In the vast expanse of murder mysteries, Fool Me Once has been basking in the spotlight on Netflix. But alas, it has left many, who were tricked into tuning in, feeling utterly dismayed. The writing is as mediocre as the performances are hokey. However, there is a trove of murder mystery gems awaiting discovery on the streaming platform, each with its own unique twist that could make Fool Me Once blush.
The murder mystery offerings on Netflix are a buffet of suspense, drama, and unexpected flavours, each more riveting than the last. First up, we recommend The Killing, a series that’s not just about the whodunit but also the how-do-they-do-it. Veena Sud takes us on an intense rollercoaster in the series based on the Danish television series Forbrydelsen. Mireille Enos delivers a chilling performance as homicide detective Sarah Linden, who is accompanied by Joel Kinnaman’s Stephen Holder as they solve the most bone-chilling murders on-screen.
For our next suggestion, let’s hop across the pond to Broadchurch, where detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) dive into a murder mystery that’s more twisted than a pretzel. Created by Chris Chibnall, it’s British crime drama at its finest—gripping, suspenseful, and accompanied by the obligatory cup of tea.
Then you can swerve to the chilly winters of Delhi, India’s capital city in Delhi Crime. The first season, directed by Richie Mehta, is not just about solving a crime but also navigating the chaotic bureaucracy of law and authority. It depicts the horrifying solving of the Nirbhaya case with some of the most raw performances by Shefali Shah and Rajesh Tailang. Switching gears, you can enter the bizarre world of Killer Soup. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, this black comedy crime thriller follows Swathi Shetty (Konkona Sen Sharma), a talentless home chef, who concocts a plan that’s more recipe for disaster than a Michelin star.
In a satirical detour, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window serves up murder with a side of humour. Created by Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson, and Larry Dorf, it’s Kristen Bell navigating a labyrinth of confusion and laughs. This is the murder mystery equivalent of a sitcom with giant wine glasses and foggy memories of crimes that keep happening around Bell’s Anna Whitaker.
Venture into the film territory, starting with Lee Chang-dong’s Burning. This South Korean psychological thriller sizzles with suspense. It’s not just a murder mystery; it’s a slow burn that leaves you questioning every character’s motives. Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder is also on our list. It is the kind of film that leaves a mark. Based on real events, it’s a haunting exploration of the human psyche in the face of brutality.
Back in India, Monica, O My Darling, directed by Vasan Bala, offers a neo-noir palette of mystery. It’s like a clever piece of cinema with a dash of intrigue and a pinch of unexpected twists.
In the short film department, What Did Jack Do? by David Lynch is like a quirky appetiser. Picture a detective interrogating a monkey named Jack—it’s Lynch’s signature surrealism served in bite-sized portions.
Closing the case file is Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Directed by Rian Johnson, it’s a clever homage to the whodunit genre and is a lot lighter than the rest of the offerings on our list. So, grab your detective hat and prepare for a binge-worthy journey into the captivating world of murder mysteries.
Five murder mystery series on Netflix better than ‘Fool Me Once’:
- The Killing
- Broadchurch
- Delhi Crime
- Killer Soup
- The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
Five murder mystery films on Netflix better than ‘Fool Me Once’:
- Burning
- What Did Jack Do?
- Monica, O My Darling
- Memories of Murder
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
