Movies

What to Watch After You

BBG News

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be drawn to stories about killers. It’s strange, really, how captivated we are by individuals who commit unspeakable acts. The allure of true-crime narratives and shows dedicated to murder has only grown stronger over time. This fascination is evident in the unprecedented success of Netflix’s own production, “You,” which skyrocketed to become one of their most watched series since its debut in 2018 across an impressive five seasons.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d express it like this: In the series “You,” I find myself stepping into the shoes of Joe Goldberg, a complex character who straddles the line between serial killer and hopeless romantic in the bustling city of New York. After an excursion to London, this fifth and final season finds me back in the Big Apple, attempting to reshape my life with a new spouse and a fresh perspective. Yet, can this transformation endure when I encounter another woman who might just be my destiny?

The response to Joe Goldberg has been intriguing – many find themselves captivated by him despite his undeniable good looks (a trait that the show You emphasizes), even though he’s a cold-hearted murderer and a psychopath. This fascination with Joe mirrors a broader cultural fixation on serial killers. With You, one of the most daring serial killer series in recent times, wrapping up, we offer suggestions for your next binge. If you’re seeking more shows delving into the psyche of a murderer, a bold psychological thriller, or a humorous take on crime, these recommendations should cater to every kind of serial-killer-show enthusiast.

In the mind of a killer

Dexter

Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, works as a forensic investigator at Miami PD while secretly leading a life of vigilante serial killing. Similar to Joe, he follows a strict moral code for his killings, choosing only those who belong to Miami’s criminal underworld. Managing both lifestyles is challenging but keeps viewers hooked. Opinions vary, but many believe the first four seasons are exceptional before the quality gradually decreases, culminating in one of the most criticized series endings of all time. Despite this, Dexter remains one of Showtime’s most-watched shows and has led to two spin-offs (Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: New Blood) with more planned in the future.

Available to stream on Netflix, Paramount+, and Fubo

Sweetpea

Ella Purnell’s stardom has soared due to performances in “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout”. However, her most compelling work can be found in the lesser-known gem, “Sweetpea”, streaming on Starz. In this series, Purnell portrays Rhiannon, a modest woman living in an English town where her identity is largely shaped by others – her father, family business, and a former school bully who continues to influence her life. A startling event dramatically shifts Rhiannon’s path when she takes a bold action, leading her to assert herself in an unexpected and captivating way. “Sweetpea” is a suspenseful, darkly humorous thriller that delves into self-discovery, featuring elements of manipulation, deception, and grisly violence.

Available to stream on Starz and Prime

Bates Motel

In simpler terms, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Psycho” caused fear among many about taking showers due to the introduction of the iconic villain Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins. Nearly six decades later, A&E’s series “Bates Motel” reintroduced Norman (portrayed by Freddie Highmore), focusing on his high school years as he and his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga) open a motel. This long-running A&E show, titled “Bates Motel”, delves into the intricate and frequently unsettling bond between mother and son, shedding light on how their influence shapes the narrative of “Psycho”. It’s often said that a boy’s closest companion is his mother.

Available to stream on Prime

Dark police procedurals

Mindhunter

I never thought delving into research could be this gripping! In David Fincher’s 2017 TV series “Mindhunter”, we follow FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they embark on a unique project, interviewing incarcerated serial killers to understand their psyche. This groundbreaking series offers a chilling glimpse into the minds of some of America’s most notorious murderers during the late 70s and early 80s. Despite its untimely cancellation, the two seasons it produced are undeniably top-notch television.

Available to stream on Netflix

Broadchurch

In a tranquil, idyllic coastal town in England, the serene atmosphere is shattered by the puzzling demise of an 11-year-old child, leading to a whirlwind of speculation from the press. Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) are tasked with unraveling this mystery, while the show, Broadchurch, delves not only into the town’s residents but also the complex relationship between Miller and Hardy.

Remarkably, all 3 seasons of Broadchurch revolve around a single event, unfolding its intricacies from the unearthing of the perpetrator, to court proceedings and the subsequent repercussions. Broadchurch has garnered 3 BAFTAs, boasting an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Jodie Whittaker, Jonathan Bailey, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Charlotte Rampling, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge among others from the British acting elite.

