Whether you’re in need of a little historical drama, a high-octane action spectacle, or a window into the life of one of Hollywood’s most notable members, Netflix in November has got you covered with must-see movies and series.
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ November 2 | Series
All the Light We Cannot See is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Anthony Doerr and comes from producer Shawn Levy. Set between 1934 and 1945, the story chronicles the lives of two very different individuals during World War II: a blind girl who takes refuge in her uncle’s home in Saint-Malo after Nazi Germany invades Paris and a bright young German boy accepted into military school as a result of his radio technology skills.
The book alternates between both characters’ lives, telling their stories via a non-linear yet parallel structure. It will be interesting to see how the show adapts this movie, specifically when it comes to the novel’s praise concerning its palpable depiction of sensory details.
From creators Steven Knight and Shawn Levy, the Netflix original series stars Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hoffman, Hugh Laurie, Mark Ruffalo, James Dryin, and Lars Eidinger.
‘Nyad’ November 3 | Movie
Nyad, starring Oscar winner Jodie Foster and four-time nominee Annette Bening, premiered in select theaters on October 20, 2023, but will drop on the streamer this November. The movie chronicles the true story (depending on who you ask) of 64-year-old marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, who sets out to be the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida (after trying and failing in her ‘20s).
This is a controversial narrative because many believe that the woman behind the feat has fabricated a great deal of her accomplishments or, at the very least, embellished them. Investigations into her feat did lead to some interesting findings, suggesting she may have had a little “assistance” during the swim. Yet, she did not videotape her journey for formal proof either way. Based on the trailer and the filmmaker behind the movie, it seems that the movie will assert the validity of her accomplishment, giving no screentime to the detractors who suggest otherwise. It’s been critically acclaimed thus far as an uplifting story that showcases the talents of its leading ladies.
‘Sly’ November 3 | Documentary Film
Whether you know him as the bullet-adorned Rambo or the glove-adorned Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone is uncontestably one of Hollywood’s greatest action heroes. The documentary will provide a window into the actor/director/writer/producer’s long and varied career.
From the time he had nearly given up on acting to winning the Oscar for Rocky, the movie showcases his ups and downs, and how he became THE Sly Stallone — as well as the consequences of fame and artistic pursuit. With words from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Adrian herself, Talia Shire, Sly is bound to be a moving and memorable 95 minutes for fans of The Italian Stallion.
‘The Killer’ November 10 | Movie
Receiving a limited theatrical release the week before its Netflix debut, The Killer is based on the hit graphic novel of the same name by Alexis Nolent. From acclaimed director David Fincher (Mank, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Zodiac, Gone Girl, Panic Room), the movie follows a cold and calculated assassin who waits in the shadows for his next target. Yet, the longer he waits, the further he descends into madness. Is he losing his mind? At the very least, he’s losing his calm, cool, and collected disposition.
Michael Fassbender portrays the primary character with Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard, and Sophie Charlotte starring in supporting roles.
‘Stamped From the Beginning’ November 15 | Documentary Film
Netflix writes, “Using innovative animation and expert insights, this documentary based on the award-winning bestseller explores the history of racist ideas in America.” The author behind the best-selling novel Dr. Ibram X. Kedni will join other luminaries and academics, including poet and novelist Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, political activist and philosopher Angela Davis, and activist and co-founder of Campaign Zero (an American police reform campaign) Brittany Packnett Cunningham, among many others.
‘Rustin’ November 17 | Movie
Rustin is definitely an Oscar hopeful from Netflix. It’s a biopic, and we know how such formats treated Rami Malek, Ben Kingsley, Renée Zellweger, and many others who have stepped into the shoes of historical figures and/or pop culture notables. This film outlines the life and career of the gay and civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 March on Washington.
Colman Domingo leads the cast with Glynn Turman, Chris Rock, Audra McDonald, Aml Ameen, and Gus Halper co-starring. George C. Wolfe — known for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Nights in Rodanthe, and The Immortan Life of Henrietta Lacks — directs with a screenplay from Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black.
‘Leo’ November 21 | Animated Movie
What beats Adam Sandler voicing a pet lizard who, when he realizes he doesn’t have much time left on this earth, decides to venture outside his glass habitat for a new lease on life? After escaping from their terrarium in a school classroom, Leo and his turtle pal (Bill Burr) come to discover a great deal about life and love via a comedic and family-friendly lens.
‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ November 22 | Reality Competition Series
Though we may have some moral hangups concerning a reality series based on a series that showcased poverty-stricken individuals in a fatal contest to escape their difficult lives…here it is nonetheless. Squid Game: The Challenge will pit contestants against one another in a series of tasks that parallel those seen in the K-drama that took the world by storm in 2021. Yet, rather than falling to their deaths, these contestants will presumably fall into foam-filled pits.
‘Family Switch’ November 30 | Movie
The loveable Jennifer Garner is back for yet another family-friendly comedy. Boasting a Freaky Friday-like premise, the movie follows the Walker family after a chance encounter with an astrologer places them in each other’s bodies. Can they come together to pull off each other’s tasks — from landing a promotion to scoring a record deal? The film also stars Wednesday alumnus Emma Myers, Ed Helms, Brady Noon, and Rita Moreno.
