The Fickle Taste of Streaming Originals

Netflix’s latest additions are a reminder that its reliance on novelty over quality has become self-perpetuating. Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, known for goofy comedies, appears to have shifted gears with “Don’t Say Good Luck,” a coming-of-age musical dramedy boasting a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the film’s sudden interest in emotionally driven territory feels calculated, aimed at appealing to a different demographic.

The story follows Sophie Birenbaum (Sunny Sandler), a high school theatre student navigating her mother’s cancer diagnosis while preparing for her biggest performance yet. This familiar trope has been explored countless times before, raising questions about whether “Don’t Say Good Luck” brings anything new or simply rehashes emotional beats we’ve seen.

In contrast, “Immaculate,” another recent Netflix addition, takes a darker approach. Sydney Sweeney stars as Cecilia, an American woman who joins a remote convent in Italy after surviving a near-death experience as a child. As strange events unfold around her, Cecilia becomes increasingly unsettled, leading to unsettling nightmares and physical symptoms. “Immaculate” relies heavily on Sweeney’s intense performance, making it stand out in a genre often feeling oversaturated.

The 2016 thriller “The Shallows” remains one of the most intense survival stories, with Blake Lively starring as Nancy, a medical student trapped on a rock just 200 yards from shore after being attacked by a great white shark. As she tries to escape and avoid the predator, Nancy’s injuries worsen, making her determination to survive all the more compelling.

These three films reflect Netflix’s changing tastes, with its reliance on formulaic thrillers and horror movies becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The platform’s approach has led to oversaturation of certain genres and storylines, particularly horror movies, which often rely on tired tropes and familiar settings. This homogenization leaves little room for innovation or risk-taking.

Netflix should focus on developing original and compelling content rather than churning out formulaic thrillers and horror movies. By investing in stories that push the boundaries of what we consider “entertainment,” the platform can expect to see a shift away from tired narrative beats and toward something innovative.

This weekend’s viewing options offer an opportunity to consider whether these three films represent a significant trend or merely scratch the surface of Netflix’s offerings. Will “Don’t Say Good Luck” prove to be a turning point for Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, or will it remain an isolated attempt at something new? The continued reliance on horror movies and thrillers raises questions about the platform’s priorities.

The future of Netflix’s original content hangs in the balance, with the platform needing to decide whether it will continue down the path of predictability or take a chance on something innovative.