397 Movies Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Page 21)

As far as newsroom dramas go, Alaska Daily is on the cheesier side, its structure hewing closer to network television than cinematic streaming. There's always a lesson to be learned and an evil to be exposed, which leaves little room for gray areas. But ultimately, the series is smart, good-hearted, and clear about what it stands for, namely, the importance of community journalism and ethical storytelling. 

It's also plain riveting to watch; each episode unravels the main mysteries (that of government corruption and indigenous neglect) along with a side mystery that may seem incidental at first, but proves to be central to the themes the show plays with. The series also looks into the intersection between the press, politics, and crime, proving that journalism isn't as clean nor heroic as it may sometimes seem.

Showrunner Tom McCarthy was also the brain behind the award-winning newspaper drama Spotlight, so it's not surprising to see his precise insights about the craft make their way into this series. But to be sure, Alaska Daily is no Spotlight, or for that matter, The Newsroom. It's neither fast-paced nor splashy, but it's all the better without being those. Alaska Daily is about the little guys, and as that, it succeeds. 

Genre: Drama

Actor: Craig Frank, Grace Dove, Hilary Swank, Jeff Perry, Matt Malloy, Meredith Holzman

Rating: TV-PG

It wasn’t until recently that Chinese science fiction has become popular, as plenty of the stories can now take flight through non-traditional internet channels and the translation work of Asian Americans like Ken Liu. 3 Body Problem by Liu Cixinis one of those translations, and with the Game of Thrones showrunners along with Alexander Woo, Netflix has created their own take on the ambitious, innovative sci-fi novel. It doesn’t quite match up, but the show is able to take the novel’s unique blend of abstract theoretical physics with intriguing mystery and meditations on how scientific exploration is driven and stopped by religion and politics. The multiple storylines and times that can get confusing, but ultimately, the show is still able to sustain its tension through great world building and intimate drama. With the source material fully completed, we’re hoping that the showrunners don't run into the same snafus that plagued Game of Thrones’ ending, but so far, Netflix’s take on the 3 Body Problem is a decent introduction to Liu’s sci-fi masterpiece.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Actor: Alex Sharp, Ben Schnetzer, Benedict Wong, Eiza González, Jess Hong, John Bradley, Jonathan Pryce, Jovan Adepo, Liam Cunningham, Marlo Kelly, Rosalind Chao, Saamer Usmani, Sea Shimooka, Zine Tseng

Rating: TV-MA

The show has an easy to follow format with the curated version of events, especially with the premise always guiding the experience. The sudden changes in footage quality and music both service the atmosphere by turning the mundane uncomfortable and chilling (though I am generally ambivalent to films with a lot of gimmicks). Still, the show seems more interesting as a whole than in its tiny details. It’s effective at high tension developments and confrontations, utilizing the drama from various power dynamics, but it’s also passable in other regards. In the grand scheme of things, it can be a tedious, overwhelming watch.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Actor: Anahí Allue, Bárbara López, Belinda, Costanza Andrade, Diego Boneta, Fernando Cuautle, Jorge Zárate, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Roberto Duarte, Zuria Vega

Director: Humberto Hinojosa

Bright, chaotic, and surprisingly funny, Wake Up Carlo seems like one of those kid’s shows that could make adults laugh. The show first starts in an idyllic, nature-filled island that feels like a feverish acid trip complete with a talking mountain, but this strange setting gets replaced with rectangular blocky buildings, an influencer-esque dictator, and unethical memory wiping of small joys common people have lost. Through every neon colored frame, Carlo and his friends go through familiar absurdities with the fast paced jibber-jabber, but it still keeps it PG enough that kids could enjoy. While some of the jabs might be too kooky for some viewers, Wake Up Carlo is a reminder for adults to remember childhood’s simplicities, while it pokes fun at the ever complex world we’ve created.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Animation

Actor: Gustavo Pereira

Rating: TV-Y

Less medical drama and more spy bromance, The Patients of Dr. Garcia is a new perspective on World War II Spain. Starting from the Spanish Civil War, the country is torn between the Republicans (“Reds”) and the fascist-aligned Nationalists. The titular doctor, a liberal Republican, hides the wounded spy Arroyo in his quarters, much to the disapproval of Garcia’s Falangist lover. Arroyo later pays back this favor by forging a fake identity for Garcia, but invites him to his mission to infiltrate Nazi escape routes. The overall plot, with its steady pace, political details and ever changing forged identities, can feel overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with Spanish history. However, the stunning cinematography, divine sets, and unexpected plot twists make the espionage series compelling to watch.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Eva Llorach, Javier Rey, Raúl Jiménez, Stephanie Cayo, Tamar Novas, Verónica Echegui

This six-episode whodunit isn’t breaking any new ground, but it’s entertaining and engaging, especially with the rebellious Lidia Poët (Matilda De Angelis) as the lead. She’s smart and determined but not wholly immune to weaknesses—a sort of Enola Holmes for the more mature crowd. Her story is also a timeless reminder of the uphill battle women have fought (and are continuing to fight) for visibility and equality. 

