Hidden Netflix gems: quirky, fun entertainment

Casper Badovinac, Feature/Sports Editor

To say I have a diverse taste in media may be a bit of an understatement. From Nordic pop-folk music to Puerto Rican slam poetry, to Vine compilation videos on YouTube, a lot of strange and downright weird media comes into my life. Netflix in particular has been a trove of absurd documentaries, sci-fi shows of sub-par caliber, and week-long marathons of “How I Met Your Mother.” Here’s my best finds from scouring that sweet sweet reservoir of trash and quality television.

“NEO YOKIO”
Anyone on social media has heard iconic Jaden Smith tweets such as “The Biggest Flex Anyone Will Ever Have Is Dying” and “‘It’s Your Birthday’ Mateo Said. I Didn’t Respond. ‘Are You Not Excited To Be 15’ He Asked. Reading My Book I Uttered ‘I Turned 15 Long Ago,’”. Imagine that, but an entire anime. That is what Neo Yokio, a series created by Ezra Koenig, is- starring Jaden Smith as he plays himself, but as a pink dreadlocked exorcist in an alternate reality of New York featuring a bachelor board and giant toblerone. With lines like “Demon be gone from this Chanel suit!” and “As you know, I’ve been really depressed, and it’s affected my attitude towards field hockey,” you really can’t go wrong.

“THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING”
It is very rare that one watches a movie that makes one cry just as much as one laughs, and washes you over with emotion after emotion without being overwhelming or unenjoyable. Follow disgruntled caregiver Ben (Paul Rudd) and his even more malcontent client Trevor (Craig Roberts), a young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as they travel across America, visiting various roadside attractions, with their final spot being the World’s Deepest Pit. Shenanigans, bonding, teenage romance, and more ensue. If you’re ready for a genuinely good time and aren’t afraid to get a little in your feelings, “The Fundamentals of Caring” is perfect.

“MOONRISE KINGDOM”
Wes Anderson’s directive eye is impeccable, from soundtrack to color scheme to shot layouts. Anderson’s movies are a visual feast and “Moonrise Kingdom” is no exception. Follow Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop in this coming of age movie about mental health, young love, and adventure as they run away from home and take off into a wild world of Robin Hood-like misadventure and beautiful scenery.

“CHEF’S TABLE”
My favorite and final on the list is “Chef’s Table.” A docuseries that is a delight for any foodie or artist, this utterly bingeable series follows chefs around the world and tells their stories of trials and successes and beautiful sense of artistic passion through food. Every episode is a visual masterpiece with moving stories that you can’t help but get caught up in. Make yourself something yummy to eat while watching; you’ll need it.