THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Director Barry Jenkins' adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer prize-winning novel stars South African actress Thuso Mbedu and stands as one of the most challenging onscreen representations of the brutality of slavery. Beautifully realised and with a standout cast, it's also a masterclass in how to expand source material to new and fascinating heights.
Where to stream it: Amazon Prime Video
How much time you'll need to binge it: 10 hours
I AM ALL GIRLS
Director Donovan Marsh's South African sex-trafficking thriller is slickly executed, although its broader dramatic and political points quickly get lost in a soupy mess of predictable plot twists and shallow stereotypical character sketches that blunt its attempts to draw attention to a very disturbing problem.
Where to stream it: Netflix
How much time you'll need to binge it: 100 minutes
THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW
Amy Adams and Gary Oldman are depressingly wasted in Joe Wright's Rear Window remake that has none of the suspense or psychological intrigue that a passable Hitchcock homage needs in order to stand on its own. It's over the top and filled with so many ludicrous red herrings that it ends up being an unintentional spoof rather than a fitting tribute to the inimitable talents of the original master of suspense.
Where to stream it: Netflix
How much time you'll need to binge it: 100 minutes
THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND
A little too long and sometimes uneven, this late-bloomer-coming-of-age tale is mostly a return to form for director Judd Apatow, thanks to a surprisingly nuanced and compelling lead performance from comedian Pete Davidson who plays a stoner slacker who lives with his mom while dreaming of becoming a tattoo artist.
Where to stream it: Showmax
How much time you'll need to binge it: 2+ hours
HALSTON
Ryan Murphy's latest offering tells the story of the legendary fashion designer with plenty of decadent '70s excess style but little substance. Ewan McGregor throws himself wholeheartedly into his portrayal of Halston but it's all in vain as the show becomes as obsessed as its central character with ego, narcissism and exterior glamour at the expense of any real examination of his interior life.
Where to stream it: Netflix
How much time you'll need to binge it: 5 hours
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