Streaming services have been causing rifts in the film industry for the better half of the last decade. And a year of cinema closures has only proven their ability to take over the mantle altogether. Much to the discontent of film purists, and much to the satisfaction of everyone else, the onslaught remains ready to continue this year.
In a preview of what’s to come as part of Netflix's 2021 movie schedule, the clip reveals a blinding amount of star power at the streaming service's disposal. Featuring actors such as Chris Hemsworth, Gal Gadot, Ryan Gosling, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, this video might as well be a who’s who of the A-list.
It packs twenty seven teasers together in less than three minutes — in the process, accounting for every genre imaginable. There are quintessential action flicks like Army of the Dead and Red Notice; thrillers like Night Teeth and Fear Street; and even puzzlers like Kissing Booth 3 — not by nature of the plot, but more-so a general confusion around how anyone could possibly think this was a good idea.
In summary, the release schedule for Netflix movies in 2021 is dense, to say the least. There are around seventy movies coming out. And while over half of them remain undisclosed, there’s still plenty to be excited for. These are the stand-outs of Netflix movies in 2021.
Don’t Look Up
Perhaps the most impressive casting a comedy has ever seen — Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence star alongside Timothée Chalamet, Chris Evans, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and Jonah Hill. Oh, and also Ariana Grande, Tyler Perry, Kid Cudi, and Matthew Perry. That’s a football team’s worth of renowned talent — for a movie that’s being released exclusively on Netflix. Safe to say, it is indeed the dawn of a new age for cinema.
Kate
Although there are only about three seconds of footage to judge from, Kate looks visually stunning. The neon ambience and cyberpunk atmosphere translate beautifully to the screen, most reminiscent of Blade Runner 2049 and the first season of Altered Carbon. On top, it’s a story which draws intrigue too: a poisoned female assassin — played by Mary Winstead (Ramona from Scott Pilgrim) — has twenty four hours to seek vengeance for her own impending death.
Malcolm & Marie
“What if there was someone who loved them better” — Zendaya and John David Washington star in a black-and-white drama about the tribulations which accompany, not a love story, but the story of love. Malcolm & Marie is a movie being touted for Oscar nominations prior to even being released. And the prophecies may well come true if the movie turns out to be anywhere near as compelling as the trailer is.
Red Notice
In Red Notice, Gal Gadot plays the world’s greatest art thief; Ryan Reynolds plays the world’s greatest con-man; and Dwayne Johnson, despite what the casting might say, plays the same character he has in every other movie which he’s been a part of: Dwayne Johnson.
This movie is on the list simply because of what it represents for the world of streaming. It features three of the biggest actors in the world, and it won’t even be going to the cinemas. No, Netflix will keep the over-the-top explosions, deliriously cheesy dialogue, and obnoxiously loud scores all to itself.
Escape from Spiderhead
Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett star in a sci-fi film based upon a short story of the same name by acclaimed authour George Saunders. The premise revolves around two convicts who agree to take part in clinical trials in exchange for a shorter prison sentence. There are plenty of directions which this could go in — a sobering commentary on the ethics of drug testing, or perhaps, a prologue to a rebooted X-Men franchise. Hopefully, it’s not the latter. Oh, please don’t be the latter.
