What to watch this week: From YouTube cults to a Fincher flick

From deep dives into the dark side of the internet, whether it be an underground world of hacking or YouTube cults that take a horror turn, and a fresh reminder of why we love superhero stories, this week’s got something for everyone. 

Here is this week’s rundown of the latest releases:

[Photo source: Netflix]

Directors Max Rainer and Kilian Lieb, who also double as the documentary’s screenwriters, take the helm in this documentary that exposes a group of hackers’ and takes an immersive dive into their operation from a Cold War-era bunker nestled in a serene German tourist town. 

Unveiling the intricate web of cybercrime activities, the film offers a historical perspective on their influence within the darker corners of the internet. Through a blend of crime-focused storytelling and historical context, it presents a compelling exploration of this concealed underworld.

The contrast between the charm of the small German town and this clandestine operation is a stark one, and divides the reality of this world into the one that is above the ground and one that is below the surface. The past and the future come together in this film. 

Starring: No specific cast

Where to watch: Netflix

[Photo source: Netflix]

This three-part documentary series helmed by Cecilia Peck focuses on an online cult called the Twin Flames Universe (TFU). 

After Marina Zenovich’s Amazon Prime Video series titled Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe came out last month, this series again sheds light on the dangers of online cults like TFU and shows interviews of former members who joined the platform to find their soulmate, like many others. 

Jeff and Shaleia Ayan, who run this YouTube school that claims to help students find their true soulmate, are under the scrutiny of many former members in this documentary with missing family members and reflections on the dark side of such online cults. 

Starring: Marlee, Paula, Stephanie, Louise, Debbie, Maxine, Shanise, Keely

Where to watch: Netflix

[Photo source: Disney+ Hotstar]

This South Korean television series has been adapted from a webtoon of the same name by Kim Gyu-sam. 

Kim Ji Yong, a student at the police academy, witnessed the tragic loss of his mother to a local gangster during his childhood. Driven by a desire for justice, he transforms into a vigilante, taking matters into his own hands by eliminating criminals.

This thriller is a must watch for fans of shows like Marvel’s Jessica Jones and Daredevil, with a classic plot that made us fall in love with heroes in films in the first place. The inner turmoil of Ji Yong, as he navigates the path towards justice both legally and illegally, the constant self reflection about his morality, ethics, and revenge and retribution, all make for great storytelling and a compelling narrative. 

Starring: Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Joon-hyuk, Kim So-jin

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

[Photo source: Netflix]

David Fincher’s action thriller film The Killer is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. 

Isolated, chilly, methodical, and free from moral qualms or remorse, in this film, a killer lurks in the shadows, observing for the next target. However, the longer the wait, the more he feels a sense of losing his sanity, if not his composure.

The screenplay is written by Andrew Kevin Walker and the film is based on the French graphic novel series that goes by the same name and is written by Alexis Nolent with illustrations from Luc Jacamon. 

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, Kerry O’Malley, Sala Baker, Sophie Charlotte, Tilda Swinton

Where to watch: Netflix

[Photo source: Netflix]

This show delves into various facets of love, set amid the pandemic, intertwining 10 distinct tales of human connection and intersecting lives. All these narratives revolve around the creation of a reality dating show.

With people from all walks of life looking for the opportunity to fall in love right in the middle of a global pandemic, the show offers an interesting perspective on the conventional idea of romantic love and how unconventional it can be. 

Starring: Po-Hung Lin, Vivian Sung, Esther Liu

Where to watch: Netflix

[Photo source: Netflix]

This Tamil-language romantic drama is both written and directed by Yuvaraj Dhayalan. 

In this film, the seemingly flawless life of a marriage counselor becomes entangled due to her own ways and methods. The essence of this film lies in whether her personal challenges are resolved and if she can return to a content married life. Along the way, we witness the highs and lows of two other couples.

With a great attention to detail in storytelling and an interesting narrative, this film will make for an interesting weekend watch for married and unmarried folks alike. 

Starring: Shraddha Srinath, Vikram Prabhu, Vidharth, Sri, Abarnathi, Saniya Iyappan

Where to watch: Netflix