As the Holy Week is fast approaching, it only means that the long weekend is also afoot. While there may still be an ongoing pandemic, who says you can’t have fun at home? If you like catching up on shows, we have a few recommendations that you can access straight from Netflix.
Since you’ll be having a lot of time on your hands, here are a couple of shows that you may want to binge watch to keep yourself occupied (and not be tempted to even check your work email). Worried about committing to a long watch? Do not fret because here are some titles that you can finish in less than a day.
“An aimless gamer and his two friends find themselves in a parallel Tokyo, where they’re forced to compete in a series of sadistic games to survive.” — Netflix
Alice in Borderland made waves towards the last quarter of 2020 when it debuted on Netflix. This psychological thriller is a must-watch because it introduces a sci-fi take on mind games and amps up the level of risks of mere child’s play games. Imagine playing a game of hide and seek, but either the one hiding or the one seeking would end up dead.
Apart from the gruesome casualties, you also get treated to the sight of the busy streets of Tokyo, except the entire city’s a ghost town.
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“As humans turn into savage monsters and wreak terror, one troubled teen and his apartment neighbors fight to survive — and to hold on to their humanity.” — Netflix
Another thriller that was released about the same time as Alice in Borderland, Sweet Home is a more horrific series to watch as the different characters fight against actual monsters. If you were struck by a family tragedy, would you leave your home to move into a monster-infested apartment? If you’re Cha Hyun-Soo, then that’s probably a yes!
What are the chances of him surviving? Well, you just have to watch to find out!
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“In this recut of the popular web series, live-stream gamer Cairo calls for a rematch after losing to newcomer Gavreel — and an online romance blooms.” — Netflix
Among the stories that started becoming well-loved by Filipinos in 2020 are Boys Love or ‘BL’ series. As more and more people fell in love with Thai BL stories, local studios took this chance to create and showcase its own BL series and one of those is Gameboys Level-Up Edition by The IdeaFirst Company.
Gameboys started out as a series that people could watch on YouTube, but was later expanded into a longer series for Netflix. It tells the story of gamers who fell in love despite the pandemic and how their relationship bloomed despite the restrictions. It’s quite timely and has been embraced by fans both locally and internationally.
Read also: The Boys’ Love craze is real, and it’s here to stay
“Short on funds, an architecture student with dreams of a career in film sees an opportunity when his neighbor proposes an unconventional idea.” — Netflix
Another BL story that many Filipinos came to support and had everyone waiting every week is Gaya Sa Pelikula. It is a coming of age story that was praised by viewers because it did not only revolve around love, but showcased the vulnerabilities of each of the characters. From being closeted to failing at love, Gaya Sa Pelikula had a poetic way of visualizing the complicated Filipino relationships be it family or a significant other.
Did they end up together? This is one love story that you shouldn’t miss.
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“The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels.” — Netflix
The series that had every other show running for its money. Bridgerton made headlines as Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes made her Netflix debut with this period drama. Staying true to the scandalous theme of her successful and award-winning shows, Bridgerton was no stranger to secrets and mischiefs.
Not only did it make headlines, but it also hit a record-breaking 82 million viewers on the streaming platform, beating out the likes of The Witcher, third season of Stranger Things, and fourth season of Money Heist. What could all the fuss be about? Watch and find out from Lady Whistledown herself.
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“Opposites attract at Christmas as cynical Dash and sunny Lily trade messages and dares in a red notebook they pass back and forth around New York City.” — Netflix
Just because it isn’t Christmas, doesn’t mean you can enjoy a series about the yuletide season. Dash & Lily starts with a mysterious conversation within a red notebook that’s filled with dares. At the each turn of a page, both Dash and Lily start falling for each other, but things go downhill as they were about to meet.
Temperatures may be soaring because of summer, but it shouldn’t stop you from turning up the fan (or the AC if you’re fancy), snuggle in your favorite blanket, and sip your favorite hot chocolate. Yes, you get to decide, and it’s Christmas when you watch Dash & Lily.
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For religious selections, you can also try the following.
“A wary CIA officer investigates a charismatic man who sparks a spiritual movement and stirs political unrest. A fictional story not based on true events.” — Netflix
If you’re looking for a show that’s along the lines of religion, faith and politics, you can also try binge watching Messiah. It’s about a CIA officer who is on a mission to investigate a man and his followers after catching international attention with their acts of public disruption.
Each episode uncovers whether this truly is Jesus Christ who has appeared on Earth again, or simply a man of deception. A word of caution, stories about the second coming of Christ may not be for everyone so choose to watch Messiah at your own discretion.
The Jesus Code
“Through scholarly and scientific examination of six relics, this series explores the historical Jesus and the complex world in which he lived.” — Netflix
Jesus Christ is said to have changed the course of history as the most famous man ever to live but has left no physical trace of his existence. This documentary follows the sightings of relics and objects associated with Jesus Christ himself when he was still alive, as well as those of his other disciples.
If you’re into religious documentaries, you may want to consider this one in remembrance of Him and his sacrifice for mankind. The docu-series also touches on other iconic relics that have been part of Jesus’ journey. During this time of Lent, what is important is to honor what He did and whom He did for.
“As he faces execution, apostle Paul preaches the word of Christ as his companion, Luke, pens a revolutionary book that leads to the birth of the church.” — Netflix
Featuring Jesus’ disciples Luke and Paul, this film is about how Luke risks his life to find Paul who was held captive by then Emperor Nero. Luke’s ultimate goal was to talk to Paul before his death and be able to write in detail his experiences and the birth of what many have come to know as the church.
This may not be as focused on the life of Christ himself, but it does highlight the faith and sacrifice of his disciples Luke and Paul, and others who are also part of this story.
“At a key turning point for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI forms a surprising friendship with the future Pope Francis. Inspired by true events.” — Netflix
Set mainly in Vatican City, The Two Popes takes places in the aftermath of the controversial Vatican leaks. As Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure has been tainted by the scandal, they summon then Buenos Aires Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who many now know as Pope Francis, to discuss his impending resignation and the change in papacy.
This is an interesting film to watch at this time because you get to know more about the last two Popes that the Church has had. Portrayed by brilliant actors Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce respectively, you also get to learn about their personal lives and how the time they spent talking brought them closer.
There are a lot more short series on Netflix that we’d like you to watch, but these are just some of the titles that you can easily find. Also, if you’re looking for a recommendation from another platform, we really would love to recommend WandaVision but sadly, Disney+ isn’t available in the Philippines yet. For now, just sit back, relax, and stay negative!
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