“Ballet”
This bold, theatrical drama explores freedom, creativity, and the urge to push boundaries within domestic theater. It unfolds behind the scenes, celebrating artistic rebellion against fascism and dictatorship. At its core stands the undeniable talent of Gogol Center graduate Evgeniy Sangadzhiev, who directed the webcam drama “Happy End.”
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“Blue Eye Samurai”
set during Japan’s Edo period, this brutal yet visually stunning animated work dives into a quest for justice. Mizu, the apprentice to a master blacksmith turned samurai swordsmith, tracks four white outsiders who slipped into the country despite closed borders, seeking to avenge their origins. The narrative carries a kinetic energy reminiscent of Tarantino’s frenetic pacing, punctuated by vivid montages and the intensity of a legendary duel.
“Steak”
A fast-moving comedy-drama follows The Walking Dead star Steven Yeun and comedian Ali Wong as they collide on the road. Their friction escalates into a public, petty war that spirals far beyond what any grocery-store showdown should entail, testing borders of patience and pride alike.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“Impasse”
This witty detective tale from the Australian outback presents murders with a satirical wink at modern noirs and the gender stereotypes common to the genre. The investigation is carried out by koloboks, adding a playful twist. For Russian audiences, the cameo of the band Tatu near the end credits is a delightful bonus.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“What’s left of us”
Neil Druckmann creates a serial adaptation from the acclaimed video game, collaborating with Craig Mazin. The story follows a smuggler and a young girl through a post-apocalyptic America, a decade later, as Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey bring a poignant, human focus to a broken world.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“The Fall of the House of Usher”
Mike Flanagan delivers a spectacular horror finale after a prolific run with Netflix. Blending Poe-inspired prose with modern series sensibilities, it weaves together echoes of The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and a national tragedy shaped by opioid addiction.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”. And about other good horror movies in 2023 – Here.
“Poker face”
Rian Johnson’s reimagining of a classic detective figure stars Natasha Lyonne as a clever seeker of truth. On the run across the country, the protagonist solves murders by spotting dishonesty and reading people like an open book.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“Herd”
Donald Glover’s Atlanta inspires a darkly ironic road drama about a pop-fan idol chasing a national tour, all while a deadly trail follows. The show riffs on fame, obsession, and the sometimes dangerous allure of stardom, with Billie Eilish making a striking acting debut.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“Fatal attraction”
A fresh take on the 1987 Adrian Lyne thriller, featuring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close in a modern retelling that keeps the tension high. Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan add contemporary fire as a workplace romance spirals out of control, with a layered script by Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin J. Hines.
“White House Plumbers”
A sharp political satire about the Watergate era, following former agents who unravel a saga of missteps and cover-ups that reshaped American history. Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux anchor a puzzle-like miniseries that fits neatly into a lineage of investigative storytelling.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
“The child’s word. There is blood on the asphalt”
Zhora Kryzhovnikov’s gripping crime story pulls viewers into Kazan’s late-80s street gangs, redefining what becomes a cultural touchstone for the year. The show rides the wave of chatter around a new slang term and the rise of a prominent music group.
“A Murder at the End of the World”
From writers Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, a chilling detective techno-thriller unfolds like a crossover between Stieg Larsson and a modern mystery, set among a star-studded group invited by a tech mogul to a remote Icelandic hotel. Not everyone will return home.
“Shelter” (“Silo”)
A playful yet thought-provoking post-apocalyptic tale that imagines a vast underground future where tens of thousands hide from conditions above. Rebecca Ferguson anchors the series as a lone challenger to totalitarian control inside a multi-story bunker.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.
Chemistry Lessons
A 1960s costume drama follows a scientist who loses her lab position and seizes a fresh chance to continue her research by hosting a cooking show. Brie Larson delivers a standout performance, trading a dramatic wardrobe for a white dress that signals a new chapter.
“Fisherman”
An exemplar detective story within the imagined finchercore subgenre, featuring Ivan Yankovsky, Sasha Bortich, and Alexander Yatsenko as they probe a killer amidst a nation in flux. The moody backdrop recalls Winged Swing while the tension remains taut and relentless.
You can read more about the series at: comments “socialbites.ca”.