The Holy month of Ramadan is nearly upon us again. So while it is a time to reflect, be humble and spend time with your family, we have to consider the changes that our lives have undergone in the last year. Since the last Ramadan, the UAE welcomed it’s new favourite son, Netflix, into the family. And so in the spirit of the month we have compiled a list of 12 Netflix TV shows, movies, documentaries, stand-up gigs for you to while away your summer hibernation:
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Designated Survivor
When a bomb kills the president and almost all of Congress, Cabinet member Tom Kirkman must suddenly take the reins of the White House and a country in chaos. With betrayal and cliffhangers aplenty, Kiefer Sutherland as new President Kirkman and music by 24 alumnus Sean Callery, fans of the former Jack Bauer vehicle will find much to love.
War Machine
The satirical movie of a US General’s roller-coaster journey on his mission to bring freedom to Afghanistan is part reality, part parody. Brad Pitt heads up the cast, with tongue firmly in cheek and one eyebrow set to full Roger Moore. Keep your eyes peeled for local landmarks — War Machine was partly shot in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Barry
Barry is the story of an undergraduate Barack Obama in 1981, who preoccupations are basketball and art. This offers a glimpse of the foundations that built one of America’s great presidents, but doesn’t make clear how close to the former president one would have to be these days to try addressing him as Barry.
Dave Chappelle
In his first concert special in 12 years, Dave Chappelle is back with two stand-up comedy specials. Typical cannon fodder includes Bill Cosby and O.J. Simpson, and Dave doesn’t tiptoe around his subjects.
Louis C.K. 2017
Louis C.K. muses on eternal love, email fights, teachers and more in a live performance from Washington DC. Louis is always on the mark, always cutting through the fluffy nonsense and always magnificently grumpy about it all — which is probably why he’s Ricky Gervais’ favourite comic.
Marvel’s Iron Fist
A man resurfaces in New York City 15 years after being presumed dead. Danny Rand is a martial arts master with a tendency to get, erm, heavy handed. Let’s just say that if Wolverine and Mr Miyagi shared a flat and decided to adopt, Danny would be a shoo-in.
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
After a tragic ending to her short-lived superhero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases in New York City. Season one is dark and gained critical acclaim as Marvel’s most successful character to be serialised. Season two is in production now.
Orange is the New Black
The outrageous and critically acclaimed series about a diverse group of inmates serving in a US women’s prison. Season 5 begins this month.
The White Helmets
This documentary follows volunteer rescue workers in Syria who are among the first to face the rubble, chaos, and horror that comes with frequent bombings, in order to save civilians.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
This sitcom, co-created by Tina Fey, has just aired its third series. It follows Kimmy (Bridesmaids’ Ellie Kemper), who after being imprisoned as a teenager for 15 years by a cult leader is freed and decides to move to New York City. Inevitably, plenty of familiar 30 Rock faces are in evidence, as are irreverent and brilliant writing.
The Get Down Part II
Shaft, Fame and Glee walk into a bar. Baz Luhrmann looks up from silently polishing glasses… This is how we imagine the genesis of The Get Down. In 1977 New York City, the talented and soulful youth of the South Bronx is the midwife helping disco and funk give birth hip hop and rap. Luhrmann is behind the camera, as Grandmaster Flash keeps an eye on authenticity.
Tales by Light, Seasons 1&2
There are many people who are quick to label themselves photographers these days. But this -backed pair of documentary series follows real-deal lensmen and lenswomen as they explore far-flung and remote landscapes in order to capture extraordinary images that present nature and culture in a new light.
