Happy New Year, people! The holiday season may be over, but the December 31 celebrations are fast approaching as the world prepares to welcome 2023 (and the inevitably wild ride it has in store).
Compared to last week’s holiday stream – which featured the likes of Knives Out 2, Matilda the Musical, and The Witcher: Blood Origin – this weekend’s list of recommendations isn’t that big. However, for the first time in a long time, there are no sequels or more seasons to enjoy over the next few days. Instead, everything below is fresh from the creative conveyor.
The final lineup of new movies and TV shows in 2022 can then be described as exceptional to say the least, and we’ve rounded up seven highlights to stream on services like Netflix, Prime Video and HBO Max this weekend.
White Noise (Netflix)
Frances Ha director Noah Baumbach returns to Netflix this weekend with White Noise, his first feature film since 2019’s Marriage Story.
An adaptation of Don DeLillo’s satirical novel of the same name new Netflix movie stars Adam Driver as Jack Gladney, a college professor whose suburban life is turned upside down when a nearby chemical spill forces him and his family to evacuate. The cast also includes Greta Gerwig, Marvel actor Don Cheadle, André 3000, Alessandro Nivola and Jodie Turner-Smith.
White Noise was almost universally praised by critics for being “an engaging, cerebral black comedy,” so expect it to be added to our list best Netflix movies soon.
Now available to stream on Netflix.
Kaleidoscope (Netflix)
In recent years, Netflix has relied more heavily on experimental storytelling than most streamers, and Kaleidoscope further confirms this sentiment.
With the exception of the last episode, this eight-episode series – about a group of thieves who plan a major heist over the course of two decades – was designed to be viewed in a completely random (i.e. non-linear) order. In other words, we encourage you to actively participate in solving the mystery of the heist itself, which takes place in Episode 8.
Season 3 The Mandalorian, Giancarlo Esposito, Paz Vega, The Suicide Squad’s Jai Courtey and Rufus Sewell are among the cast of Kaleidoscope. This is a limited series that looks primed to earn a spot on our list best Netflix shows for creativity alone.
Available to stream on Netflix from Sunday.
Betrayal (Netflix)
Daredevil himself Charlie Cox renews his affiliation with Netflix’s old employers in the new spy thriller Betrayal.
In this five-episode series from Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman, Cox stars as the newly appointed head of MI6, whose turbulent past – which rears its head in the form of Russian spy Olga Kurylenko (Black Widow) – returns to haunt him and his family. Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) and Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones) also a star.
We spoke to the cast and creator of Treason about the show’s origins and inspirations ahead of its debut on Netflix on Monday, December 26 (and couldn’t resist asking Cox some questions about his Daredevil return).
Now available to stream on Netflix.
Paul T. Goldman (Peacock)
A word of warning: Paul T. Goldman looks weird. Very strange. In fact, so strange that we’re not quite sure what it is exactly. But it goes anyway.
According to Peacock, Paul T. Goldman is “Director Borat’s amazing After Moviefilm series […] this director Jason Woliner has been shooting for over a decade, and the story is still brimming with surprising new twists.” starring in this show… Paul T. Goldman?
Okay, we’re still not the wiser – but the first three episodes of the series are available for streaming Peacock starting Sunday, with additional new episodes coming over the next three weeks.
Now available to stream on Peacock.
The Best Stand Ups of 2022 (Netflix)
Netflix’s newest show, Best of Stand-Up 2022, brings together all of the streamer’s recent successes into one full-length laugh.
With appearances from the likes of Bill Burr, Ali Wong, Gabriel Iglesias, Trevor Noah, Taylor Tomlinson and Jo Koy, Best of Stand-Up 2022 is your best chance to remove this year’s cultural jokes before they’re replaced by any ridiculousness 2023 has an ace up its sleeve .
Oddly enough, Netflix hasn’t released an official trailer for this special, so you’ll just have to take our word for it: you’ll laugh at least once.
Now available to stream on Netflix.
This place rules (HBO Max)
The first of two documentaries picked this week (or three if you count Paul T. Goldman) is This Place Rules on HBO Max.
Self-proclaimed “gonzo” journalist Andrew Callaghan hosts this feature-length investigative film about the political state of the US in the months leading up to the January 6, 2021 Capitol uprising. This Place Rules will air on HBO on December 30 before airing on HBO Max the next day.
Available to stream on HBO Max from Saturday.
Wildcat (Best Movie)
Animal lovers, this one is for you. The new Prime Video documentary, Wildcat, tells the inspiring story of young veteran Harry Turner, who develops an unlikely relationship with an orphaned baby ocelot while traveling in the Amazon rainforest.
According to Amazon’s description, “what was supposed to be an escape from life turns out to be an unexpected journey of love, discovery and healing.” Wildcat’s strong reception at the Telluride Film Festival suggests it could be one of them the best Prime Videos.
Now available to stream on Prime Video.