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Friday, July 28, 2023

25 Hidden Gems You Should Be Watching On Netflix

Netflix

Have you ever found yourself rewatching the same one or two series over and over (and over and over) again just because you haven’t found anything else that really scratches the same itch? Us too. Fortunately, Netflix is full of hidden gems just waiting to be watched! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite hidden gems on Netflix that we’ve been telling people (in some cases for years!) to watch, but for whatever reason they haven’t gained the kind of traction we think they deserve.

No matter what you're in the mood for, be it an informative documentary, a dreamy romance, a comedy that gets you laughing out loud, or a drama or thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, there's something that'll appeal to you. Some of these will sound completely alien to you and some you may have heard of, but just haven’t gotten to yet (take this as your sign to give it a whirl), we wanted to give an even mix of deep cuts and shows verging on the edge of all-out hits. Who knows, you might even find your new favorite movie or show. These Netflix gems will keep you entertained until the credits roll.

Killer Sally

Netflix
A true crime story that goes deeper.

This true crime limited series follows the murder of Ray McNeil by his wife, Sally. But while the murder itself is an open and shut case on paper, drugs, domestic violence, and societal perceptions of femininity and beauty complicate the court case. The documentary also delves into the complicated dynamics abuse plays in a family in a thoughtful, heartbreaking way.

Derry Girls

Netflix
Don’t call us mad if you start saying “wee” all the time.

Set in Northern Ireland during the last days of the Troubles, five friends navigate growing up in the Catholic underclass of the country. Equal parts ugly crying and belly laughs, Derry Girls tells the story of a particular time and place, but the emotional story it tells is universal.

Kim’s Convenience

Netflix
“Appa” is all of our appas. Jin is a smokeshow.

The Kim family manages a convenience store in Toronto. “Umma” and “Appa” live above the shop with their youngest child, Janet. Jun, the eldest, is a recovering teenage delinquent who remains estranged from his father, much to his mom and sister’s dismay. This brilliant ensemble cast tells a story that’s heartfelt and hilarious. If you liked Schitt’s Creek, you’ll love Kim’s Convenience.

(And yes, Jun is played by Simu Liu aka Shang-Chi aka Ken’s arch-rival, Ken.)

Two Sentence Horror Stories

Netflix
A cross between Are You Afraid of the Dark and The Twilight Zone

Part Twilight Zone part Are You Afraid of the Dark, Two Sentence Horror Stories is spooky without being terrifying — perfect for people who like horror but also like being able to go to sleep without a nightlight. The often ironic or twist endings keep things exciting and fresh episode after episode.

I Think You Should Leave

Courtesy of Netflix
“We’re all trying to find the guy who did this!”

Warning: there is a very good chance after you watch this bizarre sketch comedy series you will only be able to communicate in quotes from the show for the next month or so. Fortunately, if someone else has been watching they will appreciate that and respond in kind.

Beef

ANDREW COOPER/NETFLIX
The show goes deep but stays funny.

This sharp limited series follows the lives of two people who are far more alike than they care to admit. After a near fender-bender in a parking lot, Amy and Danny commit themselves to destroying the other person and, in the process, find themselves delving deeper and deeper into their own chaos.

Documentary Now!

Netflix
Bill Hader as ‘Little Vivvy”

Created by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas (with frequent writing from John Mulaney) this series can be a bit of a deep cut for some, hilariously spoofing famous documentaries like Grey Gardens, Wild Wild Country and Jiro Dreams of Sushi with the help of a bevvy celebrities.

Money Heist

Netflix
It just might be the perfect heist series.

This dramatic TV show tells the story of a group of robbers attempting to pull off a big-time heist. As a number of them take hostages within the Royal Mint of Spain, another tries to put his plan into action.

Alias Grace

Sabrina Lantos/Netflix
No one writes them like Atwood.

Based on a book of the same name by Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace tells the (mostly) true story of Grace Marks, a poor Irish immigrant who was charged with murdering her employers in 19th century Canada. The case was controversial at the time and remains somewhat mysterious to this day.

