A horror trilogy that sticks the landing and teen drama Outer Banks returns: This week’s best and biggest on Netflix

Check out Jordan Parker's 'The week's best and biggest on Netflix every Friday on HalifaxToday.ca.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco

This intense drama about gentrification and coming-of-age was one of the most beautiful, affecting films of 2019, and I feel like no one paid attention to it.

It follows Jimmie, who feels as if he has no home in the city he grew up. Things are changing and growing – sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.

He's out of place and doesn't know what to do. He wants to reclaim the home his grandfather built, but doesn't know how.

Director Joe Talbot infuses the film with a wonderful, dream-like aesthetic that matches the main character's dreams for what his life could be.

Lead actor Jimmie Falls co-wrote this one, and while he's fantastic, there's also real, incredible talent around him with Jonathan Majors, Finn Wittrock, Tichina Arnold and Danny Glover.

It's one of the best films of 2019, and a gem of a little indie that you'll love.

4/5 Stars

Willy's Wonderland

Let me start by saying this film is by no means for everyone – in fact, it's not for most people at all.

But for those who love horror, satire, absolutely bonkers filmmaking and Nicolas Cage, you're in for an honest-to-God treat.

It follows a drifter who, after his car breaks down, makes a deal with the closest town. He will take an overnight janitorial job at the defunct Willy's Wonderland children's restaurant in return for getting his car fixed.

He heads into the facility for the night – but is locked in. He has to survive the night, something no one before him who took the job has accomplished. The animatronic dolls come alive, and he has to kill them all to stay alive.

Sound ridiculous? It totally is, but it's the perfect vehicle for a man known for being absolutely over-the-top in the best way. The screenplay leaves something to be desired, but this blood-soaked odyssey is a ton of fun.

Cage is at his weird, fantastic best here, and he's joined by an eclectic crowd, including an elevated performance from young star Emily Tosta.

It's full-on insane, but if you take it at face value and know what you're getting into, you might enjoy this one.

3.5/5 Stars

Luce

One of my favourite films of 2019, this film about race relations is absolutely gut-wrenching, and had me on the edge of my seat.

It revolves around Luce, an adopted teenager from war-torn Eritrea, an incredible student and athlete who becomes embroiled in allegations that could destroy him.

His white parents fight for him and believe he's guilty of nothing. But as more comes to light, they begin to question if they really know their son.

Director Julius Onah and writer J.C. Lee combine for a taut, emotional drama that unfolds exactly how it should.

The performances – specifically from young Kelvin Harrison Jr., who is at the top of my must-watch list – couldn't be better.

Harrison Jr. manages to out-act such veterans as Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts and Tim Roth, and he makes it look easy.

This is a challenging film and I absolutely can't wait to watch it again on the streamer.

4.5/5 Stars

Fear Street Trilogy

It's a Netflix-produced horror anthology, and Fear Street does, for the most part, deliver the goods. Consisting of three well-made films, it has a sprawling story that connects them.

It's largely about two bordering towns, the perfect Sunnyvale and the tortured Shadyside. The latter is cursed, and murders and havoc reign supreme in the area.

A group of friends tries to destroy the legacy of terror that haunts their town, but not without massive bloodshed occurring first.

While the first in the trilogy is a bit hokey and contains some really bad acting, the final two chapters absolutely make up for it.

The script and lore around the films is incredible, and with huge amounts of gore and source material based on adult books from Goosebumps scribe R.L. Stine, horror lovers will find plenty to enjoy.

The films are rife with references to horror films like Friday The 13th and Scream, and they have a nostalgia factor that just adds to the proceedings.

While the acting is ho-hum and there is some cringe-inducing dialogue, there are also plenty of terrifying sequences that make this worth it as a whole.

3.5/5 Stars

Outer Banks

Last year's hit show Outer Banks is back with another season, and it's a perfect summer show.

It's The O.C. Meets Huck Finn, but in a gorgeous, tropical locale that only adds to the intrigue.

A group of friends – some rough-and-tumble and some rich – come upon a long-buried treasure map, and secrets about the town and the adults in it come to light.

An unexpected smash hit, the original season caught young adults' attention due to a gorgeous cast, an adventurous plot and a whole lot of drama.

With Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Davies, and more all coming back, we're in for another really great season.

One of the most surprisingly fun shows on Netflix, don't miss this original worth writing home about.

4/5 Stars

Jordan Parker's weekly film reviews can be found on his blog, Parker & The Picture Shows.