The weather might be grim thanks to Hurricane Gert, but there's plenty to binge-watch on Netflix that's guaranteed to birghten your weekend.

The Denfenders 

Starring: Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Elodie Young, Sigourney Weaver

There's a reason Iron Fist isn't on this list of viewing picks - it's terrible.

Which is such a shame as the rest of Netflix's Marvel series have been hard-hitting, explosive delights to binge-watch.

Thankfully, The Defenders sees the Marvel TV universe fighting fit once more, with the mini series proving that all of the characters are better together - yes, even glowy fist man.

Glasgow Times:

Given its limited episode run - it's only eight episodes - it's a little strange that it takes a good three episodes to get going but once it does, it's great.

Ozark

Starring: Jason Bateman, laura Linney

Ozark has been tipped as the next Breaking Bad, but it doesn't quite deserve that accolade. One of the main reasons is that Jason Bateman's Marty Byrde has already broke bad, helping a Mexican cartel to fudge their figures.

This means the descent that was so brilliant in Walter White isn't really seen here. But that doesn't mean that the show isn't worth watching - it's a tense, occasionally terrifying watch that mashes stereotypes and cultures as the Byrde family leave their home in Chicago for the Ozarks in Missouri. 

Glasgow Times:

Also, Jason Bateman is always worth a watch, even when he isn't winking at the camera Arrested Development style. But the real scene stealer is the ever-brilliant Laura Linney. She acts, directs and produces in this series, proving she's the real star of the show.

Atypical

Starring: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Amy Okuda

While it has its flaws, Atypical is an important step forward in how TV shows portray autism and dating.

It's about Sam, an 18-year-old boy, that wants to find love. However, there's an unfamiliar twist to it, as Sam has autism. Granted, it's HFA (High Functioning-Autism), but dealing with it is still problematic for him, his family, and the people he encounters.

By making the disorder not only the main focus of the story, but also its primary source of humour, Atypical familiarises it and shows that living with an autistic person isn't as scary as people might think.

Although simplified and toned-down, the spectrum is presented here as something that can be understood and eventually embraced.

Glasgow Times:

The breakout star of the show is surprisingly not Keir Gilchrist who plays Sam - he plays the autistic teen with sensitivity and attention to detail - but rather Brigette Lundy-Paine, who portrays his tomboyish sister.

The first season is only eight episodes, which makes it perfect for binge watching.

Take Me (2017)

Director: Pat Healy

Starring: Pat Healy, Taylor Schilling,  Jim O'Heir, Brooke Dillman

Take Me is the feature film directorial debut by Pat Healy (Cheap Thrills, Compliance) from a script written for him by Mike Makowsky which blends the feel of a 1930s screwball comedy with a 1940s film noir - to create in Healy's own words, a "screwball noir". 

Healy also stars as the film’s lead character, Ray Moody, who runs a business that simulates real-life kidnappings for paying customers.

Why, you ask?

As Ray describes in the film's operning scene, he loves helping people, whether you’re trying to kick an eating habit or need the isolation, Ray does his best to deliver an 8-hour experience tailored to the 'victim’s' specific needs.

Glasgow Times:

It’s his life’s work, which means the challenge of a 48-hour simulation for a cool $5,000 can’t be turned down.

Enter Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black, The Overnight) as the glamorous Anna St. Blair - his latest client. 

Ray does his research and the scenario is under way – but does he have the right mark? Anna swears she has no idea what’s going on, and with the police now on his tail, this might be Ray’s last job depending on who really hired his services.

The chemistry between Healy and Schilling is pensive, curious and misleading. Their misunderstood back-and-forth is compelling to watch and plays like something straight out of an old black-and-white from the golden age of Hollywood - it's somehow serious, yet always banterish.

There is a sweetness to the whole movie, some genuine laugh out loud moments, as well as an undeniable creep factor - and not just Pat Healy’s wig.