His House

Aidan Monaghan/NETFLIX
You’ll be thinking about this movie for a long time.

We’ve mostly included TV shows on this list, but this movie is so spectacular we just couldn’t skip it. Rial and Bol have fled war in South Sudan and have resettled in the UK. But the housing they’ve been provided by refugee services is coming alive with the ghosts of their past.

Cunk on Earth

Netflix
“Philomenia,” in and of herself, is a gem.

Parodying documentary series produced by the likes of the BBC, Cunk on Earth is hosted by the fictional Philomena Cunk, a dense and irreverent presenter who explores the entire history of the world with actual historians and scholars.

Dead To Me

Netflix
These two are quite the pair.

Jen is a new widow grieving the hit-and-run death of her husband. Her grief support group is mostly useless, until she meets Judy, a bubbly woman whose husband just had a heart attack. In spite of it all, endears herself to the jaded and cynical Jen. But Judy is harboring a secret, and within the first episode the plot thickens...

Bobby Kennedy For President

Netflix

This Netflix original "docuseries" discusses the effect that Bobby Kennedy had on the country as well as his continued legacy.

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman

Netflix

David Letterman is one of the most famous late-night talk show hosts ever and when his last show went off the air, some thought that'd be the end of his talk show hosting days. This show, which isn’t new but people definitely sleep on it, is a Netflix original and allows him to have longer, more serious, more engaging conversations with guests ranging from Volodymyr Zelensky to Malala Yousafzai and beyond.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love

Netflix
Fans agree we would risk it all for Mal.

This just might be the perfect “turn off your brain” reality drama you need! Five queer couples struggling in their relationships — debating whether or not they want to get married — swap partners for three weeks to see what they might be missing in their own relationships. Then they return to their original pairings for an additional three weeks before deciding whether they want to commit to one another... or the other partner they were paired with.

Murderville

Courtesy of Netflix
Will Arnett is is in and of himself a gem.

Will Arnett is Detective Terry Seattle, a divorced police detective struggling in his personal life but damn good at solving murders. Every week he is paried with a trainee — usually a famous comedian — and the pair improvise their way through a murder case to find out whodunit... like, they literally improvise. Most of the show is unscripted. Needless to say hilarity ensues.

Sense8

Netflix

This show has a loyal following, but the series finale is now available to stream. The show tells the story of eight separate people who are able to communicate telepathically, which puts a target on all of their backs.

Glow

Erica Parise/Netflix
A surprisingly feminist show.

Ruth is a down on her luck actress who’s just had a falling out with her best friend, new mom and former soap star Debbie. Through an unusual turn of events both women wind up joining GLOW, the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling, where they find empowerment and forgiveness in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Imposters

Netflix

This show tells the story of a pretty, smart, rich, and doting wife who's actually — and secretly, of course — a con artist. And with the help of her associates, she's able to dupe all manner of wealthy, successful men.

Godless

Netflix

If old Westerns are more your speed, you might enjoy this original Netflix TV show about an outlaw looking for an old associate who now lives in a town in which only women live. This quiet town is about to get a little bit more exciting.

Santa Clarita Diet

Saeed Adyani / Netflix
You’ll be hungry for more episodes.

Married realtors Sheila and Joel seem to be a normal couple with a normal family, but they're certainly not what they seem. When Joel discovers Sheila is more into eating human flesh than vegetables, well, there's little doubt that their relationship is going to change.

Madame Secretary

Netflix

Téa Leoni stars in this political drama in which she plays a woman who becomes the Secretary of State and isn't afraid to do the things that she thinks are right. Like most working women, she'll also have to navigate her family relationships and her professional relationships.

Bojack Horseman

Netflix
Bojack’s journey is surprisingly deep for a cartoon horse.

Affectionately known by some as “the sad horse show,” Bojack Horseman takes place in a world where people and animal-people live side by side (this weirdness is never addressed; just roll with it). Bojack used to star in a mega-hit sitcom, Horsin’ Around. While he’s still remarkably wealthy, he’s washed up and bitter, but hopefully that will change when ghostwriter Diane helps him write a book.

