What I'm Currently Watching on Netflix
In last week’s post, I mentioned that I often watch Netflix on the weekdays to decompress from the day. Today, I’m going to talk about some shows on Netflix that I am currently loving or have recently watched.
Some of these will probably be familiar to you while others might not be. Regardless, I hope this helps you find some new binge-worthy material for the weekend!
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: When I saw this trending on Twitter, I decided I had to experience it for myself. This is an incredibly brutal docuseries about an 8-year-old boy who was murdered by his mother and her boyfriend. In six episodes, you get a breakdown of what lead to his murder and how the system ultimately failed Gabriel.
WARNING: this is a very graphic and difficult series to watch. However, it serves to educate about the system and to the signs of child abuse. You will be angry but also feel a bittersweet sensation that Gabriel is finally being heard.
Cable Girls: I haven’t heard too many people discuss Cable Girls, so in my eyes, it’s a hidden gem. This Spanish series takes place in 1920’s Spain at a telephone company and it focuses on four women who work there. This is basically a soap opera, however, it has some pretty progressive storylines for a show that takes place in the ’20s!
They include homosexuality, transgender people, and feminism. There’s also a love triangle that’s pretty spicy. The costume/set design is amazing and it’s definitely one of my favorite things about this series. The first part of the last season recently dropped (there are five seasons total), so there’s plenty to watch!
TIP: watch it in Spanish and turn on the English subtitles. In my opinion, the English dub sounds ridiculous.
Narcos Mexico: What I love about Narcos Mexico is how in-depth it goes to explain the cartel and those who run it. The first two seasons focus on Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, former leader of the Guadalajara cartel and how he created a drug empire. It also, of course, brings up the USA’s involvement in all of this.
This is a violent and bloody series that gives you a snapshot of how things go down in Mexico. Diego Luna, who I usually think of as soft-spoken and sweet, plays Gallardo and does an incredible job playing a ruthless narco with big dreams.
Always A Witch: In 1646 colonial Colombia, Carmen is a black slave who has fallen in love with her slave master. She is set to burn at the stake until a mysterious wizard offers to let her travel to the future in exchange for a favor. Carmen accepts and is transported to 2019 Colombia. Here, Carmen adapts to modern life while figuring out how to complete the favor to return to be with her lover.
Admittingly, this storyline and Carmen’s willingness to return to be with her slave master boyfriend is a little problematic. I’m happy to say that season 2 (which dropped last week) scales back on this immensely and focuses more on Carmen’s life with her friends as a 21st-century witch/college student. There are many time-traveling shows, but not one that focuses on a black protagonist that also happens to be a witch. If you like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, you’ll love Always A witch!
This series is also originally in Spanish and sounds so much better that way, but if you must and don’t like subtitles, dub it I guess…
Babylon Berlin: This series takes place in 1920’s Germany and is the most expensive non-English language TV production ever made. Its plot is hard to explain because so much happens in one episode but basically, the show starts with police detective Gereon Rath moving to Berlin to track down a crime ring. That is the least of it though! There are several storylines within every episode regarding political matters, murders, the ghost of WWI, and the rise of Nazism.
Beyond this, the set design for Babylon Berlin is magnificent. Think Cabaret on steroids. Rath’s partner in crime, Lotte, is an emerging police detective who is an occasional prostitute to make ends meet (as I said, there’s a lot going on in this show). She brings a lot to the series and completes Rath’s sadboy persona. Babylon Berlin is not readily publicized in the states, but if you’re into historical dramas, period pieces, or film noir, then its the show for you!
P.S. This series is in German and like some of the other series I mentioned above, I recommend watching with subtitles and not in English.
