Netflix February 2024: 3 Must-See Movies & Shows | How-To Geek
- Netflix’s February lineup includes a trio of films offering something for every taste, from the darkly comedic to the thrillingly suspenseful and the sweetly nostalgic.
- The recent passing of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara on January 30th has prompted a renewed appreciation for her extensive body of work.
- What sets Guest’s films apart is their reliance on improvisation, resulting in uniquely quirky and funny moments.
Netflix’s February lineup includes a trio of films offering something for every taste, from the darkly comedic to the thrillingly suspenseful and the sweetly nostalgic. As the streaming giant continues to bolster its catalog, three titles stand out as must-sees for the coming week.
Best in Show
The recent passing of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara on January 30th has prompted a renewed appreciation for her extensive body of work. In honor of the Canadian SCTV icon, and her more recent roles in Schitt’s Creek and The Studio, a rewatch of one of her most beloved films is in order. Christopher Guest’s Best in Show is a hilarious mockumentary that skewers the world of competitive dog shows with a brilliantly assembled ensemble cast, including O’Hara and Eugene Levy as the awkwardly endearing Gerry and Cookie Fleck.
What sets Guest’s films apart is their reliance on improvisation, resulting in uniquely quirky and funny moments. Best in Show expertly captures the fierce politics, status-seeking, and vapid commentary that permeate the dog show circuit, creating a comedy that is both uncomfortable and remarkably real. The film follows five teams of owners and their canine companions as they prepare for the annual Mayflower Dog Show in Philadelphia.
Ex Machina
Also new to Netflix this February is Alex Garland’s 2014 sci-fi thriller, Ex Machina. The film remains strikingly relevant as it explores the complexities of artificial intelligence and the potential consequences of creating truly human-like AI. The story centers on Caleb Smith, a talented coder who wins a contest to evaluate Ava, a highly evolved humanoid robot, at the secluded jungle facility of tech CEO Nathan Bateman.
Ex Machina’s claustrophobic setting and suspenseful narrative create a chilling atmosphere, as Caleb becomes increasingly drawn to Ava while questioning Nathan’s true motives. The film is a visual masterpiece, winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and boasts a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’s seventh film, Moonrise Kingdom, is a beautifully crafted and whimsical story of first love. Set on the fictional New England island of New Panzance in 1965, the film follows young Khaki Scout Sam Shakusky and rebellious bookworm Suzy Bishop as they run away together, sparking a chaotic manhunt involving the island’s residents, including a local police captain and Suzy’s bickering parents.
Moonrise Kingdom is visually striking, with Anderson’s signature pastel color palette and meticulous attention to detail. The film’s soundtrack, featuring compositions by Alexandre Desplat and Benjamin Britten, perfectly complements the story’s themes of childhood whimsy and adult anxieties. It’s considered one of Anderson’s finest works.
These three films offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences, providing viewers with a curated selection for their weekly Netflix watchlist. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, suspense, or heartwarming nostalgia, these titles are sure to deliver.