This post was written by Hatchet reporter Bridie O’Connell.
The holidays came early for students who are hoping to binge watch winter break away.
HBO Go became available to students last month and can be accessed off campus by logging in with a GW NetID and password. Check out our guide to the best TV shows and movies to watch on HBO Go for every situation you may encounter over break.
Mind- altering thriller: “Westworld”
Fans of dystopian science fiction shows will love HBO’s newest thriller, “Westworld.” “Westworld” mixes the past and the future in a way that is sure to mess with your mind. The combination of robots and the old west might seem confusing or cheesy, but “”Westworld” is a highly intricate show that will keep your mind occupied as you constantly try to figure out what is real and what is part of the park. In addition to the riveting science fiction aspect of the show, it is also full of action and romance.
A good cry: “The Danish Girl”
Inspired by a true story, “The Danish Girl” follows Einar Wegener who discovers that he identifies with a fictional persona, Lili, who he dresses up as to model for his wife’s painting. The film showcases the complicated relationship between Einar and his wife Gerda as they adjust to Einar’s transition to womanhood with delicate grace. The film is a true tearjerker, and the moving performances by Eddie Redmayne, as Einar, and Alicia Vikander, who won an Academy Award for her role as Gerda, will give you high standards as you size up the past year’s films for your Academy Award predictions.
Holiday movie to watch with family: “Miracle on 34th Street”
“Miracle on 34th Street,” which was added to HBO Go last month, is a classic Christmas movie that is perfect to watch with family. Based on a true story, “Miracle on 34th Street” tells the story of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. This movie is perfect to turn on as every generation of your family gathers in the living room because the old-fashioned department store setting will send your grandparents on a trip down memory lane and the heartwarming holiday plot will please every age. Though it has many dramatic twists and turns, a happy ending ensures you’ll walk away with some extra holiday spirit.
Binge-worthy television: “Insecure”
Check out Yvonne Orji in the hit show, “Insecure,” to see a GW alumna who has made it to the big screen. “Insecure” is a comedic and relatable story of a woman trying to find her place in the world. With only one season out on HBO, now is the perfect time to binge before another season comes out next year. While this show follows a creative and funny plot, it also has been praised because it pushes back on stereotypes of black women. The 30-minute episodes fly by, making this the perfect show to binge on during winter break.
A trip back to the District: “Veep”
If you are spending winter break wishing you were back in D.C., “Veep” will make you feel right at your second home. The satirical show follows a female politician, who serves first as vice president then president of the U.S., as she attempts to make a lasting mark on the world while avoiding the political games and drama that the District is known for. Season six comes out this spring, so winter break is the perfect time to catch up while getting some comedic relief to forget about real-life political drama.
