One Robert Downey Jr and Jake Gyllenhaal film made it on to the list (Image: Phoenix Pictures/Paramount Pictures Warner Bros Pictures)
A night in can quickly turn into an endless scroll through Netflix, with trailers playing and your watchlist growing while you struggle to pick a film.
If you’re spending more time browsing than watching, a few top TV or film recommendations could help narrow the search.
Film reviewer Luke, who posts on TikTok as ‘Lukesreviews’, offers just that. His videos highlight films and TV shows he thinks deserve a place on viewers’ watchlists.
In one of his most recent posts, Luke told his 30,000 followers that they are ‘missing out’ if they haven’t yet watched three particular films currently available on Netflix.
Take a look at his recommendations below.
Prison drama Wasteman was the directorial debut of Cal McMau (Image: Agile Films/It’s All Made Up Productions)
Luke explained that the film follows a prisoner nearing the end of his sentence who is desperate to reconnect with his son. “However, when his new cellmate arrives, it puts his freedom and his life at risk,” he says.
Reflecting on the movie, Luke confessed it felt like a “90-minute anxiety attack” — which may not sound immediately appealing, but guarantees you’ll be firmly glued to your seat throughout.
The film, which marks the directorial debut of Cal McMau, has swiftly established itself as one of the most celebrated British debuts in recent memory, praised for sidestepping well-worn prison-drama clichés in favour of a deeply human and claustrophobic thriller.
It stars David Jonsson as Taylor, Tom Blyth as Dee, Alex Hassell as Paul and Corin Silva as Gaz.
Perks of Being a Wallflower film was written and directed by Stephen Chbosky (Image: Mr. Mudd Productions/Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate)
2. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
“This is about a high school student who struggles to fit in until he meets two older students that change his life forever,” says Luke.
He adds: “But there’s a much deeper and more emotional story that hits you when you least expect it, and it’s one of the most heartbreaking films you will ever watch.. The American coming-of-age drama film is written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his own acclaimed 1999 novel of the same name.. It features a stellar cast, including Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd.. Music also plays a massive role in the story, featuring classic indie and rock tracks such as David Bowie’s “.
The acclaimed American coming-of-age drama is written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, adapted from his own celebrated 1999 novel of the same name.
It boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, comprising Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd.
Music also plays a pivotal role throughout the narrative, showcasing iconic indie and rock tracks including David Bowie’s “Heroes”, The Smiths’ “Asleep”, and Cocteau Twins’ “Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drop”.
Luke said this American mystery thriller film “genuinely got right under my skin”.
Giving the synopsis he shared: “It follows two detectives and a journalist who get obsessed with a serial killer.
“But as the killer continues to haunt the police and public, the more disturbing it becomes.”
Luke claims the film will leave you “hooked from start to finish”
The movie is directed by David Fincher and written by James Vanderbilt, based on the non-fiction books by Robert Graysmith.
Again, it has a glittering cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and Brian Cox.
