TV critic Luke, known as 'Lukesreviews' on TikTok, has told his 30,000 followers they are 'missing out' if they haven't watched three gripping films on Netflix yet. His recommendations come as many people look for something to watch during the darker, colder evenings.
Wasteman: A Prison Drama Debut
The first pick is Wasteman (2025), a prison drama that Luke described as feeling like a "90-minute anxiety attack". The film follows a prisoner nearing the end of his sentence who wants to reconnect with his son. "However, when his new cellmate arrives, it puts his freedom and his life at risk," he said.
Directed by Cal McMau in his directional debut, the film has been praised as one of the most acclaimed British debuts in recent years, lauded for avoiding tired prison-drama tropes and delivering a deeply human, claustrophobic thriller. It stars David Jonsson as Taylor, Tom Blyth as Dee, Alex Hassell as Paul and Corin Silva as Gaz.
Perks of Being a Wallflower: A Heartbreaking Coming-of-Age Story
The second recommendation is The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). "This is about a high school student who struggles to fit in until he meets two older students that change his life forever," Luke said. He added: "But there's a much deeper and more emotional story that hits you when you least expect it, and it's one of the most heartbreaking films you will ever watch."
Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his own 1999 novel, the American coming-of-age drama features Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd. Music plays a major role, with classic indie and rock tracks including David Bowie's "Heroes", The Smiths' "Asleep", and Cocteau Twins' "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drop".
Zodiac: A Chilling Serial Killer Thriller
The final pick is Zodiac (2007). "This one genuinely got right under my skin," Luke said. "It follows two detectives and a journalist who get obsessed with a serial killer. But as the killer continues to haunt the police and public, the more disturbing it becomes." He claimed the film will leave viewers "hooked from start to finish".
Directed by David Fincher and written by James Vanderbilt, based on the non-fiction books by Robert Graysmith, the American mystery thriller stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and Brian Cox.