The series seems silly on the surface and often very much is, but also explores melancholy and profound psychological questions about fame and trauma.

Collateral

Netflix

As a female detective investigates the murder of a delivery man on a London street, she has to figure out how the murder, acts of revenge, many lies, drug dealers, smugglers, and more all go together.

Dynasty

Netflix

Two extremely wealthy and powerful families battle for influence, power, money, and family legacy in this dramatic show. Yes, it is, in fact, a reboot of the former soap opera, Dynasty.

Happy watching, everybody!


Does Your Vagina Smell Different During Ovulation? An OB Explains

Westend61/Westend61/Getty Images

If you're trying to get pregnant (or, for that matter, if you're trying not to get pregnant), you've probably taken it upon yourself to become as familiar with your body's fertility signs as possible. You might have figured out that when you're ovulating, you tend to get weird, burning cramps on one side of your abdomen. You might notice that your bra gets tighter at the same time every month. You might have a stronger sex drive when you hit peak baby-making time. But did you know your vagina can even smell different during ovulation?

Yes, your vagina may smell different during ovulation

Considering how many changes our bodies go through during our most fertile phase of the month, it's no surprise that a shift in scent would take place. And it's not just “down there” that you might notice a difference in body odor: Research published by the Association for Psychological Science found that men who were exposed to the scent of an ovulating woman's t-shirt displayed higher levels of testosterone than men who sniffed the shirts of a non-ovulating woman.

Jan Hakan Dahlstrom/Stone/Getty Images

“I am certain the vagina smells differently during ovulation for several reasons” Dr. Alan Lindemann, an OB-GYN, tells Romper. “The entire vaginal PH and cervical mucus change during ovulation. The cervix produces mucus favorable to sperm. It is the home away from home for sperm. Intact mucus bars all invaders except sperm, which live in intact mucus and are released into the uterus in a shower over several days. That's why conception can occur over 48 to 72 hours after intercourse,” he explains.

Don’t freak out if you don’t notice it, though

These changes in scent may be very subtle, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to conceive and looking for any clues about your potential fertility at any given moment. As helpful as it would be in the baby-making process if ovulation had an unmistakable, universal, and consistent bouquet, you truly might not even notice the change. That's okay, though — in many cases, strong vaginal odors are a sign that something's not quite right (such as a yeast or bacterial infection).

At the end of the day (or cycle, to be more accurate), everybody's different, and there's no guarantee that a particular scent means your body is ready to make a baby. But if you notice that you seem to be producing the same smell every month during your most fertile days, it is possible that a change in vaginal odor indicates ovulation. However, investing in an ovulation test kit is probably more accurate way to keep track, and if you’re really concerned, it’s best to reach out to your health care providor.

Experts:

Dr. Alan Lindemann, M.D., OB/GYN


Can A Pregnancy Test Change Overnight? An OB-GYN Explains

Catherine McQueen/Moment/Getty Images

The time between when a woman suspects she might be pregnant and when it is confirmed for sure is the longest of her life. Regardless of whether you are hoping for a positive or a negative result, the odds are good that you are sweating bullets when the time to read the pregnancy test finally comes. And the wait isn't necessarily over upon seeing a result the first time; many women take the test several more times just to be certain. So what happens if you get a different result the next day? Can a pregnancy test change overnight?

Can a pregnancy test change overnight?

The answer is yes. Not only can you get a negative pregnancy test result followed by a positive, but you can also get a positive test result and then a negative. If you take an at-home pregnancy test one morning to find a negative result, it could mean that you’re not pregnant, or it may be that you’re taking the test too early. To wrap your head around this further, it’s helpful to know what pregnancy tests are even looking for.

Why would a negative pregnancy test turn positive overnight?

So, at-home pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG, the pregnancy hormone, detected in your urine). If your numbers are elevated, the pregnancy test will show a positive result. If not, you’ll see a negative result. Most doctors recommend that you wait until after your missed period to take an at-home test, which can be difficult to do if you’ve been trying to conceive for some time. The reason why it helps to wait is because hCG increases throughout your first trimester, so the earlier you take the test, the higher the margin for error because you haven’t given your body enough time to hit the minimum amount of hCG needed to trigger a positive test result.

