Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThis is a historical guide to Netflix releases highlighted for Dec. 2–9, 2023—not a list of what is new this week now. Its four picks range from an apocalyptic feature and a psychological drama to holiday baking and a six-part World War II documentary.
The four picks at a glance
| Title | Format | Release timing in the 2023 guide | Best fit if you want… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave the World Behind | Feature film | Dec. 8, 2023 | Apocalyptic suspense about a family, unexpected visitors and a cyberattack. |
| May December | Feature film | Already streaming when the guide appeared Dec. 2, 2023 | A psychological drama about a couple and an actor researching their story. |
| The Great British Baking Show Holidays (Season 6) | Holiday special | Dec. 8, 2023 | Seasonal baking competition and returning contestants. |
| World War II from the Frontlines | Six-part documentary series | Dec. 7, 2023 | Archival footage and accounts from across the conflict. |
The dates and descriptions above reflect BGR’s Dec. 2, 2023 weekly guide; they are not current catalog or availability claims. Netflix availability can vary by country and over time.
![Roma (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41c6fo3uhtL._SL160_.jpg)
Leave the World Behind: a family getaway turns into a disaster story
BGR led its weekly list with Leave the World Behind, which it said would begin streaming Dec. 8, 2023. A family’s vacation is disrupted by two strangers seeking refuge from a cyberattack. Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke lead the cast listed on Netflix’s official title page; BGR also identifies Myha’la among the stars. Netflix describes the 2023 drama as based on a book.
The film adapts Rumaan Alam’s 2021 novel of the same name, which was nominated for the National Book Award, according to BGR. The novel is the source material for anyone interested in comparing the adaptation with the book; it is not required to follow the film.
#1 Best Overall
BGR framed the story as an apocalyptic drama that uses a cyberattack to explore technology dependence, social breakdown, race, class and parenting. Those are interpretive themes, rather than Netflix’s formal genre description.
Why Sam Esmail chose a cyberattack
In a Netflix promotional interview quoted by BGR, director Sam Esmail explained his interest in the premise: “I had been interested in doing a disaster movie for a while, and I specifically wanted to do one surrounding a cyber attack — because I don’t think a lot of people have a concrete idea of what that would look like or how detrimental it would be, not just in America but globally.”
He also said: “What Rumaan did so well with this story is that he kept it centered on these characters and the journey they’re all on, and I found a way to expand upon my obsessions while translating it into a cinematic experience. What if technology was the driver behind this collapse? What if this thing that we as a people and as a society rely on so much blindly turns against us? From there, everything just clicked into place.”
BGR reported Rotten Tomatoes scores of 78% from critics and 89% from audiences on Dec. 2, 2023. Those are a dated snapshot, not current ratings.
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May December: an actor revisits a tabloid romance
May December was already streaming when BGR published its guide. Natalie Portman plays a television actress who researches a married couple whose tabloid romance drew public attention; her arrival stirs old emotions. Netflix’s official title page describes the couple unraveling as a famous actor researches them for a film and lists Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton.
The Great British Baking Show Holidays: returning bakers take on seasonal treats
BGR listed Season 6 of The Great British Baking Show Holidays for Dec. 8, 2023. Its description has returning competitors preparing holiday treats for judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. The schedule and synopsis here reflect that historical guide; they do not establish the special’s present-day Netflix availability.
Rank #4
- DVD + Blu-ray Combo
World War II from the Frontlines: six episodes built around archival footage
BGR listed World War II from the Frontlines for Dec. 7, 2023. Netflix describes the 2023 documentary series as six episodes using vividly enhanced archival footage and voices from across the conflict; its official title page lists John Boyega. It is the documentary pick among the four, while the other selections are fiction or holiday competition programming.
Which one should you choose?
- For suspense: Leave the World Behind is the feature built around a family, strangers and a cyberattack.
- For psychological drama: May December centers on the impact of an actor’s research on a couple.
- For seasonal comfort viewing: the holiday baking special brings back contestants for festive challenges.
- For nonfiction history: World War II from the Frontlines offers a six-episode archival documentary format.
The weekly release dates and selection descriptions come from BGR’s Dec. 2, 2023 guide. Check Netflix in your country for current availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