Available to stream on Peacock

Luther

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve witnessed my fair share of gripping dramas, but none have left an indelible mark quite like following John Luther, a relentless detective with the uncanny knack for solving the most complex cases. Serving in the Serious Crime Unit, he’s no stranger to the darkest corners of humanity – the grotesque scenes and gut-wrenching violence that have seeped into his very soul.

In this series, Luther’s life takes a drastic turn when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Alice Morgan (played brilliantly by Ruth Wilson). The cat-and-mouse game between them promises to be a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue, as it becomes increasingly evident that their relationship will irrevocably alter Luther’s life.

Throughout the series, we witness the dangerous dance between these two formidable characters, with Luther tirelessly pursuing justice while Alice skillfully outmaneuvers him at every turn. The question remains: Will Luther finally catch up to Morgan, or will she continue to elude his grasp? The tension is palpable – it’s a race against time to see who will ultimately emerge victorious in this game of wits and survival.

Available to stream on Hulu, Britbox, and AMC+

Psychological thrillers

Sharp Objects

In a nutshell, the character Camille Preaker, portrayed by Amy Adams, grapples with alcohol addiction and has just left a psychiatric facility. However, she gets drawn back into investigative work when two girls are murdered in her small-town home, Wind Gap, Missouri. Upon revisiting this eerie, swampy town, Camille crosses paths once more with her domineering and harsh mother Adora, brilliantly played by Patricia Clarkson, as well as her half-sister Amma, portrayed by Eliza Scanlen. This series, inspired by Gillian Flynn’s novel (“Gone Girl”), is skillfully directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, creating a visually captivating Southern Gothic suspense ride that subtly builds tension. And be prepared, the climactic twist will surely take you by surprise.

Available to stream on MAX

Servant

Following the heartbreaking loss of their child Jericho, Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Toby Kebbell) engage Nell Tiger Free’s character Leanne as their live-in nanny. This is due to Dorothy, grappling with trauma, viewing a reborn doll that has taken Jericho’s place as her actual, living child. Leanne promptly agrees to take on the role, and events grow progressively strange from then on.

The series Servant, spanning over four seasons, is a remarkable feat of production design, with each episode unfolding entirely within the Turner townhouse. This results in a dynamic and unforeseeable exploration of the house’s atmosphere. The acting is top-notch throughout, with Ambrose delivering an exceptional screen performance that stands among the best of the last decade. Dark, unsettling, filled with surprises, and packed with twists, Servant offers a gripping portrayal of family dynamics and the relentless burden of grief.

Available to stream on AppleTV+

A lighter side to murder

Dead to Me

Murder-themed shows don’t always have to be filled with despair. For instance, take the series Dead to Me, featuring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. Their characters, Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Cardellini), form a quick friendship in a grief support group, sharing their recent losses. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn as they find themselves entangled in something far different: concealing a crime together. Although Dead to Me doesn’t shy away from the gravity of death and murder, it also offers a touching, engaging tale about female camaraderie that you can quickly get hooked on.

Available to stream on Netflix

Bad Sisters

The series titled “Bad Sisters” presents a unique blend of darkness and humor. Set in Dublin, it revolves around five sisters, the Garveys, following a mysterious death involving their abusive brother-in-law, John Paul (Claes Bang). Despite everyone having reasons to dislike him, the question arises: Was John Paul’s death natural or was it the result of a conspiracy by the Garvey sisters? The show, masterminded by Sharon Horgan, is a superb black comedy that delves into the strength of sisterhood and our deep-rooted connections. While Season 1 offered a satisfying conclusion, its second season demonstrated there’s still much to uncover within the Garvey family.

Read More

2025-04-25 03:06

Previous post Timothée and Kylie’s Near Golden Globes Boycott: Inside Their Joke Drama!
Next post Top 10 Rob Delaney Movies & Shows: From ‘Catastrophe’ to ‘Deadpool 2’