March brings with it an abundance of attention-grabbing cinematic works to watch out for. Award-winning directors and artists present an assortment of films and television shows, spanning from fantastical fantasies to action-thrillers.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, add a few things to your watchlist that celebrate the power of womanhood. We recommend the Millie Bobby Brown and Angela Bassett-fronted Damsel, in which the female protagonist decidedly does not need saving by a knight in shining armour. For a watch more closely tied to reality, consider Shirley, which tells the story of the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress—standing testament to the resilience, strength and influence of women in shaping societies.
Thrillseekers might enjoy Wonderful World, a drama following a renowned professor’s quest for revenge after the legal system failed to punish the perpetrator of her young son’s tragic death. This dark but compelling narrative sees Kim Nam-joo step into the lead role, making it her first television appearance since her hiatus that started six years ago. Below, find our full list of March’s best releases—all available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and HBO GO.
1 / 9
Chef’s Uncut
Visually captivating and mouth-watering in equal parts, this documentary series on six of Asia’s best chefs brings culinary magic to life. Diving into the diverse gastronomic landscapes found across Asia, each uncensored episode follows the personal journey of one chef, spotlighting their creativity, passion and dedication to their art. From lively city streets to rural villages, catch a glimpse of the vibrant cultural heritage and flavours that make up our region.
Watch Chef’s Uncut on Netflix from 1 March.
2 / 9
My Name is Loh Kiwan
Fans of Song Joong-Ki will rejoice, for the Descendants of the Sun and Vincenzo star plays the titular role of Loh Kiwan in this emotional drama, who struggles to obtain refugee status in Belgium after defecting from North Korea. There, he meets Marie—played by Choi Sung-eun—a former shooting athlete who has lost all hope to live. A beautiful bond forms between the pair as they navigate unfamiliar society, eventually leading to hope and healing.
Watch My Name is Loh Kiwan on Netflix from 1 March.
3 / 9
24 Hours with Gaspar
In this dystopian crime drama, private detective Gaspar only has 24 hours left to live, during which he unearths confounding clues surrounding the mysterious disappearance of his missing childhood friends linked to a human trafficking syndicate. Along with five other people, Gaspar plans to rob a jewellery store in his last hours. Stylishly executed, the acclaimed film received nine nominations and won the trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2023 Indonesian Film Festival—proving it’s worth as a futuristic watch you won’t want to miss.
Watch 24 Hours with Gaspar on Netflix from 14 March.
4 / 9
Damsel
With a star-studded cast featuring Millie Bobby Brown, Angela Bassett and Robin Wright, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s Damsel interlaces dark fantasy with action and suspense. Putting a subversive spin on traditional fairytale tropes, Brown plays Elodie, who fights for survival when her Prince Charming offers her as a sacrifice to pay off an ancient debt. The film showcases the strength, independence and empowerment found within young women as they blossom into adults—with a touch of intrigue, magic and a fire-breathing dragon.
Watch Damsel on Netflix from 8 March.
5 / 9
Shirley
In Shirley, Oscar-winner Regina King transforms into political trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, who made history as the first Black woman elected to the US Congress in 1968. Deep dive into pivotal events of the past, as the biographical film chronicles the audacious and boundary-breaking 1972 campaign of the first Black candidate seeking a major party’s nomination for president. Fiery yet heartfelt, catch all the groundbreaking moments in the inspiring journey of this true maverick who championed racial and gender equality.
Watch Shirley on Netflix from 22 March.
6 / 9
Wonderful World
Delving into darker themes of depression and revenge is Korean drama Wonderful World, which follows Eun Soo-Hyun (Kim Nam-joo), a successful psychology professor and writer whose life is turned upside down when her young son dies unjustly. Consumed with despair, she sets out to punish the person responsible for her son’s death on her own, meeting others who share similar pain in the process.
Watch Wonderful World on Disney+ from 1 March.
7 / 9
Shōgun
Based on the historical fiction book of the same title by James Clavell, this episodic adaptation makes way for a saga of transformation and personal growth in feudal Japan. Join John Blackthorne, a sailor shipwrecked in Japan; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd daimyō in conflict with political rival; and Lady Mariko, a skilful and mysterious samurai tainted by dishonourable family ties, as their characters traverse a society rife with dispute and battles. Critically likened to cinematic titans such as Game of Thrones, Shōgun is an epic, expertly-crafted creation.
Watch Shōgun on Disney+ from 1 March.
8 / 9
Wonka
Many actors have stepped into the role of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka since 1971, and Timothée Chalamet is this generation’s deuteragonist in the iconic, whimsical world of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The two-hour candy-coloured musical fantasy film is filled with magic and mayhem, the origin story of young, starry-eyed Willy Wonka who endeavours to open a chocolate factory in the hopes that his late mother will return. A fresh yet nostalgic rendition, the heart-tugging movie celebrates the friendships made along the journey of life.
Watch Wonka on HBO GO from 8 March.
9 / 9
Palm Royale
Juliet McDaniel’s satirical romance novel Mr & Mrs American Pie is brought on-screen with the release of period comedy miniseries Palm Royale, set in 1969. Kristen Wiig’s character, Maxine, is dumped by her husband, sparking her ambitions to enter America’s most exclusive circle: Palm Beach high society. Amongst the A-list ensemble presenting the snobbery and schemes of the elite are Laura Dern and Kaia Gerber, probing viewers to contemplate the timeless question of how much one should sacrifice, when in pursuit of reaching the top.
Watch Palm Royale on Apple TV+ from 20 March.
