Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy adventure narratives, cutesy animated tales, or romantic escapades, Netflix has got you covered with a handful of must-see originals coming to the steamer in February.
‘Orion and the Dark’ | February 2
Orion and the Dark follows Orion, a young boy who is afraid of everything: heights, pets, and, of course, the dark. He is rendered nearly catatonic when the sun goes down and the lights go out. However, when an anthropomorphized, shadow-blobby “night” takes Orion on an evening trip, he comes to understand that all there is to be afraid of is fear itself. The animated original includes the voice work of Jacob Tremblay as Orion, Paul Walter Hauser as The Dark, and Carla Gugino as Orion’s mom. Sean Charmatz (Trolls, Penguins of Madagascar) directs with a script from Charlie Kaufman, Lloyd Taylor, and Emma Yarlett.
‘One Day’ | February 8
The British limited series One Day is a 20-year romantic saga that begins when Emma (Ambika Modd) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) meet for the first time on the night of graduation. The two agree to go their separate ways, yet meet every year thereafter. The show comes from creator Nicole Taylor, who is known for her work on Heart of Stone, Three Girls, and Wild Rose.
‘Players’ | February 14, 2024
Sportswriter Mack (Gina Rodriguez) knows how to helm and drive successful hook-up plays for his friends. However, when she falls for one of her targets, she must change her approach to learn what it takes to go from scoring to playing for keeps. The upcoming film from director Trish Sie (Pitch Perfect 3) and writer Whit Anderson (Daredevil, Ocean’s 8, Ozark) also stars Tom Ellis of Lucifer fame and Damon Wayans Jr.
‘Einstein and the Bomb’ | February 19
The upcoming docudrama Einstein and the Bomb combines archival footage with dramatizations, bringing to life key moments in the famed scientist’s life, honing in on how his achievements altered the course of history. Everything he says in the film is directly pulled from words he said or wrote. The movie stars Aidan McArdle as Albert Einstein with Anthony Philipson (Coppers, Our Girl, Desperate Measures) directing.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ | February 22
A live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed animated series from creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Avatar: The Last Airbender is arguably the most highly-anticipated series dropping on Netflix in February. The spiritually charged, fantasy adventure saga follows Aang and his motley crew of friends — who unite to save the world from the destructive and control-seeking Fire Nation. From creator Albert Kim, the series stars Gordon Cormier as Aang, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Daniel Dae Kim, Tamlyn Tomita, Elizabeth Yu, Kiawentiio, and Dallas Liu.
‘Mea Culpa’ | February 23
From director and writer Tyler Perry, Mea Culpa follows an ambitious criminal defense attorney who, yearning to be named partner, takes on a murder case of an artist. The legal thriller stars Sean Sagar, RonReaco Lee, Trevante Rhodes, Kerry O’Malley, Shannon Thornton, and Kelly Rowland.
