In February 2024, Netflix gained significant attention in France with popular releases, including the documentary series *American Murder: Gabby Petito*, and the mixed-reviewed drama *Cassandra*. Thrillers like *Murders in Åre*, and the fourth season of *Entrevias* also captured viewers. Tom Holland’s *Uncharted* topped the film charts, alongside the buzzworthy *Missing: Disappearance Worrying*. The classic thriller *Basic Instinct* returned, drawing renewed interest due to its controversial scenes and Sharon Stone’s reflections on her experiences during filming.
Netflix’s February 2024 Hits: A Deep Dive
In February 2024, Netflix unveiled a series of captivating productions that swiftly ascended to the Top 10 most-watched shows in France. Leading the charge is the gripping documentary series *American Murder: Gabby Petito*, which premiered on January 17. Remarkably, it eclipsed all other titles within a mere 24 hours. Another standout in the Top 10 is *Cassandra*, which has drawn mixed reviews, with some viewers even likening it unfavorably to *Black Mirror*.
Thrillers and Blockbusters Steal the Spotlight
The platform is also seeing a surge in viewership for thrilling narratives, particularly *Murders in Åre*, which enjoyed a lengthy tenure at the top, alongside the highly anticipated fourth season of *Entrevias* and the latest installment of *The Night Agent*. On the cinematic side, Tom Holland’s *Uncharted* claims the top film spot. Additionally, the newly released *Missing: Disappearance Worrying* is generating considerable buzz. Another thriller making waves is *Basic Instinct*, which has sparked discussions since its arrival.
*Basic Instinct*, a classic thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven, made its way to Netflix on February 14, 2024. This film, originally released in 1992, intertwines a police investigation with a tantalizing romance. The story centers around Nick Curran, portrayed by Michael Douglas, a police inspector in San Francisco tasked with solving the murder of rock star Johnny Boz. The investigation leads him to the enigmatic novelist Catherine Tramell, played by Sharon Stone, who becomes a key figure in the case.
As the plot unfolds, Curran uncovers a web of tragic events surrounding Tramell, including the suspicious deaths of her parents, a professor, and the entire family of a close friend.
The initial release of *Basic Instinct* was marked by controversy, particularly due to a provocative scene featuring Sharon Stone. In this iconic moment, she crosses and uncrosses her legs in front of Michael Douglas in a police station, revealing that she is not wearing underwear. Stone later reflected on this scene in her book, *The Beauty of Living Twice*, stating, “Remember, we were in 1992, and not today where everyone can see erect penises on Netflix,” underscoring how groundbreaking it was for its time.
Furthermore, Stone disclosed that the filming of this scene occurred without her explicit consent. She recounted the unsettling experience of viewing the film for the first time in a room filled with lawyers rather than just the director, which led to her seeing a close-up of her own body without prior agreement. This moment prompted her to confront Verhoeven and seek legal counsel.