Though modern movie watchers and the world alike fall on their knees to Netflix and their countless releases, the motel remains skeptical because as Mark Twain once famously said:

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.

Mark Twain

Regardless of the streaming platform’s popularity, we must remember it can be all too easy for its capitalistic intentions to set in. This is more apparent than ever with their recent raise in prices. Netflix claims to “bring more quality content” into the mix, assuring that our hard earned dollars will be well spent. The question is: what do we even want to see? And perhaps letting them determine that remains dangerous.

Which is why we must always remember to be equally conscious of the content we consume. We must remember what we truly love.

So today, the motel brings you three Netflix films that embody the joy and wonder that we strive to bring to our guests every week.

Enola Holmes

There are so many things to love about this movie. The ambiance is bright, adventurous, but clever. The cast is superb and though the mystery is not super tantalizing, it’s a fun movie about a young female detective, which is all the motel could ever ask for. Millie Bobby Brown shines as Enola, Sherlock’s little sister. Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock is intelligent but subdued enough to let Enola shine, which according to an interview was his intention in the first place. What a gentleman he is, yes?

The dynamic between Enola and her love interest, Lord Tewkesbury is also wonderfully refreshing. She is a hot headed girl who likes to fight. He is a softie who enjoys picking flowers. It is a dynamic that I wish could be seen more often, but I’m certainly glad it exists here.

Silver Skates

A Russian historical drama loosely inspired by Romeo and Juliet, with a touch of Anastasia flair. Oh, and lots of ice skating.

The two leads are great together, and the overall cast is magnificent in general. The movie does a great job of juxtaposing Matvey’s life as a poor boy and how he becomes a thief, and Alisa’s life as a closeted science nerd disguised as nobility.

The two lead characters are so independent in their own way, sometimes it felt like the romantic aspect was only second tier against their true aspirations in life. Perhaps this was meant to be the goal of the story.

Though I felt like the ending could’ve been done a little differently, the movie still did a wonderful job blending some classic stories and creating something new. It was a refreshing watch, and I also loved the subtle notes of Clair de Lune in the soundtrack.

Also, Matvey looks like Niall Horan and Tom Holland’s love child. Please tell me someone else sees this.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Recommended by a good friend of mine, this movie unexpectedly stole my heart. It is about a book club that had originated during the German occupation of the English channel islands during World War II. The book club became a refuge for the characters, and through the eyes of the main character Juliet Ashton, we get to experience the warmth and comfort that the club brought to those in it.

The film is full of handwritten letters, dusty book covers, and boisterous talks about literature next to the fireplace. There are also hints of fate and destiny, with the two main character’s lives so cleverly intertwined. Also, who could resist the passionate, fiery Lily James in beautiful 1940’s era ensembles?

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I have watched all these movies more than once and I must say, despite my aversion towards Netflix, I can be grateful for it because it brought me these three movies. How’s that for character development?