The best dramas on Netflix right now

From producer Ryan Murphy (The Watcher) and director Joe Mantello comes The Boys in the Band, a remake of the eponymous and seminal 1968 play, previously adapted as a 1970 film. The plot follows Michael, who is throwing a party for his friend Harold’s birthday. However, the arrival of an unexpected guest throws the event into disarray, pushing the guests into an increasingly uncomfortable situation. Starring a cast of openly gay performers, including Emmy-winner Jim Parsons and Emmy nominees Matt Bomer and Zachary Quinto, The Boys in the Band is a poignant yet challenging depiction of homosexuality, identity, and torment. Although a challenging watch, especially toward the end, the film remains insightful and resonant, largely thanks to Mantello’s assured direction and the kinetic, unabashed performances of a brilliant ensemble.

Based on the 2018 bestselling eponymous novel, Where the Crawdads Sing stars Normal People breakout Daisy Edgar-Jones. The plot follows Kya, a defiant young woman and naturalist who raised herself in solitude in the North Carolina marshland and becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the town’s resident playboy. Although uneven and occasionally clumsy, Where the Crawdads Sing ultimately succeeds thanks to Edgar-Jones’ committed performance, which goes a long way to make up for the narrative’s confused and often puzzling turns.

A powerful Sandra Bullock delivers some of her finest work on the screen in The Unforgivable. The 2021 drama features Bullock as Ruth, a woman recently released from prison after serving 20 years for murder, who becomes determined to reconcile with her younger sister. Bullock is the main draw behind The Unforgivable, an otherwise by-the-numbers drama elevated by the actress’ committed, heart-wrenching portrayal. The film risks being overly dire, but Bullock and a great supporting cast, including Vincent D’Onofrio and the mighty Viola Davis, ultimately drive the story home, ending on a safe yet positive note.  

Dee Rees directs the 2017 historical drama Mudbound. Set in World War II, the film centers on two veterans dealing with severe PTSD returning from the war as their families struggle with poverty in rural Mississippi. Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, and Mary J. Blige star. Mudbound received acclaim from critics, with the cast attracting near-universal praise. Blige earned considerable praise, including an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and one for Best Original Song for the film’s theme, Mighty River.

Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch stars as cowboy Phil Burbank in this slow-burning Western. Phil’s entire life is tied up in the land, and he’s known throughout 1920s Montana as one of the best ranchers around. One night, he heads into market with his brother, George (Jesse Plemmons), where they meet Rose (Kirsten Dunst), the widowed proprietress of the Red Mill restaurant, and her son, Peter. While George takes an immediate liking to Rose, Phil treats her barbarically. But when George returns to the restaurant to propose to Rose and bring her back to the Burbank ranch, Phil is forced to adapt. As such, he takes Peter under his wing. Or does he?