While Netflix is a wonderful online institution, facilitating students’ procrastination on a daily basis, it does at times feel like an unsolvable labyrinth of opportunity. With hundreds of films and TV shows to choose from, combined with the world’s most confusing recommendation system (which only recently recommended I watch a documentary on the Ukrainian civil war having just finished a rom-com), it’s no wonder people spend more time scrolling through the various options than actually watching something. However, fear not – after a long of summer of having nothing better to do, here are Varsity’s alternative picks, so that you can chill with ease.

Comedy - Obvious Child

The abortion rom-com perhaps isn’t the most persuasive way to sell a film, yet with wit and poignancy Obvious Child pulls off just that. The film centres on Donna, a New-Yorker who has a one night stand which leaves her pregnant and subsequently chooses to have an abortion. I think the reason that Obvious Child is so enjoyable is the fact that it’s so grounded; most rom-coms are still set in alternate universes, with cardboard cut-out characters that only exist in Richard Curtis films. Yet Obvious Child is an exception; it has interesting, flawed and relatable characters, whose company you more than enjoy, allowing the film to have a dialogue about an important issue which for the most part cinema has completely ignored.

Oh, and it’s really funny.

Drama - A Separation

It really is such a shame that more people haven’t seen Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning drama A Separation, despite all the media attention it got (and deserved) from critics when it was released. As suggested by the title, the film follows a recently divorced couple who must make the difficult decision between whether to leave Iran to improve the life of their child or to stay and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer’s disease. With an Oscar-nominated script to its name, a rarity for a foreign-language film, A Separation is a truly beautifully written film. Farhadi, with his skilful and subtle direction, treats of all of his characters equally and fairly, giving the viewer a wonderful cobweb of perspective by the end.

Horror - American Horror Story

After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than sitting down and watching something fun and ultimately stupid, a service which American Horror Story (AHS) provides with relish. From Glee Creator Ryan Murphy, this anthology series focuses on a different horror story every season, ranging from mental asylums in the 60s to present day witch covens. If you’re not a horror fan don’t put be off; AHS’s seasons range from the genuinely creepy (Murder House) to ridiculously camp (Coven), so there’s something for everyone. It also has a fantastic sense of its own ridiculousness, a breath of fresh air in an era of TV that’s desperately trying to be important. Top all this with the gamest cast out there, led by the ever sexy Jessica Lange, AHS will entertain you in ways you never thought possible.

Thriller - The One I Love

Attempting to be constantly aware of plot spoilers makes The One I Love an almost impossible film to write about. The plot follows a couple whose marriage is proving problematic. However, after this seemingly normal introduction, the film takes a turn for the weird after the couple discover strange goings on during their holiday retreat. It is first and foremost a fantastic film to watch when with friends; the film script is cleverly written, containing many twists and turns which leave you gagging to discuss the film once the credits have rolled. And while its main concept is ultimately subversive and sci-fi-esque, much like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it still manages to say something profound and unique about marriage and relationships.