NETFLIX HIT LIST // what I’m watching

Ah, Netflix – it’s hard to imagine a life before you.

I remember years ago hearing this mythical ‘Netflix’ always being mentioned on American movies. At the time I thought it was another satellite service – like Sky – and it wasn’t until they finally launched in the UK in 2012 I discovered it was a streaming service and could finally see what all the fuss was about.

Firstly there was its groundbreaking interactivity and endless library of programmes and movies. Today Netflix’s proudest achievement is changing the actual landscape of home entertainment with its catalogue of original series.

Because it’s not controlled by strict network rules, NETFLIX has been able to take the power back and bring viewers a range of exciting and innovative programmes – from the gripping Making a Murderer documentary series, to Stranger Things (halfway though – obsessed – Winona Ryder is phenomenal), to Beat Bugs for kids (my girls practically watched the entire series in one rainy day session).

Audrie & Daisy is a heartbreaking documentary focusing on two teenage girls who were both sexually assaulted by school mates, only to then be verbally and psychologically abused by social media and then further traumatised by law enforcement and the legal industry. It’s a tough watch, but so important – especially if you have daughters who are growing up in the digital age.

Then there’s the one I’ve been waiting weeks to see, available on Netflix from this weekend, Amanda Knox. This documentary gets behind the headlines of one of the most shocking and notorious crimes of recent times – the murder of 21-year-old UK woman, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy, in 2007.

It contains a series in-depth interviews with Amanda, who was twice convicted of causing her death alongside her then boyfriend Raffaello Sollecito, and a second man named Rudy Guede. Also speaking out is the Italian prosecutor and a Daily Mail journalist responsible for some of the damning coverage Amanda received before, during and after her trial.

She and Raffaello were later acquitted of the crimes, then completely exonerated last year. Guede remains in prison – not surprisingly, since the evidence against him was damning, but surprisingly since his role in the killing was barely mentioned by the media.

This case has always baffled me; the behaviour of Amanda and Raffaello was unusual, to say the least (displaying little grief, kissing Raffaello in full view of press and police, shopping for underwear just days after Meredith died, smiling and laughing in the courtroom).

But was she a cold and calculated killer, or just incredibly naive? I’m really hoping the documentary will help me make up my mind – I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts.

UPDATE: watched the documentary today, and – wow – it really turns so much about what you thought you knew on its head. No spoilers – just watch it for yourself, if you can!

What are your Netflix favourites? I’m already thinking ahead to my next box-set obsession, so hit me with your recommendations!