FIVE NETFLIX DOCUMENTARIES FOR WINTER EVENINGS

Over the past few weeks, winter has managed to surprise Quebecers, with freezing cold temperatures giving way to mild, Spring-like days. This unexpected nice weather is making us consider spending time outdoors to enjoy winter activities. Of course, long hours spent outdoors are even more enjoyable when you know that a well-deserved cozy break awaits you once you’re back at home. A roaring fire, a warm wooly blanket and a cup of hot chocolate are all you need in order to unwind with a great Netflix find, whether you’re on your own or with a loved one. Here are five documentaries that are best enjoyed on a cold winter evening.

Design and architecture fans will love this British documentary series which explores some of the most striking residences around the world. Over two seasons, hosts Caroline Quentin and Piers Taylor travel the world to meet with the owners and architects that built their architectural dream homes to discuss their creative process as well as the challenges and surprises they encountered along the way. The first season focuses on the homes’ relationship with their natural environment (mountains, forest, coast, and earth), while the second showcases a selection of the most beautiful homes by country, explaining how each country’s cultural identity influenced their design. 

Tales by Light follows five photographers, videographers and explorers as they push the boundaries of their art further in their quest to capture the best images. From the underwater paradise of the Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia to the endless wild plains of the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya, follow in the footsteps of these adventurous artists willing to do anything to see and capture creatively what has never been shown before. The first season’s “Panorama” episode, for instance, follows photographer Ernest Shackleton across the polar landscapes of the Antarctic, in an expedition that will make you want to wear a warmQuartz Co. winter coatandsnowshoesand join him on an adventure to go photograph Quebec’s wild landscapes in style.

This documentary series explores the creative universe of a range of design artists who stand out on the international scene for their unique achievements in the fields of architecture, fashion, and more. This visually inspiring and thoroughly researched series includes an episode on the grandiose installations ofOlafur Eliasson, a Danish artist whose work was the subject of an exhibition at the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal in 2017. Eliasson is best known for conceptual works that question the relationship between individuals and space, environment, and time. Abstract: The Art of Design earned an Emmy Award for its memorable art direction and graphic design. 

This is one not to be missed by foodies, whose mouths will water as they dive into this documentary series starring celebrated chef David Chang as he meets other famous chefs who have made a name for themselves on the international scene for their standout dishes that combine unique flavors and textures. One episode of the series explores the culinary creations of Danish chef René Redzepi (of Michelin-starred Restaurant Noma), renowned for hisNordic cuisineand crowned best chef in the world by British magazine Restaurant.

From the creators of Planet Earth, this Netflix series will appeal to anyone interested in the environment, animals, and travel. It presents the most beautiful landscapes of the planet and follows the animals that inhabit it in their natural habitat. The series takes you to breathtaking and untouched places, from the dense forests of Siberia to the deep waters of the oceans. This travel series is also educational, as narrator Jacques Frantz discusses the harmful effects of global warming on the magnificent creatures that inhabit our Earth.