Netflix Quietly Adds One of the Year’s Best Films: “Left-Handed Girl” Now Streaming

Netflix has quietly expanded its library with Left-Handed Girl, a film widely hailed as one of the standout independent productions of the year. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival last May, the movie made a strong impression and quickly became one of the event’s most-discussed titles. The platform released it globally on Friday, November 28 without much fanfare.

This Taiwanese family dramedy was written and directed by acclaimed indie filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou, who has long collaborated with Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning creator behind Anora. Baker co-wrote the screenplay, adding his signature touch to the project.

The origins of Left-Handed Girl date back to 2004, shortly after Tsou and Baker co-directed Take Out. The film follows a 5-year-old girl (played by Nina Ye) who moves with her mother (Janel Tsai) and sister (Shih-Yuan Ma) from a quiet rural town to the bustling streets of Taipei. There, the family opens a noodle stall in a lively night market. The story captures their efforts to adjust to a new life, blending humor, tenderness, and a realistic depiction of family dynamics.

Critical praise has been widespread. Collider celebrated the film as “one of the strongest solo directorial debuts of the year,” while The Spectator described it as “sensitive without ever becoming sentimental.” The Times highlighted the film’s “rebellious spirit and playful energy,” noting young actress Nina Ye as one of its brightest strengths.

Despite its understated release, Left-Handed Girl is already emerging as a potential cult favorite and a major highlight of the year’s independent cinema.