Netflix is contributing to the golden age of television and film and it just seems that 2017 is the company’s year.
The subscription based site has proved its worth with smash hits like Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things but nobody has really been raving about their original feature films… Until now that is. With big name stars like Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Tilda Swinton, Netflix is continuing to step up its game. Netflix announced earlier this year that they will be releasing around 1000 hours worth of footage in 2017.
Here are some of the most anticipated Netflix Original Feature films coming to a screen near you very soon:
Burning Sands
Release date: March 10
Directed by Gerard McMurray and based on a story by McMurray and Christine Berg, this drama is a fresh take on the classic fraternity hazing story gone wrong. A favoured freshman and new pledgee is torn between honouring his code of silence or breaking that silence on the violence that occurs during fraternity hazing.
Deidra & Laney Rob a Train
Release date: March 17
Directed by Sydney Freeland, this crime comedy follows the tale of two teenage sisters who turn to train robbery to support their family after their mother ends up in jail. The film is a fun take on the financial struggles many often face. The film, which premiered at Sundance in January is said to channel Little Miss Sunshine with the fresh-faced actresses Ashleigh Murray and Rachel Crow.
The Discovery
Release date: March 31
This British-American romantic science fiction film is directed by Charlie McDowell and also premiered at Sundance this year. Set one year after the existence of the after-life has been scientifically proven, this film follows the backlash of the discovery and the romantic tale between the scientists son and a mysterious women. The Discovery features Jason Segel and Rooney Mara.
Blame!
Release date: May 20
Based on the 1998 cyberpunk manga written by Tsutomu Nihei, this anime adaptation follows a mysterious human protagonist named Killy in the distant future where what’s left of the human race is contained inside a vast and dangerous labyrinth. It’s up to Killy to bring civilisation back from near extinction.
War Machine
Release date: May 26
This upcoming American war film is directed and written by David Michôd and is based on the non-fiction novel The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan, written by journalist Michael Hastings. Featuring Brad Pitt and Tilda Swinton, the satirical film details the author’s travels with General Stanley McChrystal and his team in 2010. Following Pitt’s character General Glen McMahon, the film plays out to be a funny take on the situation but has some serious undertones, due to the fact that it’s based on a true story.
Okja
Release date: June 28
Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, Okja is a film with a fresh spin on the classic tale of friendship. It follows the journey of a young Korean girl and her giant animal best friend Okja across continents where they’re faced with the harsh realities of the modern world. Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal and Giancarlo Esposito join the cast with child actress Seo-Hyun Ahn. Read more on Okja in FIB’s review of the teaser trailer, released earlier this year.
Bright
Release date: December 2017
Directed by David Ayer, this fantasy film is set in a world where humans and mythical creatures live side-by-side. A Los Angeles Police Officer, played by Will Smith, teams up with an Orc cop to find a weapon everyone is prepared to kill for. After a routine night patrol by the two officers, they encounter something that could change the world as they know it.
