Binge-worthy releases from the top two streaming platforms available!
By Tom McLean
MAARA (PRIME)
This highly-anticipated Tamil language remake of critic-favourite Charlie (2015) is finally seeing the light of day on Prime Video. An airy tale peppered with easy-going romance and whimsical musings about life, the film follows Paruu (Shraddha Srinath) as she traces the quirky exploits of Maara (Ranganathan Madhavan), a charismatic vagabond with mysterious links to her childhood. Following a series of clues, Paruu’s journey takes her across a coastal town, meeting numerous peculiar characters, while her fascination with the titular character blossoms into love.
Release date: 8th January
THE DIG (NETFLIX)
Ringing in 2021 with a look back at the past, The Dig is a period drama that traces the excavation of a monumental archaeological discovery in 1930s England. Based on real events, the film focusses on the human element of archaeology, rather than the science, and stars Carey Mulligan as a widowed landowner, whose grounds are the site of the miraculous discovery. Stiff upper lips are pursed as museums compete for ownership of the historic findings, while a standout performance by Ralph Fiennes, as an eccentric, self-taught archaeologist, will no doubt delight.
Release date: 15th January
PENGUIN BLOOM (NETFLIX)
A life-affirming tale that’s guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye, Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts as Samantha, a lifelong outdoorswoman who becomes paralysed after a tragic accident. Struggling through depression following her devastating ordeal, hope comes from an unlikely source when her children adopt a wounded magpie. Healing alongside the new feathered member of the family, Samantha slowly regains purpose and fulfilment. The perfect January drama for those in the mood for something uplifting.
Release date: 21st January
THE WHITE TIGER (NETFLIX)
A captivating and uncompromising rags-to riches tale, The White Tiger follows Balram (Adarsh Gourav) as he struggles through a life warped by wealth disparity and corruption. Casting a critical eye at India’s class struggle, the film depicts Balram’s fight to gain financial independence and the freedom that comes with it. Similar in atmosphere and purpose to Parasite (2019), an electrifying supporting cast of Priyanka Chopra and Rajkummar Rao make this Netflix Original a must-watch.
Release date: 22nd January
