Top 5 Netflix Choices (UK)

Firstly, I would like to apologise for my lack of blogging. My last post was probably over two weeks ago, and I'm a little bummed with myself for the lack of dedication. If you're wondering where I've been hiding this past while, the truth is, my bedroom. I've been flat out with coursework (boo), I'm currently working on a new feature length script (which I'm very excited about), and the not-so-lovely Irish weather has brought us some snow, so Olly and I spent a good 6 hours perfecting Olaf the snowman last Saturday.

So now most of my coursework is done and dusted, I can get back to my blog - yay!

It's no secret I'm a total movie-buff. Seriously though, I could spent hours upon hours watching Juno Temple movies and you're most likely to find me at my local cinema on a Friday night (whilst most of my friends are getting drunk at the local club.)

I think I've watched almost every good film on Sky and I was running out of DVD storage space. As much as I didn't want to, only because I knew I'd fall for it's social-ruining ways, I bought Netflix, and, well, I haven't had much sleep since.

There are way too many movies to choose from -some good, some terrible. I'm here to share with you my top 5 Netflix picks!

Warning - If you're expecting action-packed, zombie invested Brad Pitt films, you may as well stop reading now. The following are most likely quirky, indie, kinda-romantic, Sundance Film Festival choices. Maybe.

Prince Avalanche (2013)
Starring; Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch
Director; David Gordon Green

Rudd and Hirsch play bickering road workers in a bitter-sweet study of male companionship. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of my favourite actors were teaming-up. For me, this film is visually stunning. Filmed in Texas, the setting is perfect. The use of natural sunlight really creates a peaceful environment. A comedy with a hidden, empowering message - watch and listen carefully to understand the true meaning of Prince Avalanche. Thought provoking and totally underrated, Prince Avalanche is a favourite of mine.

Fun fact - the movie was shot in only 16 days!

Stuck in Love
Starring; Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman, Lily Collins
Director; Josh Boone

William Borgens is divorced from Erica. Their daughter Samantha has just published her first novel, whilst son Rusty is seeking inspiration for his - but their love lives overtake their literary ambitions. Firstly, what a perfect cast choice. I'm a fan of Lerman after his heart-felt performance in Fury. The soundtrack to this film really makes it. Listen out for 'Behind the Bars' by Elliot Smith. If you fancy a night-in with your pet cat, watch 'Stuck in Love.' It's not your typical rom-com, it's a little deeper than that. I think it portrays teenage situations quite accurately, facing drug-use, relationships and family drama.

Fun fact - special voice-appearance by author Stephen King!

Afternoon Delight
Starring; Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple, Jane Lynch, Josh Radnor
Director; Jill Soloway

Glum stay-at-home mother Rachel finds a strange soul-mate in Mckenna, a stripper who promises to shake up her life and help purge some of her unhappiness - but hiring McKenna as a nanny brings predictable problems. Personally, any film with Juno Temple in it is a great film to me. Even 'Jack & Diane' - OK, maybe not that, but 98% of the time her films are an indie-buff's wet dream. The trailer to 'Afternoon Delight' made it appear as a comedy or a rom-com. I would associate most the cast with comedies, Hahn with 'Step-Brothers,' and Lynch with 'Glee.' I was sceptical at first, but boy, was I wrong. Trust me, the trailer does not do this movie justice. This film is dark and powerful. The acting is outstanding and the directing is superb! A real insight on the darker side of Los Angeles.

Fun fact - much of the dialogue was improvised!

Like Crazy
Starring; Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Anton Yelchin
Director; Drake Doremus

A British college student falls for an American student, only to be separated from him when she's banned from entering the U.S. after overstaying her visa. My friend, Nathan, recommended this film to me after I told him about my crazed obsession with Cianfrance's 'Blue Valentine.' I was pleasantly surprised to learn the similarities and I couldn't wait to watch it. I thought I could possibly relate to it a little better as it focuses on 'young love.' A beautiful performance from both Jones and Yelchin, I was shocked to learn most of the dialogue was improvised - perhaps this is why the conversion flows so well and appears so realistic. A little bit depressing, but if you're into that kind of thing, you'll love 'Like Crazy.'

Fun fact - shot entirely on a Canon EOS 7D!

Nymphomaniac (Vol I)
Starring; Charlottle Gainsbourg, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Uma Thurman
Director; Lars Von Trier

A self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating. Some call it porn, others call it art. I'm simply watching it for Shia LaBeouf. Whatever your reason for watching may be, DO NOT WATCH THIS WITH YOUR MOTHER. Yes, you heard me. Ensure the volume is turned down low and as long as you're not watching it in the family room on a Sunday evening, everything will be just fine. If you're a fan of Lars Von Trier's controversial take on art, then yes, you will enjoy this. Given I have a dry, dark sense of humour, I found myself giggling at some parts of this film. So, if you're interested to see what all the fuss is about, or you just really enjoy artistic movies, give this a watch.

Fun fact - Liam Hemsworth turned down the role of Jerome! Thank God!

So, what Netflix picks will you be watching? Or perhaps you've already seen some of my choices? If so, please let me know what your thoughts and reviews, I can't wait to hear them!

- KVL xo