Top 14 new releases coming soon to Netflix UK in November 2014
David Farnor | On 31, Oct 2014
November is upon us – which means a whole month of new Netflix releases, from rebooted cartoons and remade action flicks to shocking documentaries, Christian Bale and, yes, a Christmas movie.
Here are the best new films and TV shows coming soon to Netflix UK in November. (For a full list, see our list of VOD release dates.)
Note: Titles can appear up to 48 hours, earlier than stated.
Blackfish – 1st November
Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary about Tilikum, an orca captured and separated from his family, is a chilling, provocative film that will leave you angry at the human race – and determined never to go to a SeaWorld in your life.
House, M.D: Season 1 to 8 – 1st November
Hugh Laurie plays an abrasive, intelligent doctor with a knack for solving obscure medical conditions and falling out with as many people as possible. Amusing, dramatic, scientific. What more do you need?
The Office (US): Season 8 – 1st November
The US remake of The Office is better than the UK. There, we said it. Season 8, though, sees the series struggle to replace Steve Carell as dimwitted boss, Michael. In control of the company now? Ed Helms as Andy Bernard and his boss, Robert California (James Spader).
RoboCop – 7th November
This remake of the sci-fi classic loses some of the satire, but makes up for it with an unexpected heart, as star Joel Kinnaman turns the conversion of an injured cop to a mechanised super-detective into a compelling human drama
Virunga – 7th November
This documentary details the brave people risking their lives to build a better future in a part of Africa long since forgotten. In the Virunga National Park, life flourishes with lush plant and wildlife and it’s a battleground for rogue soldiers, opportunistic poachers, and a small band of embattled park rangers, the last line of defence to protect the heart and soul of the Eastern Congo.
The Past – 10th November
Asghar Farhadi’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning triumph, A Separation, stars Bérénice Bejo (from The Artist) as Marie, who drags her estranged husband, Ahmad (Mosaffa), from Tehran to finalise their divorce – but why now? As Ahmad comes home, he finds he has to live not only with his ex, but her two daughters from old relationships, her new fella Samir (Tahar Rahim, from A Prophet) and his son.
Monsters, Inc. – 14th November
Are monsters more terrified of us than we are of them? That’s the cute starting point for Pixar’s fluffy flick, which sees John Goodman and Billy Crystal play a double-act of scarers, whose job is to make enough kids scream to provide power for the city. A beautiful piece of world-building and a cute slice of emotion make this a charming Disney adventure that’s definitely not terrifying.
Mulan – 14th November
Woman dresses as man. Woman joins army. Woman goes to fight against the Hun invasion. Disney’s Mulan retells this enjoyably progressive tale in typical House of Mouse style – with fantastical animation, a smattering of songs and Eddie Murphy as a talking dragon.
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas – 23rd November
This straight-to-video sequel to 1999’s Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas is a medley of short outings for the animated mouse and his friends. One of Netflix’s first additions this year for the Christmas season.
Lilyhammer: Season 3 – 21st November
Eight new episodes of the one-hour comedy-drama, following the continuing exploits of Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano, who enters the witness protection programme in the titular Norwegian village.
Jack Reacher – 23rd November
Tom Cruise stars as Lee Child’s eponymous hero, who finds himself investigating the killing spree of an old army buddy. The thriller may not be a classic, but it’s worth it just for the villain played by Werner Herzog.
Exhibition – 24th November
An artist husband and wife come to terms with their relationship while trying to sell their house in Joanna Hogg’s tale of middle class ennui. It isn’t likely to get the crowds in but top performances from Liam Gillick and Viv Albertine certainly add a beating heart under its icy exterior.
Out of the Furnace – 26th November
Two Pennsylvanian brothers fight hard to stay the course in a fading steel town: Rodney Baze (Casey Affleck), a keen but unsuccessful gambler who endures two tours of Iraq and comes back a different kid; and his older sibling, Russell (Christian Bale), who chooses to follow his dying father and work at the local steel mill. Both performances are superb.
VeggieTales in the house: Season 1 – 27th November
A Christian animated series featuring a range of anthropomorphic vegetables acting out Bible stories? It sounds cringe-worthy, but the scarily catchy songs and unfettered silliness make this cartoon surprisingly enjoyable stuff. The show was picked up by NBC several years ago, who edited out the religious content for broadcast to appear neutral. Will Netflix’s original series, made with DreamWorks Animation follow suit?
A Netflix UK subscription costs £5.99 a month for SD streaming – and £6.99 a month for HD.