Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
February is the month of love, but also of entertainment. Whether you are looking for a romantic comedy, a thrilling drama, or a gripping documentary, you will find plenty of options to stream online. From the return of some fan-favourite shows, such as Julia and True Detective, to the debut of some original films, such as The New Look and The Changeling, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the top 10 best new films and TV shows to stream in February 2024.
Julia, HBO Max
Julia is a biographical drama series that chronicles the life and career of Julia Child, the legendary American chef, author, and TV personality, who introduced French cuisine to the American public. The series stars Sarah Lancashire as Julia, David Hyde Pierce as her husband Paul, and Tom Hollander as her mentor James Beard. The series follows Julia’s journey from her early days in Paris, where she enrolled in the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, to her rise to fame as the host of The French Chef, the first cooking show on American television. The series also explores Julia’s personal and professional challenges, such as her infertility, her espionage activities during World War II, and her rivalry with other chefs. Julia is a series that celebrates the passion and talent of a woman who changed the world of food and culture.
Release date: February 4
True Detective Season 4, HBO
True Detective is a critically acclaimed anthology series that follows different detectives and cases in each season, with a focus on the dark and complex aspects of human nature. The fourth season stars Mahershala Ali as Wayne Hays, a retired detective who is haunted by a missing children case he investigated in 1980. The season also stars Stephen Dorff as his partner Roland West, Carmen Ejogo as his wife Amelia Reardon, and Scoot McNairy as the father of the missing boy. The season spans three time periods: 1980, when the case first occurred; 1990, when the case was reopened; and 2015, when Wayne is interviewed by a true-crime documentary filmmaker. The season also features references and connections to the previous seasons, creating a larger and richer narrative. True Detective is a series that delivers a gripping and compelling story, with superb performances and cinematography.
Release date: February 11
The New Look, Apple TV+
The New Look is a historical drama series that tells the story of the epic rivalry between Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, two of the most influential and visionary fashion designers of the 20th century. The series is based on the novel by Luke Jennings, and stars Juliette Binoche as Chanel, Ben Mendelsohn as Dior, and Timothée Chalamet as Yves Saint Laurent. The series depicts the personal and professional lives of Chanel and Dior, as well as the social and political context of their time, revealing the secrets, scandals, and passions behind their creations. The series also features a stellar cast, including Juliette Binoche as Chanel, Ben Mendelsohn as Dior, and Timothée Chalamet as Yves Saint Laurent. The New Look is a series that brings to life the glamour and drama of the fashion world, and its impact and importance in the world.
Release date: February 18
The Changeling, Apple TV+
The Changeling is a horror fantasy series that adapts the novel of the same name by Victor LaValle, following a man who goes in search of his wife after she does the unthinkable following the birth of their first child. The series stars LaKeith Stanfield as Apollo Kagwa, a rare book dealer and new father, and Adina Porter as Emma Valentine, his wife and a librarian. The series follows Apollo’s journey into a dark and dangerous world of myths and magic, where he encounters creatures and characters from folklore and literature, such as witches, trolls, and fairies. The series also explores themes of parenthood, identity, and trauma, as well as the power and peril of stories. The Changeling is a series that combines horror and fantasy, with a touch of mystery and humor.
Release date: February 25
The Dig, Netflix
The Dig is a historical drama film that tells the story of the excavation of the Sutton Hoo burial site, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in British history. The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Preston, and stars Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty, a wealthy widow who owns the land where the site is located, and Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown, a self-taught archaeologist who leads the dig. The film follows the events of 1939, when Edith hires Basil to investigate the mysterious mounds on her property, and they uncover a ship burial containing priceless Anglo-Saxon artifacts. The film also depicts the personal and professional relationships of the people involved in the dig, as well as the impact of the looming World War II. The Dig is a film that celebrates the beauty and mystery of history, and the human spirit that uncovers it.
Release date: February 1
The Changeling, Prime Video
The Changeling is a psychological thriller film that tells the story of a woman who suspects that her husband is hiding a dark secret from her, and that their son may not be their own. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Laura Lippman, and stars Naomi Watts as Jeanne, a successful journalist and mother, and Justin Theroux as Adam, her husband and a bestselling author. The film follows Jeanne’s investigation into Adam’s past, after she finds a photo of him with another woman and a child who looks exactly like their son. The film also reveals the secrets and lies of their marriage, as well as the consequences of their actions. The Changeling is a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns that will shock and surprise you.
