New releases and forthcoming titles on Netflix
If you enjoyed “The Platform,” there’s exciting news: Netflix (NFLX) is coming out with a sequel.
According to the streaming giant’s announcement on July 11, the 2019 dystopian sci-fi movie set in a harsh vertical prison became one of the most popular Spanish films in Netflix’s history. It secured the fifth spot in the non-English Film Top Ten category, amassing 82.8 million views.
The movie gained positive reception and garnered more reviews following an increase in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sam Jones of The Guardian described it as “an ideal metaphor for life during the coronavirus era and a powerful exploration of how a crisis can reveal both the divisions within human society and the inherent selfishness embedded in our genetics.”
Given such an intriguing write-up, it’s no wonder a sequel was anticipated! “The Platform 2” is scheduled to release on Netflix on October 4th.
The company revealed a new trailer and images for the sequel, along with a summary of the new plot.
“As an enigmatic ruler enforces their command in the Platform, a newcomer finds themselves caught in the conflict against this contentious approach to confronting the harsh feeding system,” the plot summary states. “However, when eating from the incorrect dish turns fatal, to what lengths would you go to ensure your survival?”
Netflix is set to announce its second-quarter earnings on July 18. 
Not interested in “The Platform?” Then you might like the Israeli series “A Body That Works.” The plot revolves around a couple in Tel Aviv who are unable to conceive a child and decide to hire a surrogate. According to The Jerusalem Post, it ranks in Netflix’s top 10 in multiple countries.
If that doesn’t interest you, join Leif Erikson and his crew in the concluding season of the “Vikings” spinoff, “Vikings: Valhalla,” now available for streaming.
If none of that is effective for you, continue searching because, as Co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos mentioned to analysts in April, “satisfied members watch more.”
“They remain with the service for a longer time,” Sarandos explained, clarifying why Netflix prioritizes engagement. “They recommend it to friends, which further expands engagement, revenue, and profit—our guiding principles.”
Analyst viewpoints and increase in subscribers
Netflix exceeded expectations with its first-quarter earnings and revenue, driven by a significant increase in subscriber growth. The streaming platform’s subscriber base expanded by 16% year-over-year, reaching 269.6 million, with 9.33 million new paying customers added.
“I believe we’re exciting our members,” Sarandos mentioned during the company’s earnings call. “That’s the reason we all leap out of bed in the morning.”
During the first eleven weeks of this year, Netflix achieved the top streaming film position for eight weeks and topped the list for original series in nine out of those eleven weeks.
Co-CEO Greg Peters mentioned that Netflix helps “people discover content they’ll enjoy,” making it possible for these titles to reach vast audiences globally.
Peters mentioned that their goal is to enhance fandom and influence cultural discussions with these titles.
Analysts have observed Netflix’s robust performance and increase in subscribers. Citi analysts kept a neutral rating with a price target of 0, anticipating modest net additions that surpass sell-side estimates but fall short of investor expectations. They are maintaining a cautious stance ahead of the earnings report, given that the stock has risen by 45% so far this year.
KeyBanc increased its price target from 5 to 7, maintaining an overweight rating. Likewise, JPMorgan raised its price target from 0 to 0, also maintaining an overweight rating. JPMorgan anticipates Q2 net subscriber additions to be six million, compared to the previous estimate of five million. They project a conservative outlook for FY2024, with revenue growth between 13% and 15%, operating margins at 25%, and free cash flow at billion.
