FILM REVIEWS AND NEWS

Welcome to another monthly breakdown of what’s hitting the small screen. As we shake off the last of the January blues, Netflix is stepping up its game with a February slate that feels remarkably diverse. We’ve got a heavy-hitting documentary that’s already the talk of the film festival circuit, a high-octane Brazilian spin-off, some trademark Tyler Perry chaos, and a Spanish psychological thriller that might just be the hidden gem of the season.

This shift is perfectly exemplified in the latest offering from Amazon Prime Video, The Bluff. As we look ahead to its release on 25th February 2026, there is a palpable sense that director Frank E. Flowers has crafted something that is both a relentless thrill ride and a poignant exploration of maternal ferocity.

As we emerge from the festive haze and settle into the quiet, frosty stretch of January, the streaming giant Netflix remains our most reliable companion for those long, dark evenings. This month, the platform has curated a selection that is as eclectic as it is ambitious, ranging from sun-drenched romantic dramas and gritty crime thrillers to high-stakes live events and ethereal animation.

Stork of Hope (2026) follows the lives of two brothers who are orphaned during the Nazi occupation of Europe. Directed by Alexander Franskevich-Leie, the story is told retrospectively by Ilya, now an old man with a family of his own. He narrates the perils he and his brother endured during the Nazi occupation, highlighting the fact that he and his brother were forcibly separated.

Derelict (2024) marvellously transcends the boundaries of a gruelling psychological revenge thriller. Jonathan Zaurin’s second feature film takes viewers on a crime-ridden journey of love, grief, suffering and rage, and the ride is full of grit and emotion.