The explanation for a negative test changing to positive overnight is pretty straightforward and simple. But what about a positive test changing to negative? What does it mean?

Shutterstock

Why would a positive pregnancy test turn negative overnight?

If you took a pregnancy test and got a positive result, and then, a few days later, take another one and get a negative, this may be a sign that you’ve experienced a type of miscarriage that is sometimes called a ‘chemical pregnancy,’ explains Dr. Yvonne Bohn, an OB-GYN with Los Angeles Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Santa Monica, California. “A chemical pregnancy is a very early pregnancy that usually ends about a week after the missed menstrual cycle,” explains Dr. Bohn. “In a chemical pregnancy, the hormones of pregnancy are very low and the pregnancy doesn’t develop. The body recognizes and induces a very early miscarriage which is like a delayed menses.”

In cases of these very early pregnancy losses, Bohn explains that the pregnancy test result will usually be a faint positive the first time but the follow-up tests will probably come out negative. Additionally, you will often know that the pregnancy is failing because of menstrual-like bleeding, Bohn adds, saying that people who experience a miscarriage should know that it is not the result of anything that they have done or not done. Painful and upsetting though it may be, it is not your fault. And of course, the very best way to get the most accurate information about the status of your pregnancy is to be seen by your OB or medical provider, who should be able to provide support and guidance through this experience and into whatever next steps feel appropriate and comfortable for you.

Expert:

Dr. Yvonne Bohn, OB-GYN with Los Angeles Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Santa Monica, California


30 Ocean Movies For Kids To Stream

Netflix

The ocean is a source of fascination for young and old. So why not encourage that love of exploration and adventure in your budding marine biologist (or baby pirate!) with some ocean movies for kids? From educational documentaries to fantastical adventures, no matter where your child’s interest lies, we’ve got you covered.

There's a lot you can do to keep your child's love of the life aquatic going, from going tide-pooling to making a trip to your local library or aquarium. But many of these movies gives a look at underwater life that can't be achieved on our own, from deep dives to close encounters with sharks. We've also included more fantastical underwater stories, full of mythical creatures and swashbuckling pirates! (I can't stress this enough: it would be irresponsible to exclude the pirates!) Because just as the ocean can inspire a deep love of environmentalism, science, and conservation, it can also inspire whimsy and imagination and that's pretty important, too.

Yes, there's lots of oceanic adventure out there, but this list of films (and documentary series, which we're absolutely counting as movies) is a good start!

Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef

Netflix

All your kid’s favorite characters from the popular series must find a way to hold back hungry swarms of coral-eating starfish to save this fragile environment in this fun new adventure.

Stream Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef, rated TV-Y, on Netflix.

Oceans

Disney+

Underwater documentarians Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud dive deep into the worlds oceans to explore this incredible world that sustains our own.

Stream Oceans, rated G, on Disney+.

Finding Nemo

Disney+

When his son Nemo is taken by a well-meaning scuba diver, Marlon must make is way to Sydney Australia to find him.

Stream Finding Nemo, rated G, on Disney+.

Puff: Wonders of the Reef

Netflic
Puff explores their world.

A baby pufferfish — Puff— travels through a microscopic world full of incredible creatures as he searches for a perfect home on the Great Barrier Reef, sharing a little-considered, tiny perspective from the world’s largest reef.

Stream Puff: Wonders of the Reef, rated TV-G, on Netflix.

Muppet Treasure Island

Disney+

The classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson meets the Muppets for this perfect adaptation. Jim Hawkins longs for adventure... and that’s just what finds him when he’s willed an old treasure map. He sets sail with Captain Smollett and a crew with a questionable past, especially the cook, Long John Silver...

Stream Muppet Treasure Island, rated G, on Disney+.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Disney+

It’s 1868, and there are rumors all throughout San Francisco that there are giant sea monsters lurking about. A courageous crew of explorers sets off to discover the nature of this creature only to come to a shocking discovery that takes them far below the ocean...

