Jennifer Lopez has made a name for herself in both the music and film worlds. While many of her film roles have been in romantic comedies, Lopez has often flexed her acting chops. Notable examples include 2015’s Lila & Eve as well as 2019’s Hustlers. Lopez has shown a great versatility in her acting across her numerous roles. She can do funny, she can do serious, but can she do action?
She appears set to add another non-comedic role to her resume in 2023. This comes after a light-hearted 2022, marked by Marry Me and Shotgun Wedding. Additionally, she also appeared in a documentary about her iconic 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. However, she turns to the action genre for her next role.
Lopez headlines Netflix Thriller “The Mother”
Jennifer Lopez takes the lead role in the upcoming Netflix film, The Mother. Directed by Niki Caro (The Zookeeper’s Wife, Mulan), the film portrays Lopez as a former assassin simply known as The Mother. She must reunite with the daughter she once abandoned in order to protect her as specters of her past chase her down. It is set to be a violent, globe-spanning quest for the estranged pair as Lopez’s character looks to finally put her past behind her. It is the first of two Netflix roles for Lopez, who will also feature in the upcoming science-fiction thriller Atlas.
The trailer, released on April 12, highlights the film’s serious tone and impressive stunt work. The one-minute teaser showcases car crashes, foot chases, and Lopez’s impressive physique. Also set to star, although not heavily featured in the trailer, are the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Omari Hardwick, and Gael García Bernal. Fiennes is showcased as the primary villain, sporting distinctive burns on his face. The film is set to follow in the footsteps of the “protect the vulnerable” action subgenre. Netflix found modest success with 2020’s Chris Hemsworth-led Extraction. The trailer promises to bring audiences a gritty and determined Lopez in a role unlike any other she has played. We can also expect plenty of suspense thanks to writer, and Lovecraft Country showrunner, Misha Green. The Mother is set to release on Netflix on May 12.
Beef, the latest limited series from Netflix, presents a deceptively simple premise. After a road rage incident, two individuals set out to ruin each other’s lives. Created by former It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia staff writer Lee Sung Jin, Beef stars Stephen Yeun (The Walking Dead, Nope) and Ali Wong (Always Be My Maybe, Tuca & Bertie).
However, Beef goes beyond its simple premise to become an intimate and petty look at the lengths people go to in order to feel alive. Yuen’s Danny is a handyman with no self-awareness of his patronizing view of the world. Meanwhile, Wong’s Amy is trapped in a suburban hell she pretends is her ultimate goal in life. A chance meeting in a hardware store parking lot becomes a road rage chase through the suburbs. That incident becomes the spark for the two to engage in an increasingly dramatic war of words and actions. But as much as the two of them despite each other, the havoc they can wreak on each other is the only thing giving their lives meaning.
“Beef” Is Certified Fresh And Widely Praised
“BEEF” has debuted with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes after 26 reviews.
Debuting on April 6, Beef quickly garnered the rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. At the time of writing, the show holds a 99% critics rating and a 96% audience rating. It continues a strong showing for Netflix in the TV department, with YA fantasy Shadow & Bone‘s second season currently holding an 83% rating. Furthermore, Beef‘s strong debut also allows Netflix to keep pace with the hits of its competitors such as Apple TV (Ted Lasso Season 3 – 93%), Paramount+ (Rabbit Hole – 77%), and HBO (Succession Season 4 – 97%).
Critics have praised Beef‘s encapsulation of modern rage, especially in “an era that sells us on the ease of being able to have anything we want, only countered by our frustration at being unable to.” (Gayle Sequeira, Film Companion). Additionally, the show never fails to embrace comedy at the right moments, with Joey Moser of Awards Daily noting that “Beef will stick out its tongue as it gives you the finger.” Overall, the show is a visceral, petty masterclass of societal critique and can’t-look-away revenge television.
While Netflix might be a great streaming site for kids, adults, and teenagers alike, sometimes you find yourself wishing for a pile of recommendations that work for everyone. And while there may be plenty of great shows on the website, there are also a handful of mediocre shows that you may want to avoid. Getting into a show is not only a commitment of the self but of your time. Since it would be a shame to watch a show for a few hours only to dislike it, let us get a few good options for you through our list of Netflix shows you can binge right now.
