It’s that time of year again. Midterms are upon us, the leaves are crunchy and yellowing, and the sun is setting earlier and earlier. What better for a chilly autumn night than snuggling up with a cup of something warm and flipping on your faithful Netflix account? The contributors of the Fringe have compiled their list of the best Netflix TV shows and movies for the month of October in an effort to steer your viewing in the right direction.

Gilmore Girls

Recently added to Netflix, the seven season comedy-drama series “Gilmore Girls” is sure to keep you entertained for days (or maybe event months). The mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory live in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, featuring a variety of colorful characters. In a town like this, everybody knows everybody.

The show has what every typical drama series offers. There is the dysfunctional relationship between Lorelai and her parents, Rory’s trials and tribulations of being a teenager and of course, their romantic lives. However this is not like your typical series, as it is also known for banter-filled, fast-paced dialogue and many pop culture references.

If you need a good distraction from your daily responsibilities, pick “Gilmore Girls.” You cannot watch just one episode. It’s impossible. Trust me, I have tried. And there’s seven seasons, so it will definitely keep you occupied for a while.

-Bo Bayerl

 

Robot & Frank

This film features an aging retired jewel thief. His kids have their own problems and as a gesture, give him a robot caretaker. Frank Langella is fantastic as Frank, an elderly subject who has an initial distaste for his new lurking automaton. That changes though when he decides to get back in the game. The robot, understanding that crime is a cognitive stimulate, plays along.

One of the great things about the movie “Her” was that it introduced many people to pedestrian science fiction. Science fiction is not just space ships, explosions, and rubber masks. “Robot & Frank” ​is a story set in a world much like ours. Today many people read on tablets, phones, and other devices. Robots assist doctors in hospitals and no one has used a paper map in over six years. A place, like the one found in “Robot & Frank,” is one where libraries almost all die, is not so farfetched. The movie takes a few present day technologies and extends them just barely into the realm of fiction.

But like “Her,” “Robot & Frank” is not content to just have science fiction elements. It rings human cords and tells a story that is more heart than bang-zoom technological wizardry. The movie presents the perspective of the elderly in science fiction. It is a wonderful exploration and one that happens too rarely. “Robot & Frank” is for people who are interested in a charming, near-future, low key caper. I highly recommend it.”

-Matt Heimiller

 

Mud

Alright alright alright! If you can’t get enough of the “McConaissance”, this coming-of-age drama is quintessential viewing. Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey supports a knockout cast as the mysterious and (thankfully) shirtless titular character. On the run from the law, Mud employs the help of Mississippi teens, Ellis (The Tree of Life’s Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (newcomer Jacob Lofland) to reunite with his true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). As the boys investigate Mud’s past, they discover Juniper’s father is hunting Mud down for the murder of his son. Unsure of who to trust, Ellis and Neckbone are jolted into a whirlwind of adult drama.

Every beat in Mud’s screenplay radiates authenticity and proves writer/director Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) as one America’s most promising filmmakers. Nichols’ eye for quality extends to the casting of chameleon actors: Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story), Sam Shepard (August: Osage County) and Take Shelter alum Michael Shannon. Each of whom hold their own against the remarkable McConaughey. An intoxicating blend of crime drama, romance and teen angst, Mud is a spellbinding film that can’t be missed.

-Jack Feria

 

Californication

“Californication” is the story of Hank Moody, a successful writer living in the pit of creative despair that is Los Angeles. His best-selling novel, “God Hates Us All,” was turned into a crappy Hollywood chick flick, the mother of his child left him leaving him without a muse, and writer’s block has dug in deep. No matter what he does, whether it’s trying to win back the love of his life, or write a new book that will out do his last, Hank’s hole just gets deeper. Truly, Hank’s story is the story of any writer, struggling or successful, but with a healthy dose of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Yes, there are copious amounts of nudity and drug use, but beyond that thin veil of modern Americana, “Californication” is the surprisingly deep tale of a writer lost in this mad world of promiscuity and irresponsibility.

-Brett Kihlmore

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

This 1961 film is considered by many to be a classic, but “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is by no means traditional Hollywood fare. Directed by Blake Edwards, Tiffany’s is a romantic comedy concentrated around the character of Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn.) Hepburn plays the character effortlessly; Golightly is a ditzy, self-absorbed, fashionista, who gets herself caught in the drug rings of New York City. Upon the film’s release, many questioned the casting of Hepburn in such a flirtatious and egotistical role, many suggested Marilyn Monroe for the film. The character indeed strays from Hepburn’s usual roles. Her most notable roles are often innocent and sweet characters such as Princess Anne from “Roman Holiday” (1953), Jo Stockton from “Funny Face” (1957), and her depiction of Sister Luke in “The Nun’s Story” (1959). But despite early criticism, Hepburn’s interpretation is extremely believable and is perhaps one of her best performances. She was ultimately nominated for an Academy Award for her work in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

The film is infamous among moviegoers for the character of Mr. Yunioshi, Golightly’s dolt of a landlord.  The character is heavily criticized by film critics for its miscast and racist portrayal. Yunioshi is performed by Mickey Rooney, a white actor playing what is obviously a character of Japanese ancestry. Rooney is even fit with prosthetic eyes and makeup to match the stereotypical Asian role. Since the early 1990s, the director and producer of the film have apologized for character’s representation. As a viewer, watching Rooney is uncomfortable, but it shows how little Hollywood has evolved in its representation of Asians and Asian Americans.

Despite “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” casting, the film is a heartfelt, lovable piece. The story’s comedy is often subtle, which brings to light the harsher thematic elements in the film. It tackles ideas concerning love, crime, and narcissism, which make it one of the jewels of 20th century cinema. The film is also a must see for fans of cinematography, music (Moon River is considered one of the most iconic songs in the history of film), and fashion i.e. Golightly’s “little black dress” designed by Givenchy.

-Mac Writt