5 MORE Things to Watch on Netflix

Another week of couch-sitting.

I've become very familiar with my couch over the last few weeks.

Although I'd like to believe I could spend 80% of my quarantine time catching up on the tens of books I own, but still haven't read.. I know I won't. So, in an effort to spent my screen time wisely (rather than re-watching Game Of Thrones and inevitably spiraling into a pit of disappointment and regret), I've "challenged" myself to watch a bunch of new things on Netflix, and I'll post about my favourite four every two weeks. My fifth choices will be what I consider classic MUST-watches.

Reach out if you enjoy anything on my list, I could use the human connection.

~ Week 3 ~

#1- "Crip Camp"

(Documentary, Disability, Activism.)

Director: James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham

Yes, that does mean "Cripple Camp".

"Crip Camp" is a documentary about a summer camp for physically and mentally disabled teenagers. Simply by giving the teens a space to be treated like regular kids, it inspired future grown camp-goers to become activists in the 70s Civil Rights movement for equal access.

Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama and a Sundance Audience Award winner, "Crip Camp" is an inspirational documentary about a community's attempt to break free of societal prejudices and setbacks.

#2- "1922"

(Horror, Period Piece, Stephen King.)

Director: Zak Hilditch

I don't know why it took me so long to finally watch this.

A shorter Stephen King adaptation, and one of the better in my opinion- "1922" is based on the novella about a farmer's life falling apart after convincing his son to aid him in the murder of his wife.

"1922" is just about everything I ask for in a horror movie; great performances, suspense that doesn't rely on jump-scares, a memorable score, and an ending that leaves you peeking around corners the rest of the night.

#3- "Cracked Up- The Darryl Hammond Story"

(Documentary, Celebrity, Biography.)

Director: Michelle Esrick

Darryl Hammond is the longest-running cast member on Saturday Night Live. Appearing on the sketch comedy show from 1995-2009, he made more SNL appearances than any other cast member and impersonated over 100 celebrities.

"Cracked Up" explores Hammond's childhood of extreme physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother, and how his deteriorating mental health led him down a decades-long

self-destructive road of substance abuse, self-harm, and eventually attempting suicide.

Powerful and raw, "Cracked Up" highlights the deep psychological wounds that arrive from long-term child abuse.

#4- "Broken"

(Investigative Journalism, Docuseries, Makeup, Vaping.)

Director: Sarah Holm Johansen and Steve Rivo

Netflix's recent docuseries sheds light on how negligence in the production and marketing of popular consumer goods can have deadly consequences.

The episodes explore toxic counterfeit makeup, e-cigarettes marketed towards teens, dangerous cheaply made furniture, and the recycling scam of single-use plastics.

I was sucked into every episode. I highly recommend them.

~ Classic Pick ~

#5- "Queer Eye"

(Reality TV, Feel-Good, Queer)

Director: David Collins

If there's anything we need right now, it's a bit of feel-good TV.

I started watching Queer Eye a couple years ago, and it was a beautiful surprise. I expected a vapid makeover show- and while it's nothing groundbreaking, the way The Fab 5 compassionately connect with the subjects of each episode and teach them how to better themselves is unlike any other reality show I've seen. (Which is not that many, but still.)

I especially love the episodes where the five queer men interact with the conservative leaning southerners, and prove the core message of the show. While the original 90s show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" fought for tolerance, the current Fab 5 are fighting for acceptance- to highlight the ways that make Americans the same, not different.