New releases on Netflix in July 2023
Although in 2023 there is more competition than ever on the streaming market, Netflix remains by far the largest in the Netherlands. Since the start of Disney +, a lot of content has disappeared from the platform, but this is more than made up for by the huge influx of Netflix originals.
In terms of subscriptions, you can choose from three options. Basic ($7.99 per month) provides access to a single device and has the lowest image quality. With standard (€ 11.99 per month) you get the option to share your account with 1 person and it is possible to stream content in HD. Premium ($15.99 per month) provides access to 4 devices with streaming in ultra HD quality. In this article, we take a look at two new films and a series that will be shown on Netflix in the coming month.
1917
With ‘Im West nichts Neues’, Netflix brought the First World War to the small screen before. This time less kriegschmerz and more heroism. It is, as the title suggests, the year 1917 and we are on the Western Front, at the northernmost point of France. A reconnaissance flight uncovers crucial information, but with blown phone lines there’s no quick way to get this information where it needs to be. It is up to William Schofield (George McKay) and Tom Blake (Dean Charles Chapman) to traverse the ravaged fields and villages in front of the Hindenburg Line in order to prevent the needless death of their comrades-in-arms (including Blake’s brother).
It is a film full of impressive images and special effects that (literally) pop off the screen. The presence of more than 500 extras provides the battlefield scenes with a very impressive scale. You can also see that it is a film with ambition from the number of big names in the supporting cast, for example Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch. Upon release, 1917 was well received by critics and the general moviegoer alike. In our opinion, this war drama is very much worth checking out. 1917 can be seen on Netflix from Saturday 1 July. Have a look at the trailer below.
Gangs of New York
This hit by Martin Scorsese may already be over 20 years old, so it doesn’t cut it any less hard. Raw, intense and admittedly, a bit of a mess at times. But the latter is part of a film about rival street gangs. We follow Amsterdam Vallon (because even old New York was once New Amsterdam), played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The Scorsese and DiCaprio duo is so prolific that it even has its own Wikipedia page. Gangs of New York is the beginning of that working relationship. At a young age, Amsterdam sees his father die in a major street fight and once again a death played by Liam Neeson launches a major drama. After all, Amsterdam is out to avenge the death of his father, and in pursuing that goal yields to nothing or anyone.
One of Cinema’s biggest critics, Roger Ebert, praised the film. Although he did not think it was a career highlight for Scorsese, but that should not spoil the fun for us impartial viewers. Ebert cites Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day Lewis, as the highlight of the film. An antagonist who is definitely more than just an antagonist. His special way of speaking, how he rationalizes his unscrupulousness with philosophy, Bill is so much more than a stumbling block for our hero, Amsterdam. His intense eyes are forever etched in my memory. Gangs of New York can be seen on Netflix from July 1. Have a look at the trailer below.
The Witcher Season 3 Volume 2
Crazy Henry Cavill’s passion project is back for its third season. Cavill plays the Witcher Geralt of Rivia, rotating in search of pseudo-adoptive daughter Ciri, the ghostly Wild Hunt or just another job as a monster exterminator. The first season of The Witcher received mixed reviews, but season 2 has been described by critics as a major step in the right direction. This was mainly because season 2, like the books the story is based on, had more to say about simple (and therefore unfounded) dualisms such as between good and bad, and who the monster really is.
Of course, within a show like The Witcher, there’s only limited time for such navel gazing. Above all, The Witcher offers viewers a good dose of high fantasy, a lot of fighting spectacle and a healthy dose of humor. If we are to believe the trailer, season three is again mainly about Ciri, and her role in the violent world in which the story takes place.
Season 3 of The Witcher drops in 2 volumes. The first of which was already on display in June. The remaining episodes will be shown on July 27. Check out the trailer below.
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