Three overlooked Netflix films to catch this weekend (April 11–13).

      Endlessly browsing through Netflix without finding anything appealing? We've all experienced this. The streaming platform's homepage often showcases flashy blockbusters and popular titles, but some of the finest films on Netflix are those that don't receive widespread attention. These hidden gems may not be prominently featured, yet they are filled with compelling narratives, strong performances, and a sense of “Why didn’t I see this earlier?”

      This weekend, bypass the usual selections and opt for something less conventional. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping period drama, a poignant war tale, or a narrative inspired by actual events, Netflix has plenty to offer. These underrated films may lack significant publicity, which is precisely why they deserve a place in your watchlist.

      We also provide recommendations for the best films on Netflix, the best films on Hulu, the best films on Amazon Prime Video, the best films on Max, and the best films on Disney+.

      **The Wonder (2022)**

      Following Ireland’s Great Famine, English nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is called to a remote village to observe Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), an 11-year-old girl who asserts she has survived without food for four months. Directed by Sebastián Lelio, The Wonder tracks Lib as she probes into this “miraculous event,” which has drawn crowds from across the nation eager to witness the girl. Tasked with uncovering the truth, Lib approaches the case with scientific skepticism, leading to a conflict with the village's deeply entrenched religious beliefs.

      The Wonder features a wholly original concept based on Emma Donoghue’s 2016 novel of the same name. It excels thanks to Pugh's nuanced performance, portraying a woman caught between her obligations and her beliefs. This subtle tale is set against a beautifully captured Irish landscape, with its striking beauty enhancing the film's tense atmosphere. While its slow pacing and minimalistic storyline may disappoint those anticipating a more dramatic climax, the 2022 drama is worthwhile for viewers who appreciate a reflective and deliberate period piece.

      The Wonder is available for streaming on Netflix.

      **First They Killed My Father (2017)**

      Set in Cambodia in 1975, First They Killed My Father narrates the Khmer Rouge's reign through the eyes of five-year-old Loung Ung (Sreymoch Sareum). Her tranquil life in Phnom Penh is disrupted when the Khmer Rouge takes control, forcing her family to leave their home under the pretense of a temporary evacuation. The regime's oppressive hold tightens as citizens face brutal labor camps. Loung’s father, Pa Ung (Phoeung Kompheak), a former government official, becomes a target, prompting the family to adopt peasant identities for survival. Ultimately, Loung is separated from her family and trained as a child soldier, enduring violence and loss.

      Angelina Jolie's directorial project, First They Killed My Father, is a crucial film about the Cambodian genocide. This often-overlooked dark chapter of history is depicted in a stark and often unsettling manner in the 2017 Khmer-language film. Despite its acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, the movie remains largely unrecognized in popular discussions, rarely acknowledged among the best films based on true events. Its Khmer-language delivery and harrowing story may limit its audience, but these factors are vital to its impact, making it a significant watch for genre enthusiasts.

      First They Killed My Father is streaming on Netflix.

      **99 Homes (2014)**

      Andrew Garfield stars as construction worker Dennis Nash in 99 Homes, who is unemployed and struggling to provide for his young son, Connor (Noah Lomax), and mother, Lynn (Laura Dern). Set in Orlando post-2008 housing crisis, Dennis’ predicament worsens when real estate agent Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) evicts them from their long-time residence. In desperation and with limited options, Dennis seeks work from Carver, initially taking on menial tasks. He soon gets involved in Carver’s more dubious operations, including aiding in the very evictions that disrupted his family's stability.

      Directed by Ramin Bahrani, 99 Homes portrays a man on the edge. Garfield and Shannon are perfectly cast, with one’s desperation and the other’s greed creating a captivating drama. Despite its outstanding performances, the film only earned $1.9 million against its $8 million budget. Nevertheless, its exploration of the realities behind the American Dream and the ways financial hardship can alter even the most principled individuals is increasingly relevant, making 99 Homes a must-watch today.

      99 Homes is streaming on Netflix.