So, strap in, grab some snacks, and get comfy, because we have more than a few.
Kleo
Kleo is a thriller eight-part mini-series on Netflix that follows a Stasi assassin named Kleo. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she is released to take action and a knife to her former handlers without discretion. However, a former German detective is a witness for her latest kill. It becomes a game of wits between two skilled individuals, Kleo and detective Sven. While the show Is dark, gritty, and full of action, it has some lighthearted moments as well.
The show picks up on themes like betrayal, action, vengeance, and what it means to be alive. The charismatic leads within Kleo are full of personality and bounce off of one another throughout the show, both in dialogue and general writing. Also, Netflix recently confirmed a season two for this show, so now’s a great time to get in and watch both.
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a show based on a novel by author Sarit Yishai-Levi, telling a somber and dramatic story set across 1920’s and 1930’s Israel. The show depicts the nation at the time as the Ottoman Empire respects British mandates. The domestic show covers family affairs, romantic ones, and all kinds of internal conflicts between the relatively large cast of characters. The title character, Luna, is the eldest daughter of Gabriel and Roza (played by Swell Ariel Or, Michael Aloni, and Hila Saada respectively). Overall, the show majorly focuses on the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, concerning matters of their faith.
Wednesday
This recommendation is no doubt not a surprise to you. Besides the fact that it’s trending, Wednesday is a great show that displays the iconic macabre humor and wit that comes with any Addams Family show. During the course of the show, the plot focuses on the younger member of the family, Wednesday Addams as she enrolls in school, learns to handle her emerging powers, and protects her family from a long-lost monstrous enemy. Revisit some iconic characters and love them in a new light with this ongoing series that’s sure to give you the good kind of chills.
Lost in Space
While Lost in Space isn’t exactly a new show, it remains a strong show for those new to Netflix or those who have been surfing the platform for a long while. Based on the 1960’s version of the show with the same name, this show is a rare one in today’s media environment simply because it cannot be canceled. That’s right, you for sure will see at least three seasons of this show because three seasons of the older version of this show already exist. Feel free to get comfy and get invested, because the show does have an already-written conclusion just waiting to be developed.
The show focuses on the Robinson family and their fight for survival on a hostile, unknown planet. After evacuation from a dangerous Earth goes wrong, they end up in a strange world, all but stranded. Hoping to meet with a colony mission group, the family fights and strategizes to make the most of their survival and come out on the other side stronger. Get a load of the sci-fi atmosphere with great characters, creatures, and robots through three robust seasons of Lost In Space.
You
You is a show that focuses on the human nature, the morality of obsession, and the limits of love. Based on novels written by Caroline Kepnes, You is a story about deranged love between a bookstore owner and an aspiring author. The story focuses on the limits of love and how twisted it can become when it buds within a twisted mind and psyche. If you’re into twisted thrillers or shows akin to Dexter, this Netflix show is definitely for you.
The Sandman
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman was once thought to be unconvertable to a movie or series. Some parts of media simply don’t translate well, losing nuances in the process. The comics have such a large scope that it was thought to be impossible to include all the necessary details through a conversion. However, somewhat recently on Netflix there’s an adaptation, strikingly faithful to the original, just as everyone wants. The story focuses on the Lord of Dreams imprisoned by a warlock who is seeking the secrets behind immortality. The story begins when Morpheus is released to mend what he has broken throughout human existence and time. Overall, the cast is expansive and so is the material, so if you’re looking for a full show to sink your teeth into, this would be it.
Physical: 100
Physical: 100 is a Netflix physical fitness-focused show that challenges athletes from around the world to a competition that pushes their limits and sets their physical standards high. Each episode features different courses, challenges and feats that competitors must finish in order to move on to the next round. These can include anything from obstacle courses to endurance tests, to weight-lifting competitions. The dramatic tension, setup, and presentation in the show are akin to past renditions of the format, such as Fear Factor. Without the gruel nature, Physical: 100 makes for a great show for anyone who enjoys a little thrill and test of nature.
