New to Netflix Recommendations: A review of His House, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and My Octopus Teacher

Finding something new to watch on Netflix is like solving a Rubik’s Cube with a migraine – almost impossible. Even though it’s supposed to be a leisurely process, I always find myself scrolling mindlessly through the bottomless abyss of movies and TV shows. With so many new films releasing exclusively on the streaming service each month, it’s difficult to find which ones are right for you.  So, being a self-proclaimed cinephile, I took the liberty of rallying my wits to solve the cipher that is Netflix’s catalog. Here are a few of the best new offerings on the platform — hopefully I can help you narrow down your stressful movie search with my thoughts on three can’t-miss films that just dropped on Netflix. 

His House

“His House” is an exploration of trauma, guilt and heartbreak. A modern spin on the haunted-house genre, the film follows a refugee couple who struggles to adjust to their new life in England. Despite escaping the harsh conditions of war-torn South Sudan, the couple is haunted by the traumatic events of their past, embodied by an evil spirit that lurks within the walls of their new home. Beyond the veil of horror, it’s a story of the adversity faced by refugees, and the traumatic burden they carry with them. 

However, the storytellers’ intent behind the concept is far more interesting than the execution of the plotline. The ‘horror’ aspect, while effective at first, grows stale by the end. Much of the sequences in the first half of the film are chilling, but never evolve past that point. It’s a case of playing-your-cards-too-early, causing the film to prematurely plateau rather than continuously build up to a grand finale.

But where “His House” lacks in creative scares, it shines in character. Both leads, Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu put on an intense performance, their on-screen connection and descent into madness never failing to intrigue and captivate. Both characters deal with their emotions in different ways, their personalities inevitably clashing in powerfully tense sequences. Furthermore, the general atmosphere is incredibly engaging; the apartment setting feels claustrophobic and oppressive, filled with moody lighting and a depressing color palette, accentuating the narrative and establishing a memorable setting for the flick. 

This growing art film sub-genre of “socially-based horror,” — horror that provides commentary on relevant social issues— is becoming more promising, with “His House” being a fine addition to it, even with its flaws. If you’re looking for a more challenging horror film, give “His House” a try. 

The Trial of the Chicago 7

“Hey, do you wanna watch an over two-hour-long courtroom drama?” is something asked by no one ever. Courtroom dramas are such a drag, most being the exact opposite of investing entertainment. So when “The Trial of the Chicago 7” dropped onto Netflix, I happily scrolled right past it, not giving it a second thought until it came to writing this article, to which I thought, “I’ll take one for the team.” 

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a historical drama about the 1969 trial of seven defendants accused of inciting a violent riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. To put it plainly, it’s one of the most gripping films I’ve seen all year. Watch no further than the first five minutes, — they prove just how much work went into the writing, staging and pacing of the film. It’s a miracle that the six-month trial could be spun into an engaging, invigorating narrative without feeling bloated, but director Aaron Sorkin pulls it off. It never lingers awkwardly, brushes over certain aspects or overstays its welcome on others. Much in part due to the compact writing, the colorful cast of characters, energizing momentum and intriguing plot, the story feels classic and leaves much to contemplate.

But it’s not perfect. The film seems to be obsessed with injecting witty and rhetorical writing into each and every scene, even if it means ruining the meticulously built-up tone. The dialogue often feels too polished, out of place alongside the story’s high stakes. When those on trial are sharing razor-sharp, witty banter in the courtroom, it’s easy to forget that these men were facing up to 10 years in federal prison — something we shouldn’t be distracted from. 

Even so, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is an exciting, suspenseful historical drama that is sure to intrigue just about anyone who is willing to give it the time. Sure, it’s a courtroom drama, but boring it is not. 

My Octopus Teacher

Beautiful, enchanting and heartbreaking, “My Octopus Teacher” is one of the more unique film experiences you’ll find on Netflix. This small-budget documentary follows a filmmaker who spends a year with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest, visiting the creature every day. What starts as frequent visits to her den spurred on by curiosity soon turns into a trusting relationship, and eventually, a strong bond between man and wild animal. 

This unconventional relationship is the core of the film, their connection captured through breathtaking underwater cinematography. It’s hypnotic in a sense – the gorgeous, delicate images of underwater beauty dance through each frame, guided by the enthralling, atmospheric sound design. 

Much of what makes “My Octopus Teacher” so fantastic is the ambiguity of its meaning. It rarely pushes a narrative, instead inviting the audience to interpret the story for themselves. It’s almost hard to fathom how a creature like this could be so cunning, how she can so masterfully navigate her habitat, evading danger and finding creative solutions to unique problems she faces within her environmental niche.

And it’s even more puzzling why it would choose to acquaint itself with a human being. Perhaps “My Octopus Teacher” is a lesson about environmental conservation, or maybe a stirring reminder of the fragility of our short lives or even a grand declaration of life residing within this unlikely tale. 

At the end of the day, “My Octopus Teacher” is a film that speaks to each individual in her or his respective way. What you’ll get out of it can only be determined by watching it for yourself.