With a spate of web series and films hitting the OTT space of late, here’s a look at the ones worth a binge-watch
Sheetal
Only a month of 2024 has gone by but going by the number of OTT releases so far, one feels like the binge-content would last a year! We list some of the popular series that are not worth missing.
Musical stars
The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
This docu-series is an in-depth look at the creation of the iconic charity single We Are the World in 1985. It throws light on Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, and brings together 46 of the biggest pop music stars to record the song in one night. It shares behind-the-scenes dynamics, trivia and anecdotes, including how egos were managed and how the song-writing process unfolded. The song went on to win two Grammys and raised millions for famine relief in Africa.
Crime drama
Griselda (Netflix)
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
This American biographical crime drama is directed by Andrés Baiz (previously directed Narcos, Narcos: Mexico), and produced by Eric Newman and Sofía Vergara. As Sofia Vergara stars in the titular role of notorious Colombian drug lord, the miniseries explores her rise and fall in managing drug business in Miami. The six-episode series has been written by Doug Miro and Ingrid Escajeda.
Mysterious disappearance
True Detective: Night Country (JioCinema)
IMDb rating: 7/10*
The anthology series returns after almost five years with its fourth season. The latest instalment stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as a pair of detectives, Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, respectively, tasked with investigating a mysterious case — the disappearance of eight men who operate an Arctic research station. In the six-episode series, it introduces a gripping tale set in the Alaskan winter. Only four episodes are out in this fourth season, while a new episode drops every Sunday.
Hidden identity
Mr & Mrs Smith (Prime Video)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
It is a series adaptation of the eponymous 2005 film, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It is a fresh take on the spy couple trope played by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, who initially met as strangers. As they are recruited by a mysterious spy agency, they assume new identities and enter into an arranged marriage to become Mr and Mrs John and Jane Smith. The series has been created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover.
Community issues
Expats (Prime Video)
IMDb rating: 5.9/10*
This American drama television miniseries, created by Lulu Wang, is based on the 2016 novel titled The Expatriates by Janice YK Lee. Set in Hong Kong, it follows the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community. It depicts how a single encounter sets off life-altering chain of events that leaves a group of multifaceted women navigating between accountability and blame. It stars Nicole Kidman, Margaret, Sarayu Blue, Hilary Starr, Ji-young Yoo, Mercy, Brian Tee, Clarke, Tiana Gowen and Daisy Woo. Only three episodes have been released as of now and a new episode drops every Friday.
Tumultuous times
Wil (Netflix)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10)
This period war film follows the journey of a German police officer named Wil Wilfred, and a Jewish family compelled to live as refugees in their own country due to Nazi oppression. Originally made in Flemish, a low Franconian dialect cluster of the Dutch language, it is available in English and Hindi. The 2023 film has been dropped by Netflix under the title Will. It has been directed by Tim Mielants.
(*Rating is not final, as it’s an ongoing series with an episode releasing each week)
