Movies and TV shows on Netflix to take your mind off quarantine

TV Shows:

Freud

This eight-episode show is centred around the revolutionary Austrian neurologist Freud, though it's not a precise account of his life and works. This is a crime-and-psychology yarn where the Freud in his late 20s finds himself amidst a failing career ridiculed by the medical establishment in a time when a series of killings take Vienna by storms and the criminals roam freely. An average show, but good for killing the time.

Atypical

A coming of age story of an 18-year-old boy on the autistic spectrum. While 18-year-old Sam embarks upon this emotional journey to discover himself, his family struggles with the changes in their own life while pondering upon the question: "What does it mean to be normal?" An emotional story coated with humour, this one really stands out among the other comedy shows offered by the streamer.

The English Game

The English Game is a historical sports drama television miniseries developed by Julian Fellowes for Netflix about the origins of modern football in England. Even though the show is not historically accurate, it will entertain people who miss football. 

I am not okay with this

Based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, this show is about a coming of age story of a teenage girl who deals with issues regarding family, high school, sexuality and newly discovered superpowers. All in all a good comedy-drama to enjoy while in quarantine.

Broadchurch

A British crime series where two investigators team up in a beautiful coastal town called Broadchurch. Their first case together involves the murder of a young boy, the best friend of one of the investigators' son. The death rips apart the community as fingers point between family and former friends. This is an absolutely great watch, regardless of whether you are in quarantine or not. 

Movies:

The platform

A Spanish film about hunger and class struggle in a peculiar and intriguing setting. A group of prisoners are held in a multi-storied building where two prisoners are kept on each floor. Every day, a platform starts coming down with a buffet of food from platform zero and stops briefly on each floor for the prisoners to eat before it's passed down to the floor beneath, for them to eat the leftovers. It's designed in a way that the platform holds enough food for every prisoner but only if everybody eats what they need. But thanks to obvious human nature, that never happens and soon, chaos breaks out. A film designed to provoke your thoughts on capitalism and society, it's a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

The Two Popes

Inspired by real events, the film centres around the soon-to-be pope Francis and the ageing pope Benedict as they forge a new path for the Catholic church to move forward in the dawn of a new era. This movie is a treat for fans of Anthony Hopkins' brilliance and anyone interested in history. 

All the bright places

A romantic drama about two people who struggle with their emotions and past scars after meeting each other. They discover the value of the smallest moments and the joy of finding a home in a person. Brilliant cinematography makes up for otherwise lacks in the storytelling. 

Victoria and Abdul

Not a masterpiece by any chance. But Ali Fazal's Hollywood debut and Dame Judy Dench's ever so brilliant acting makes this film a delightful watch in times like this. A heartful account of Queen Victoria's friendship with one of her servants from India during her last days. It puts a smirk on your face if nothing else. 

Klaus

Klaus is a redefining testament of the revival of 2D animation in the age of motion capture and 3D. A masterpiece in every aspect, Klaus reimagines the origins of Santa Klaus in a new light. From the storytelling to the animation and everything in between, Klaus makes for a great watch if all you're looking for a feel-good story in times like this.