All competitors in the show have different backgrounds. In other words, you aren’t just watching a bunch of gym-nuts fight to see who can lift the most, you’re watching a competition between a diverse cast, with people from every walk of life. They have strengths, weaknesses, and a reason to keep going as they fight for that top spot.
Cunk on Earth
Cunk on Earth is a satirical take on life, with Diane Morgan, a British comedian, playing the character of Philomena Cunk. Throughout the show, Cunk travels through time, exploring humanity’s history and leaving witty comments all along the way.
The show is a parody that goes through history, getting all the facts wrong but having a hilarious time along the way. If you find yourself to be a fan of that kind of humor, or a fan of shows akin to Doctor Who, this kind of entertainment might be right up your alley. Overall, the show is a great whimsical take on history, science, and more, providing education with a little bit of sugar through humor.
Cunk visits historical sites, ponders some big questions, and cracks a few irreverent jokes all the while. If you’re a history or science buff with a need for a little more laughter in your life, this show is absolutely perfect for you. Even if you’re a bit uninformed like me, this show is still likely to make you laugh and learn something new.
Vikings: Valhalla
Vikings: Valhalla is a sequel series to the original Viking series, presented by History Channel. This second sister show follows a Viking group as they explore the lands of England, Russia and Normandy and conquer. The show includes many types of characters, including warriors, rulers, and Viking leaders. The production value for Vikings: Valhalla is high, meaning you won’t find many weaknesses concerning the environments, ambiance, and settings used.
The cast is robust and full of motivations, giving you characters you can follow while taking in this forgotten but beautiful world and perspective. The show has robust attention to historical accuracy, making it a great opportunity for you and perhaps a history buff you know in your life. Overall, from the costume design to environmental inclusivities to the language used by the cast, the show is accurate through and through.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is an Netflix animated series that focuses on a sci-fi world flung far into the future. The year is 2071, spacecraft is as common as a beat-up car, and space travel from one planet to the next is as simple as a walk to the drugstore. The story follows a few bounty hunters living paycheck to paycheck, trying to catch the wanted across a vast sea of stars.
If you’re into dynamic characters that have their own stories to tell, you’re in luck. While the show remains mostly episodic, there are episodes that take detours to tell specific stories about key characters. Not everything may connect by the end of the season. But, before you get there you’ll have a good knowledge of where everyone’s going and why.
Also, another reason to give this show a try is because of the stunning visuals at play. If you enjoy hand-drawn 2d animation with great colors and motion, Cowboy Bebop pulls no punches. It’s an artistic show, from the soundtrack to what you see on screen. While there are live-action versions, the original is the one you need to see, not a remake.
The Walking Dead
“The Walking Dead” is a post-apocalyptic horror television series that follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, referred to as “walkers.” The show is set in the southern United States and explores the group’s struggles to survive in a world where resources are scarce, danger lurks around every corner, and trust is hard to come by.
The show is a character-driven drama that delves into the psyches of the survivors and their relationships with one another, as well as their experiences with loss, grief, and trauma. Also, it raises important questions about what it means to be human and how people can hold onto their humanity in the face of unimaginable horror.
We all know that Cardi B is obsessed with the Netflix hit, You, starring Penn Badgley. Part one of season four has been released, and it is quickly spiking in popularity again. It’s the streaming platform’s number-one TV show in the United States. Cardi B has made it known that she’s an avid viewer. On Thursday evening, she uploaded a new profile picture on Twitter. Is it Cardi at an event? Is it a fire selfie? No. It’s Penn Badgley’s face as Joe Goldberg staring from a window.
This season, the show gave her an impressive nod, using her song with J Balvin and Bad Bunny, “I Like It,” during a rather gory scene from the first episode. In the scene, Joe Goldberg (now Jonathan Moore, a London-based professor) hauls a dead body into a sawmill and cuts it into far too many pieces. It’s an interesting choice for the episode, but it definitely adds an extra level of hilarity to the situation, lightening the gruesome task that Joe is partaking in. Music is Cardi B’s obvious priority, but she played quite the role in Hustlers. Maybe acting is in her future. If it is, she would obviously love to be on You.
