Indeed, we spent a lot of time in hibernation during lockdowns, so it was easy to get hooked on TV shows, eat our body weight in popcorn while watching the latest Netflix movies, and dive deep into an addictive book, hoping to go on a journey of enlightenment. Here’s our recommendations of the best movies, shows and books from 2021 that you should try in Christchurch.
TV Shows
1. Emily In Paris
Recommended by: Megan Zara Walsh, Editor for Secret Singapore, Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
What they had to say 
: If you’ve ever moved away and settled in a new place, this show will be totally relatable. It comically follows Emily Cooper, navigating her 20s, friendship and love and a new job in Paris. I’m a big fashionista and travel lover, so I get such a thrill out of all the style, instagrammable destinations, to name a few. It’s exactly what life can be like as an expat in another country.
2. You
Recommended by: Tamsin Salfrais, Secret Content Creator
What they had to say : I know (nearly) everyone watched this, but I’m a sucker for a binge-able show.
3. Squid Game
Recommended by: Nicole de Souza, Writer for Secret Melbourne
What they had to say : Okay, so the whole world was obsessed with this show, and I was too. It has compelling characters, suspenseful sequences, stunning visuals and a really interesting concept. And, it was also a K-drama and I love K-dramas.
4. Sweet Tooth
Recommended by: Kat Notman, Editor for Secret Amsterdam, Kobenhavn & Stockholm
What they had to say : A deer-boy finds himself alone and hunted during a pandemic until he finds a nice fella who starts looking after him, albeit reluctantly. I binge-watched the first couple of series and now there are no more episodes left to watch. I feel empty and heartbroken.
SEE MORE: The Best Shows To Watch On Netflix This Month
Books
1. The Power Of Letting Go by John Purkiss
Recommended by: Megan Zara Walsh, Editor for Secret Singapore, Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington
What they had to say 📚: Anyone with an appreciation for self-help books will adore this book. It’s about letting go of what’s holding you back in your life. When you use the methods from this book, and apply them to your own life, everything will just flow for you. Give it a try!
2. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Recommended by: Laura Rogan, Editor for Secret Manchester
What they had to say 📚: This book left me absolutely hooked thanks to its intertwining timelines that uncovered both a murder mystery plot and a young love story. The characters are so loveable, and everything about Kya’s universe helped me escape my own COVID-riddled world.
3. If You Were There: Missing People and the Marks They Leave Behind by Francisco Garcia
Recommended by: Jack Saddler, Writer for Secret London & Dublin
What they had to say 
: This debut book offers a dig into the world of missing people, where you may end up with more questions than answers. Garcia’s gut-wrenching own story of his missing father provides a timeline to tell the stories of others all across the UK before a journey to his Spanish hometown on a quest for answers.
SEE MORE: The Best Bookstore Deliveries To Christchurch
Movies
1. Don’t Look Up
Recommended by: Megan Zara Walsh, Editor for Secret Singapore, Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
What they had to say 
: This climate change movie tells the tale of a comet threatening to destroy Earth, featuring a Trump-like administration led by Meryl Streep’s character. Interestingly, you’ll be in fits of giggles with the comical moments. Also, there’s hidden life lessons that makes you think long after the credits roll.
2. Your Name
Recommended by: Alex Landon, Acting Executive Editor of Secret Media, UK/IE/APAC+
What they had to say : Heartfelt anime with elements of fantasy and a cracking soundtrack – it’s impossible not to be captivated.
3. Cruella
Recommended by: Amanda Viller, Community Manager UK/APAC
What they had to say : Didn’t watch loads of movies this year, but this one definitely stuck with me. The fashion is on point, storyline, and characters exquisite, and ya know, who doesn’t love a good villain backstory?
4. Parasite
Recommended by: Abi Meadow, Secret Viral Scout
What they had to say : The end always leaves me with my mouth agape. No spoilers here… if you haven’t seen, ya gotta!
5. Dune
Recommended by: Megan Zara Walsh, Editor for Secret Singapore, Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
What they had to say : I randomly went to see this new sci-fi movie in the cinema, and surprisingly enjoyed it. It’s the first installation developed from the book series by Frank Herbert. It’s like a mix of Star Wars and Games Of Thrones, set in a futuristic dangerous universe.
SEE MORE: The Best Movies To Watch On Netflix This Month
Edited by Megan Zara Walsh