5 great picks worth watching on Netflix this weekend

As we wait in hope for a glimmer of sunshine, a cosy night in with Netflix will have to do 

The Business of Drugs

The War on Drugs has been raging in America and worldwide for decades and in the Netflix Original series The Business of Drugs, former CIA officer Amaryllis Fox exposes the chilling economic forces that drive it all. Whether tracking the flow of meth through the jungles of Myanmar, or seeking out the roots of the current Opioid crisis or investigating the effects of a new legal weed market the series is a smart, provocative and raw look into the dark corners of the drug trade. It’s a fascinating watch.

Unsolved Mysteries  

Fusing signature elements from the original series with contemporary immersive, character-driven storytelling, some of the newer episodes are rooted in the experiences of ordinary people who have lived the unthinkable — from the trauma of a loved one’s unexplained disappearance or horrific death to the shock of a bizarre paranormal encounter. Alongside detectives and journalists, family members offer clues, present theories, and identify suspects, hoping one viewer holds the key to solving the mystery. From the producers of Stranger Things.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron 

A travel show with Zac Efron? You’d better believe this will make for good TV. The actor journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live. The two visit France, Puerto Rico, Iceland, London, Costa Rica, Lima, Sardinia and Iquitos to discover what it means to make a difference in sustainability. “We are travelling around the world to find some new perspectives on some very old problems,” Efron says in the trailer. “Food, water and energy are all the main staples for modern life. We’re going to meet some top eco-innovators to see how change is an inside job.”

Atonement

When young Brionny Talis (a brilliant and Oscar-nominated introduction to Saoirse Ronan) discovers a letter not meant for her eyes, it sets in motion a tragic chain of events. Director Joe Wright’s skilful direction meant that Keira Knightley delivered her best performance to date, and every frame was a visual delight, fused with colour. That now-iconic green dress and infamous love scene didn’t hurt either. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet movie.

Masterchef UK

Fellow cooking show obsessives, good news: There are two seasons of Masterchef UK (and Masterchef: The Professionals) readily available to watch on the streaming service. Join food critic Gregg Wallace and chef John Torode as they attempt to search for the culinary geniuses, hidden in plain sight. The Professionals variation has one great thing going for it though: The Skills Test. If you’re having an I-can’t-even-boil-an-egg kinda day, you’d be amazed at how many professional chefs flounder under the pressure.