This is not the first time that Cardi B and Penn Badgley connected online. In 2019, Badgley mentioned the popular performer at the event “In Conversation with YOU.” He praised her for her connection with her fans, saying, “To me, [social media] is this incredibly nuanced place to be, and despite what many might judge as antics, I feel she has an incredibly authentic relationship to that, and I think that’s why people like her so much.”
Cardi understandably freaked out over the praise. Upon hearing about it, she tweeted “OOOOMMFFFGGGGGG HE KNOWS ME !!!OMMMGGGG!!!!!!Yoooo like I’m famous famous.” She changed her profile to a photo of him back then, as well. At the time, Badgley’s response was to make Cardi his profile photo. Additionally, prior to the release of Season 3, Joe Goldberg himself sent Cardi a personal package of goodies. She shared that on Twitter, as well.
On Wednesday, Netflix shared its new password-sharing guidelines. The streaming service will first implement these rules and fees for users in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. The streaming company said that users in those countries will be asked to set a “primary location” for their Netflix account. They can establish two “sub accounts” for users who do not live at the primary location. However, there will be an implemented monthly fee per sub account. Canada’s monthly fee will be CA$7.99. New Zealand’s monthly fee will be NZ$7.99. Portugal’s monthly fee will be 3.99 euros. Finally, Spain’s monthly fee will be 5.99 euros.
According to Netflix’s director of product innovation, Chengyi Long, ““Today, over 100 million households are sharing accounts — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films.” The company is testing its new policies before the expected domestic launch of them in the United States in March 2023. The price in Canada (CA$7.99) could forecast what it will ultimately charge in the program’s U.S. debut.
Netflix Password Sharing
Netflix logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen for illustration photo. Krakow, Poland on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Netflix’s Wednesday announcement will roll out immediately, along with a new “Manage Access and Devices” page. This will give users permission to curate who has access to their designated accounts. Users who wish to save the additional monthly fee for “sub accounts” will be able to transfer profiles to new accounts made by those who previously had access. The transferred profiles will maintain all personalizations, recommendations, lists, and viewing history from the original account.
According to Netflix, they will revisit and refine the new account management page based on user feedback from the four countries that will serve as a testing ground. Netflix has decided to make this change due to a huge hit in subscriber numbers for its fourth quarter. This lack of subscriber growth was particularly pertinent in the United States-Canada region of users. This announcement also comes after it was announced that former Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, would step down from the position. Let us know what you think of this decision, down below.
We’ve had droves of new music coming out already in 2023 – now it’s time to start getting excited about the year’s upcoming movie releases. While some huge titles like Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid will be making their debut in theatres, others, like Murder Mystery 2 will be available on Netflix for your streaming pleasure.
On Monday (January 30), the platform unveiled the long-awaited trailer for the 2019 favourite’s sequel. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, the original movie went on to become the year’s most-streamed project, though it earned just a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Struggling as full-time detectives, Nick & Audrey Spitz find themselves at the center of an international abduction when their friend the Maharaja is kidnapped at his own wedding.
Murder Mystery found the on-screen couple attempting to revive their marriage’s spark in Europe. The follow-up takes place four years later, as Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Aniston) are working as full-time detectives with aspirations of launching their own private eye agency.
As PEOPLE notes, a wedding invitation comes their way from Maharaja (played by Adeel Akhtar), who requests their presence on his private island. “Trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member and the bride herself a suspect,” a synopsis explains.
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston attend the Photocall Of Netflix’s “Murder Mystery” at Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey on June 11, 2019 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
Aside from the Uncut Gems lead and the Friends starlet, other MM2 cast members include Jodie Turner-Smith, Mélanie Laurent, Dany Boon, and Mark Strong, among others.
In today’s trailer, it was confirmed that the highly anticipated movie will make its debut on March 31.
If you’re in need of a Netflix recommendation while we wait for the arrival of Murder Mystery 2, we suggest you stream You People. The comedy stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Nia Long, Eddie Murphy, and more – it’s a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh.
Check out the trailer for that movie here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
Not all Netflix Original films are made equally. However, an upcoming one has managed to capture the public’s attention in particular. You People, which stars Superbad actor Jonah Hill and California native Lauren London, received a new trailer a few days ago. Of course, fans couldn’t help but notice the way it expertly roasts Drake.
