October Neftlix Bingelist: original films and shows

By DELLA HETHCOX

October is officially here, and with it comes the addition of nearly 50 instant streaming movies and television shows on Netflix, five of which are Netflix originals.

All will be available throughout the entire month, so when you are e browsing through Netflix trying to pick something to watch, check the “recently added” tab for the latest releases. “Beast of No Nation,” a 2015 Netflix original film, has already earned high praise for its dramatic telling of the plight of child soldiers in Africa.

Based on a 2005 novel by Uzodinma Iweala, Idris Elba stars as Commandant, a leader of an African army, and Abraham Atta as the child soldier, Agu. Directed by Cary Fukanaga of “True Detective” fame, this film follows Agu as he is forced to become a soldier in West Africa during a civil war. It won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival this year and debuts online on Oct. 16.

Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, and filmed over 93 days, “Winter on Fire,” a 2015 documentary, tells the story behind the violent revolts in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014. The film follows the revolutions stemming from the student demonstrations against the former president, Viktor F. Yanukovich and their turn from protest to violence. Like its sibling creation, “Beast of No Nation,” this film also premiered at the Venice Film Festival and will be online Oct. 9.

On a lighter note, two original stand-up comedy acts will be included. Angelah Johnson, also known as Bon Qui Qui, introduces her new act, “Not Fancy,” on Oct. 2. while Anthony Jeselnik shares his cynical “Thoughts and Prayers” with viewers on Oct. 16.

Also a Netflix original, season three of “Hemlock Grove” will be added Oct. 23, just in time for Halloween. This series takes place in a rural town in Pennsylvania, as the arrival of a stranger coincides with various brutal murders. Although be sure to catch up on previous seasons before watching!

Similarly, season four of the “American Horror Series” will be available Oct. 21. What better series to help you come up with an idea for this year’s Halloween costume?

The theme continues with additions of “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension” and “The Last Witch Hunter” which arrive Oct. 23, alongside “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse”. If horror is not for you, try  catching up on the CW’s shows, like season two of “Reign,” season three of “Arrow” or season six of “Vampire Diaries.”

Bill Murray and Bruce Willis return to the screen with “Rock the Kasbah,” a comedy set in the Middle East. Zooey Deschanel and Kate Hudson round out the cast as Murray finds himself and his talent agency adrift in the desert, aided by Willis.

Into period pieces? “Suffragette” follows the story of women during the early feminist movement in Britain during the late 19th and 20th centuries. The film stars Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, actresses who are no strangers to period pieces.

Netflix cannot resist the addition of a moving documentary. “He Named Me Malala” follows the story of Malala Yousafzai’s story from her humble beginnings in the Middle East to her speech at the United Nations, after her brutal attack in 2012.

Additionally, “Steve Jobs” starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen presents a new look at the life of Apple’s super-CEO.

So grab some hot apple cider, cozy blankets and settle in for a good old fashioned binge.

Happy viewing!