Here are some viewing recommendations on the streaming service

With the holidays upon us, you may be among the millions of consumers scrolling through Netflix, sometimes desperately so, to find something worth watching during the downtime.

As previously discussed, this is often a challenge in that Netflix content is often mediocre (especially if you prefer that your escapism is believable even within the bounds of fiction).

Parenthetically, judging by the commercials during NFL games, the legacy alphabet networks have litlte or nothing to offer, either.

Somewhat offbeat or unconventional content, including the mystery/thriller genre from Europe or Asia, typically provides more creativity than the hyped-up domestic product that Netflix often claims is supposedly trending.

In no particular order, here are some recommendations or non-recommendations of currently available fare viewed this year.

Note: Much of the following content is edgy and not family-friendly:

Bullet Train: The Brad Pitt-starring vehicle, as it were, seems trying way to hard to mimic a Guy Ritchie gangster movie, but your mileage may vary. It’s interesting that Hollywood movers and shakers are pro gun control, but Bullet Train is yet another example of the industry making money out of movie mayhem.

Prisoners: As usual, Jake Gyllenhaal is very convincing — this time as a conscientious but inept detective in the disturbing child-abduction storyline. Hugh Jackman is not convincing, however, as a blue-collar dad. Multiple implausible violations of police procedure such as lack of search warrants or backups as well as plot holes. With a 2-/1/2 hour running time, moreover, the ending seemed rushed.

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All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany): This was legit popular on Netflix. Superb production values; intense and depressing.

The Unjust (Korea): Two hours of cops, politicians, and criminals throwing temper tantrums within a convoluted story line.

The Lost Lotteries  (Thailand) : Entertaining comedy/gangster movie.

Code Name: Emperor (Spain): Something to do with espionage. Pointless.

Black Butterflies (France): Six episodes that could have been edited down to four. It gruesome in parts, and none of the characters are sympathetic, but several plot twists.

Blood Red Sky (Germany): Vampires vs. airplane hijackers; could have been better and less redundant.

Fortune Seller (Italy) – Four-episode docuseries about a woman who was like the queen of Italy’s QVC equivalent and who went full-on scammer.

Killer Sally; Three-episode true crime documentary about body builder vs. body body builder violence.

Love Wedding Repeat (U.K.): A “comedy” with sparse laughs. Plus, no way Olivia Munn would be attracted to the dorky main character.

Under Her Control (Spain); Interesting premise, but ultimately meaningless.

Loving Adults (Denmark): Plots twists you probably won’t see coming, which is always a plus. Lackluster police work, though.

Super Me (China): Bizarre and entertaining.

Two Summers (Belgium): Six episodes; longtime friends have a reunion and deadly secrets emerge.

Voyeur: Documentary about Gay Talese’s book project that he ultimately disavowed. Worth watching, but a meticulous researcher like the renowned author never thought to check the land records?

Running with the Devil: Documentary about John McAfee. ‘Nuff said.

Operation Flagrant Foul: Documentary about the NBA ref scandal. Good, but the podcast series better. This scandal could have taken down the entire league had the investigation not been leaked to the media.

Of Body and Soul (Hungary): Unique premise about dreams merging with reality, but unfortunately not well developed. Also, the male lead is way too old for his female counterpart.

ARQ: Low-budget time travel plot that holds your interest.

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Asakusa Kid (Japan): The movie chronicles how real-life Japanese star Takeshi Katano got his start in show business with the help of Tokyo mentor/frenemy Senzaburo Fukami. The movie is kind of meandering, although the long tracking shot at the end has an unmistakable emotional, sentimental impact (and probably took a great deal of planning and practice). But as Common Sense Media wrote, “Apart from [Katanao’s] determination to learn to tap dance, we see no evidence of hidden abilities, comic or otherwise, and wonder what the great master Fukami sees in him.”

By now, you’ve probably seen The Squid Game (Korea), which was a big hit for Netflix. Apart from the cliche-ridden first and last episodes, it is compelling, gripping content. The last episode sets up a sequel, which is indeed forthcoming. Wish they had done more with the subplot involving the cop who infiltrated the game. Excellent casting for the actor who played “The Front Man,” and who brings the necessary gravitas to the role. Some really bad acting, however, from some Western actors who show up in episode 7. The Squid Game has a political subtext, but relatively unobtrusive for Netflix.