Specifically, the new clip finds the 39-year-old’s character, Ezra, chatting with comedian Sam Jay about his love life. “I don’t think I’ve heard of a man ever who wanted to be in a relationship so badly besides Drake. And I’m talking ‘Views’ Drake,” the latter quips. This comes after hearing his friend talk about the lack of romance in his life.
I was today years old when I learned David Cronenberg’s daughter shot the cover to @Drake’s “Views”. Doesn’t get more Canadian than that. pic.twitter.com/VLxpLrYzU3
As HipHopDX notes, the trailer later shows scenes of the characters living their daily lives. “I feel like ‘Views’ Drake,” Hill’s voice says. “Alone, on a building, dangling my legs off wondering what it’s like to feel companionship,” he adds, referencing the project’s famous artwork.
From what we know about You People so far, Ezra later has a chance encounter with Amira (played by London). As they get to know each other better, her conservative Muslim parents and his “progressive, semi-woke” Jewish parents also spend more time together. The latter’s family comes to life via Seinfeld‘s Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny.
Other celebrities who appear in the project include La La Anthony, Deon Cole, Mike Epps, and even City Girl Yung Miami. This marks Caresha’s second acting credit, as she already aided 50 Cent with his BMF series last year.
Playing Amira’s parents are two Hollywood legends – Nia Long and Eddie Murphy. They hit up several Los Angeles hot spots throughout filming. London previously said this was her favourite part of the project.
“My favourite location was Simply Wholesome,” she told Tudum. “Growing up in LA, I used to walk to Simply Wholesome and grab a patty or a smoothie. Being inside a Black establishment that promotes wellness and health in the heart of our community, and that business being highlighted and shown in a big-budget film, that was very special.”
Check out Netflix’s new trailer for You People below. Afterward, let us know in the comments if you plan to check out the film upon its January 27 premiere.
Marrying into royalty may sound like a dream come true. However, Netflix’s new Harry & Meghan docuseries proves that for one famous couple, it was anything but. On Thursday (December 8), the streaming service premiered the first three episodes of the long-awaited project. One of them finds Meghan Markle discussing how the treatment towards her shifted upon moving to the UK.
Throughout the show, the Suits alum discusses how she spent much of her life with others seeing her as a white woman. At one point, she even recalled times from her childhood when people would stop her darker-skinned mother, Doria Ragland. They would surprisingly ask her whose baby she was carrying around due to their difference in colour.
Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (L) and Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, react as they attend the annual One Young World Summit at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, north-west England on September 5, 2022. – The One Young World Summit is a global forum for young leaders, bringing together young people from over 190 countries around the world to come together to confront the biggest challenges facing humanity. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Markle, it wasn’t until her relationship with Prince Harry began making rounds in the media that her race became something of prominence. “At that time, I wasn’t thinking about how race played a part in any of this,” she said of the beginning of their romance. “I genuinely didn’t think about it.”
“It’s very different to be a minority but not be treated as a minority right off the bat,” the activist went on to explain. “I’d say now, people are very aware of my race because they made it such an issue when I went to the UK. But before that, most people didn’t treat me like a ‘Black woman.’ So that talk didn’t happen for me.”
Elsewhere in the episode, Ragland speaks of cautioning her daughter of the rampant racism headed her way. “I said to her very clearly, I said, ‘This is about race.’ And Meg said, ‘Mommy, I don’t want to hear that,’” she shared.
I’m so glad that #HarryAndMeghan is giving Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, the opportunity to share her perspective on everything for the first time. I love her. pic.twitter.com/LfFGykt86C
“I said, ‘You may not want to hear it, but this is what’s coming down the pike,’” Markle’s mother added.
Additionally, Prince Harry was expressing frustration at how his family refused to offer protection to the woman that he loves. “Some of the members of the family were like, ‘But my wife had to go through that so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently?” he vented.
“Why should you get special treatment? Why should she be protected?’ I said, ‘The difference here, is the race element,’” the father of two declared.
Check out the trailer for Netflix’s Harry & Meghan docuseries below. Afterward, let us know if you tuned into the first three episodes down in the comments.
