features voices like Shou Komura, Kikunosuke Toya, Aino Shimada, Kanna Nakamura, and Koki Uchiyama. – Izah Azahari
