Growing up in a non-English speaking country, I was exposed to multiple languages from a very early age. Because of that, films and TV in different languages is something I have been exposed to all of my life. But, perhaps ignorantly on my part, I did not realise that language was something that would turn people off from watching certain things. Maybe because they do not like the idea of subtitles or that some shows or films do not have dubbed versions (not my personal preference but to each their own).
However, there have been so many excellent, binge-able shows that have come out on Netflix in the past few years that I had to talk about some of my favourites. Indeed, it’s almost refreshing not being familiar with the actors in advance, as it allowed me to separate myself from the actors’ personality or past characters on to the current characters. You know what I mean, you see Matthew Perry playing a serious character but all you can think about is why Chandler Bing is in trouble with the mob!
The obscurity of the actors from the English speaking film and TV world helps bring suspense to the show. The moment you see Al Pacino on a poster, it is almost guaranteed that he will be playing a serious role (Meet the Fockers excluded, obviously). But honestly, more than anything, I am thrilled to have more options of things to watch! So, before I start rambling on, here are some non-English shows that are worth watching:
Dark
(3 Seasons – Complete)
The best way to describe this time-travelling science fiction, German show is a darker, more industrial Stranger Things. Odd comparison for anyone who has watched both, I know but bear with me while I explain. The show follows a young boy Jonas who, after recently losing his dad to suicide, discovers a wormhole underneath a nuclear power-plant in the German town Winden, in 2019 that connects to the past in 33 year increments. The following drama spans four generations, bringing to light double-lives, fractured families and long-kept secrets.
The Rain
(3 Seasons – Complete)
This Danish post-apocalyptic show explores a world that is ravaged by a fatal, airborne carried by rain. Following siblings, Simone and Rasmus, they discover why their father seemingly abandoned them at the onset of the disaster, and how he was potentially involved in the outbreak in the first place. But before they can, they team up with another group of survivors, learning to find a life in the new world. Another science-fiction oriented thriller, The Rain is a fast-paced, easy watch to put on the evenings.
Biohackers
(1 Season – Ongoing – Has has been for a second season)
If you’re looking for something less science-fiction based, another show I was hooked on to, this German techno-thriller, Biohackers follows medical student, Mia, who seemingly unwittingly becomes entangled into the world of illegal genetic experiments at a top German university. However, she seems to have underlying reasons for getting herself involved in the dangers, motivated by avenging her dead brother. Like any good revenge story, however, she finds herself faced with the conundrum of carrying out her revenge or protecting the friends she makes on the way.
3%
(4 Seasons – Complete)
This Brazillian dystopian thriller is set in a future that has 20-year olds fighting through a series of challenges known as ’the process’ that give them the chance to leave the impoverished ‘Inland’ for a life in the affluent ‘Offshore’ society. However, only 3% of individuals succeed. Friends are turned against each other and lives are lost as a consequence of the actions of others. It took me a few tries to get into this one, but once I did, I could not wait for more seasons to come out! Luckily, you will not have to wait like I did as the series is complete as of the release of Season 4 in August.
Elite
(3 Seasons – Ongoing – Has been renewed for a final fourth and fifth seasons)
Moving away from the science-fiction shows, this Spanish teen drama/thriller had my sister obsessed back in the summer. Often compared to a Gossip Girlesq drama, Elite takes a darker twist to the halls of an exclusive private school. The show follows three friends, working-class friends, at the school, Samuel, Nadia and Christian, who find themselves embroiled in the dramas of the affluent, including love affairs, morally grey areas of intrigue and murder.
Money Heist
(2 Seasons in 4 parts – Ongoing – Renewed for a fifth and final part)
I heard about this all quarantine long while my brother and sister-in-law were watching it, yet for some reason, it took me until near the end of August before I decided to give it a go. A Spanish heist crime drama, the show traces a group of nine people who work to undertake two long-prepared heists in Madrid. There’s not much more I can say about this one without giving it away, but trust me, if you like your heist dramas, this is the show for you!
Hope these manage to keep you busy over the holiday period!
~S~