Release date: February 8
The Lost Daughter, Netflix
The Lost Daughter is a drama film that tells the story of a woman who confronts her past and her choices as a mother, after she becomes obsessed with another woman and her daughter on a seaside vacation. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante, and marks the directorial debut of Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film stars Olivia Colman as Leda, a middle-aged professor and divorcee, and Dakota Johnson as Nina, a young mother and wife. The film follows Leda’s fascination with Nina and her daughter, as well as her flashbacks to her own life as a young mother, and the events that led her to abandon her family. The film also explores themes of motherhood, identity, and desire, as well as the complexity and ambiguity of human relationships. The Lost Daughter is a film that offers a nuanced and honest portrayal of a woman’s journey, with stellar performances and direction.
Release date: February 15
The White Tiger, Netflix
The White Tiger is a crime drama film that tells the story of a man who rises from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur, by using his wit, cunning, and ambition. The film is based on the Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name by Aravind Adiga, and stars Adarsh Gourav as Balram, a poor villager who becomes a driver for a rich couple, played by Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The film follows Balram’s transformation from a loyal servant to a ruthless businessman, as he navigates the corruption and inequality of India’s society and economy. The film also exposes the dark and brutal realities of the country’s class system, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the globalized world. The White Tiger is a film that delivers a powerful and provocative story, with a dose of satire and humor.
Release date: February 22
The Social Network 2, Prime Video
The Social Network 2 is a biographical drama film that tells the story of the rise and fall of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, one of the most influential and controversial companies in the world. The film is a sequel to the 2010 film The Social Network, which depicted the creation of Facebook and the legal battles that followed. The film is based on the book The Facebook Effect by David Kirkpatrick, and features the same director, writer, and cast as the original film. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, and Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins. The film covers the events of the past decade, from Facebook’s expansion and innovation, to its scandals and controversies, such as the Cambridge Analytica data breach, the Russian interference in the 2016 US election, the spread of fake news and hate speech, and the antitrust lawsuits. The film also explores the personal and professional life of Zuckerberg, as well as the impact of his vision and actions on the world. The Social Network 2 is a film that offers a fascinating and critical insight into the man and the company that changed the world.
Release date: February 29
Love is Blind Season 6, Netflix
Love is Blind is a reality dating show that tests whether love is truly blind, by putting singles in pods where they can only communicate by voice, without seeing each other. The show follows the participants as they date, propose, and get married, within a span of a few weeks. The show also reveals the challenges and surprises that await them, as they meet their partners face to face, and introduce them to their families and friends. The show also explores the issues and conflicts that arise from their different backgrounds, personalities, and preferences. Love is Blind is a show that offers a unique and addictive experiment, that questions the nature and meaning of love.
Release date: February 14
The Trial of the Chicago 7, Netflix
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a historical drama film that tells the story of the infamous trial of seven activists who were charged with conspiracy and inciting riots, following the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film is written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, and features an ensemble cast, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton. The film depicts the events and personalities of the trial, as well as the political and social context of the time, revealing the injustice and absurdity of the case. The film also highlights the courage and conviction of the defendants, who stood up for their rights and ideals. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a film that delivers a powerful and relevant message, with a brilliant script and performances.
Release date: February 21
The Crown Season 5, Netflix
The Crown is a critically acclaimed drama series that chronicles the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her ascension to the throne in 1952, to the present day. The series is known for its historical accuracy, lavish production, and stellar cast, who change every two seasons to reflect the aging of the characters. The fifth season stars Imelda Staunton as the Queen, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, and Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana. The season covers the events of the 1990s, such as the Gulf War, the fall of Margaret Thatcher, the divorce of Charles and Diana, and the death of Diana. The season also explores the personal and professional challenges of the Queen, as well as the changing role and image of the monarchy. The Crown is a series that offers a fascinating and intimate insight into the history and culture of the UK, and the world.
Release date: February 28
These are the top 10 best new films and TV shows to stream in February 2024. There are many more to choose from, depending on your taste, mood, and interest. February is a month that offers a variety of entertainment options, from romance and comedy, to drama and thriller, to documentary and fantasy. So, don’t miss out on the chance to watch some of the best content online, and enjoy the month of love and entertainment.
