7 Netflix hidden Gems

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9 months ago

7 Netflix hidden Gems

1. The Life List (2025)

Genre: Drama / Tearjerker
Storyline: Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a directionless woman grieving her mother’s death, must complete a childhood “life list” (e.g., performing stand-up, reconnecting with her estranged father) to unlock her inheritance. Through humorous and emotional challenges, she rediscovers her ambitions and confronts her fear of failure, ultimately finding love with family lawyer Brad (Kyle Allen) 12.
Pros:

Strong exploration of grief and self-discovery.
Authentic New York City filming locations add charm 1.
Connie Britton’s nuanced performance as Alex’s mother.
Cons:
Overly tidy plot undermines emotional depth.
Prioritizes romance over career/personal growth themes 1.

2. The Stepfather (2009)

Genre: Psychological Horror / Thriller
Storyline: A serial killer (Dylan Walsh) assumes the identity of “David Harris” and infiltrates a suburban family. When the skeptical stepson (Penn Badgley) uncovers his dark past, a deadly cat-and-mouse game ensues 34.
Pros:

Suspenseful pacing and effective PG-13 scares.
Dylan Walsh’s chilling portrayal of a manipulative antagonist.
Cons:
Over-reliance on horror clichés (e.g., jump scares).
Unnecessary remake lacking the original’s subtlety 34.

3. The Little Hours (2017)

Genre: Dark Comedy / Period Satire
Storyline: In medieval Italy, a runaway servant (Dave Franco) poses as a deaf-mute laborer at a convent, sparking chaos as sexually frustrated nuns (Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie) vie for his attention. Based on Boccaccio’s The Decameron 56.
Pros:

Hilariously anachronistic dialogue and bold performances.
Aubrey Plaza and Kate Micucci steal scenes with chaotic energy.
Cons:
Shock humor overshadows satirical depth.
Uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots 6.

4. The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2021)

Genre: Fantasy / Action
Storyline: Yin-Yang Master Qingming (Mark Chao) teams up with warrior Boya (Deng Lun) to battle a serpent demon threatening the Imperial City. Secrets about immortality, love, and betrayal unravel in this visually lush adaptation of Onmyōji 78.
Pros:

Stunning CGI and costume design.
Complex mythology and emotional climax.
Cons:
Overly convoluted plot.
Underdeveloped supporting characters 8.

5. Jules (2023)

Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama
Storyline: Elderly widower Milton (Ben Kingsley) bonds with a silent alien, Jules, after its ship crashes in his backyard. With friends Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin), he navigates government threats and existential reflections on aging 910.
Pros:

Kingsley’s poignant portrayal of dementia and isolation.
Subverts sci-fi tropes with quiet, character-driven moments.
Cons:
Tonal inconsistencies between whimsy and dark themes.
Underwhelming resolution to the alien subplot 9.

6. Rose Island (2020)

Genre: Comedy-Drama / Historical
Storyline: [Not covered in search results] Based on true events, an engineer builds a micronation on a platform in international waters, challenging Italian authorities in the 1960s.
Pros:

Inventive premise blending humor and rebellion.
Charming lead performance by Elio Germano.
Cons:
Pacing lags in the second act.
Simplifies historical complexities.

7. The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

Genre: War Drama / Action
Storyline: [Not covered in search results] Irish UN troops face overwhelming mercenary forces in 1961 Congo. A gripping survival story based on real events.
Pros:

Tense battle sequences and strong ensemble cast.
Sheds light on an overlooked historical event.
Cons:
Underdeveloped political context.
Formulaic war-movie tropes.

Final Takeaways

Standouts: The Life List and Jules excel in emotional depth, while The Little Hours offers irreverent laughs.
Visual Spectacle: The Yin-Yang Master is a feast for fantasy fans despite narrative flaws.
Missed Potential: The Stepfather and Jules struggle with tonal balance.

For deeper insights, refer to the films’ official Netflix pages or critical reviews.