The familiar setup might also work for classic mystery fans. It’s a treat to dive into each episode knowing a new case is to be solved and a new lesson to be learned. The ending might be predictable at times, but this is one of those shows where the journey matters more than the destination. Italy in the early 20th century was a surprisingly restrictive and patriarchal society, making Lidia's successes all the more noteworthy and resonant.

Genre: Crime, Drama, War & Politics

Actor: Dario Aita, Eduardo Scarpetta, Matilda De Angelis, Nicolo Pasetti, Sara Lazzaro

Director: Letizia Lamartire, Matteo Rovere

Rating: TV-MA

The show creates anxiety in many different ways: in what's to come, in blatant foreshadowing, and in awkward character dynamics. Alongside this constant tension, it provides humorous release in unexpected places, functioning like a pill before a flight. It gets so much mileage out of seemingly so little—namely the push and pull of the negotiation storyline, as well as the push and pull of the dynamic pool of bumbling and brave archetypes we have on this flight. At its best, it has the potential to be the most intense thing in the world; and at worst, you develop a phobia.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Alián Devetac, Ángela Cano, Carlos Manuel Vesga, Christian Tappán, Enrique Carriazo, Ilenia Antonini, Johan Rivera Zumaqué, Juan Pablo Raba, Marcela Benjumea, Monica Lopera, Valentín Villafañe

Rating: TV-MA

From the creators of Downton Abbey comes another period drama about social climbers and too-big homes. The Gilded Age, set in 1880s New York, follows Marian Brook as she arrives in the big city from a small town in Pennsylvania. Here, in her new home, she navigates her place among the old and new rich, as well as the upper and lower classes. 

It's not the most exciting thing on TV, but its pleasant pace, witty dialogue, and relatively low stakes make it a soothing but still stimulating watch. The grand costume and production design also make The Gilded Age a visual delight; all in all, a good period drama to lose yourself into. 

Genre: Drama, History

Actor: Blake Ritson, Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Denée Benton, Harry Richardson, Jack Gilpin, Louisa Jacobson, Morgan Spector, Simon Jones, Taissa Farmiga, Thomas Cocquerel

Rating: TV-MA

A few minutes in, it’s easy to dismiss The Flatshare as typical romcom fare. It’s brimming with cliches and cutesy flairs, plus the premise sounds like a contrived way to set up a “Will they or won’t they?” romance. But as it goes along, The Flatshare carves depths to its seemingly simple story. The timeshare aspect speaks to the growing housing insecurity in the UK, where even a materialistic girl like Tiffany is pushed to share a flat. Meanwhile, her disturbing relationship with her ex is an accurate portrayal of how innocuous abuse can seem to outsiders. And of course, there is the unjust incarceration of Leon’s brother, which the show sensitively handles. The Flatshare has a darkness to it that can slip away if you focus too much on its romcom sheen, but if you can appreciate both, then the show comes as a welcome surprise, one that’s equal parts serious and sweet.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Actor: Anthony Welsh, Bart Edwards, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jonah Hauer-King, Shaniqua Okwok

Part Mr. and Mrs. Smith and part Parasite, The Company You Keep follows conman Charlie (Milo Ventimiglia) and CIA agent Emma (Catherine Haena Kim) as they pursue a whirlwind romance while keeping their real identities from each other. Charlie pulls off heists with the help of his family, all of whom are part of his crime business, while making sure to target only the Big Bads (that is, wealthy criminals who have yet to be caught). It's not long before Charlie and Emma cross paths as their true selves, but till then, the show makes sure it has a lot of fun with close encounters, hijinks, and elaborate capers filled with delightful disguises. 

If you’re looking for an easy watch that has everything—romance, crime, drama, comedy—then this should be on your to-watch list.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Catherine Haena Kim, Felisha Terrell, Freda Foh Shen, James Saito, Milo Ventimiglia, Polly Draper, Sarah Wayne Callies, Tim Chiou, William Fichtner

Rating: TV-14

What starts out a cliche outdoor party scene with admittedly introspective narration, takes a hard left turn into its trippy premise. As soon as the story’s complexity and depth make its presence felt with its many intertwining characters and narratives, the experience can range from interesting, to lethargic, to confusing. Characters don't feel all that different, and all the "resets" can make the series feel un-homely for long stretches, like it's constantly drifting away from answers. At its best, it’s caring, ambitious, and it knows the last possible second to dangle a carrot in front of you. But it’s also a lot of bland carrots to keep track of.

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Actor: Anne Azoulay, Khalil Ben Gharbia, Maïra Schmitt, Marguerite Thiam, Mélanie Doutey, Raïka Hazanavicius, Samuel Benchetrit, Théo Fernandez

Director: Émilie Noblet, Julien Despaux

Rating: TV-MA