Hi there. It’s been awhile. February 19th to be exact. The cost to keep my website going is about $300 a year so at the rate I’m writing it is costing me $150 per post. Alas, I just can’t let it go in case I am suddenly inspired to share.

If you’re like me, you are endlessly interested in hearing about what people are watching and also endlessly talking about the shows you love. Here is a list of my recent favourite movies and series to keep you entertained all winter long.

Off Track (Netflix)
This movie was an unexpected joy to watch. This Swedish film (please watch in its original language) is about a dysfunctional woman and her perfectionist brother and skiing Vasaloppet, Sweden’s famous ski race. It’s perfect for the holidays. It has just the right amount of everything (drama, humour, plot, character development) a movie needs to be memorable but not life changing. Watch it when the snow flies!

 

Home for Christmas (Netflix)
One of my favourite series to watch at this time of year. Also in another language (Norwegian). And also, please watch it in its original language. I love Johanne, her friends, her family and all of the men she meets in pursuit of ‘the one’. I wish I could watch it for the first time all over again. 

The White Lotus (Hulu/Crave)
When I started watching this series on Crave I wasn’t sure what to think and I wish I would have known from the start that I LOVED it. So weird and good and funny and dark. It’s insightful in ways that might make you feel uncomfortable when you recognize yourself in some of the characters. And the characters and the settings are everything. I think I liked Season 2 even more than Season 1. Get comfy and binge this one hard. I keep refreshing to see if Season 3 is out!

The Bear (Disney+)
This show. It’s so harsh and stressful but so good and nostalgic and sweet. Carmen Berzatto is a fancy chef who has to come home to take over his late brother’s sandwich shop in Chicago. You will root for all of the characters and you won’t want it to end.

Slow Horses (Apple)
Gary Oldman is at his best in this MI5 spy thriller (with humour). He’s a despicable character you can’t help but like. He plays Jack Lamb, in charge of MI5 agent rejects who are still given assignments hoping to make it back to the big show. Great characters and great story lines. 

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu/Disney+)
Set in New York City this series relays what you’ve always imagined living in a New York apartment would be like. Sort of. If one of your neighbours is murdered. And then you podcast about it. Steve Martin and Martin Short are like an old bickering married couple and it’s absolute magic. The show also stars Selena Gomez and she is the perfect anecdote to two old white guy

I Used to Be Famous (Netflix)
Awwww, I loved this movie. Aside from being British (always a sucker) it has 90s boy band vibes and it’s a great story about an unlikely friendship between a washed up pop star and an autistic drummer.

Maudie (Netflix)
This movie is about the difficult but inspiring life of Canadian artist Maud Lewis. (Why when the word Canadian is in front of something does it make me think it’s intrinsically boring?!). This NOT boring film stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke in truly moving performances. You will be moved for sure and wonder why you complain about your own life so much when you could just be finding joy. Thanks for the recommendation, mom.

Casual (Netflix)
SO many laughs throughout this series about two siblings who are really not great people but still so likeable. I couldn’t get enough of it when I was watching it. One of those shows where I would record parts of it on my phone and send to friends so we could laugh together. 

I’d love to hear if you have loved these too and any recommendations you have to share. Leave them your thoughts in the comments! 

A bit more…found this list today of 25 Hidden Gems on Netflix and it looks good too.
And more…when my mom sent back her editing notes she asked, “What about Elvis? Doug and I watched it twice.” We liked it too. 

(header image from HBO)