Stream 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, rated G, on Disney+.

A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures

Studio Canal

A turtle hatches on a beach in 1959, and over the course of the next 50 years, has a whirlwind of adventures, complicated by the tangible effects of climate change.

Stream A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures, rated G, on Amazon Prime.

My Octopus Teacher

Netflix

Documentarian and diver Craig Fosters explores the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa and forms an unlikely bond with an octopus, documenting her life over the course of a year.

Stream My Octopus Teacher, rated G, on Netflix.

March of the Penguins

YouTube
An unexpected ocean movie.

When you think about the ocean, birds probably don’t immediately come to mind, but penguins spend much of their lives in the frigid waters of Antarctica. This classic documentary examines the lives of these incredible birds throughout the year, from the “balmy” 33 degree summers and below freezing winters.

Stream March of the Penguins, rated G, on YouTube.

The Little Mermaid

Disney+

Ariel is a mermaid obsessed with the human world. When she falls head over heels with a human prince, she makes a bargain with a sea witch to be part of his world.

Stream The Little Mermaid, rated G, on Disney+.

Journey to Shark Eden

Disney+

National Geographic explorer Dr. Enric Sala and his team journey to remote islands near Tahiti to explore pristine coral reefs and the sharks that inhabit them.

Stream Journey to Shark Eden, rated G, on Disney+.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Disney+

It is 1914. Milo Thatch, an eccentric linguist and cartographer, joins up with a rag-tag crew of explorers to rediscover the lost civilization of Atlantis... and its inhabitants!

Stream Atlantis: The Lost Empire, rated PG, on Disney+.

True Spirit

Netflix
True Spirit is based on a true story.

Jessica Watson may seem like an ordinary Australian teenager, but she has big plans: to become the youngest sailor to have travelled the world alone. But while intrepid, the 16 year old will face unbelievable challenge and danger in pursuit of her dream.

Stream True Spirit, rated TV-PG, on Netflix.

Dolphin Tale

Amazon Video

When 11-year old Sawyer discovers a young dolphin tangled in a fishing net on the beach, he helps bring her to a local aquarium where marine biologists name her Winter. When a tail amputation threatens Winter’s life, Sawyer helps bring a prosthetics expert in to help her swim again. Inspired by a true story.

Rent Dolphin Tale, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

Finding Dory

Disney+

The forgetful Dory begins to remember her past and crosses the ocean to reunite with her parents, accomplishing what seemed impossible in her own, unique Dory way.

Stream Finding Dory, rated PG, on Disney+.

Free Willy

MovieClips/YouTube

A young boy forms a unique bond with an orca at an aquarium and is determined to release him back into the wild.

Rent Free Willy, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

Luca

Disney+

A young sea monster name Luca, who appears human on dry land, leaves his ocean home for a magical summer in the Italian seaside village of Portorosso with his new friends Alberto and Giulia.

Stream Luca, rated PG, on Disney+.

Moana

Disney+

Moana is next in line to be chief of of Motunui... but she longs to know what lies beyond her beloved island. When a mysterious darkness threatens life in Motunui, Moana rediscovers her people’s wayfinding past and teams up with demi-god Maui to save the day.

Stream Moana, rated PG, on Disney+.

Saving the Ocean with Carl Safina

Amazon Video

Carl Safina, founder of the Blue Oceans Institute, documents hopeful stories from the depths of the ocean, highlighting the ways humans have been able to effect change in these delicate ecosystems.

Watch Saving the Ocean with Carl Safina, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

Sea of Hope

Disney+

Renowned marine biologist Sylvia Earle teams up with National Geographic photographers and teenage aquanauts on a year-long quest to make the case to President Obama to create Blue Parks – aquatic spaces dedicated to preservation – the same way the National Parks Service has made efforts to preserve nature on dry land.

Stream Sea of Hope, rated PG, on Disney+.

The Secret of Roan Inish

Amazon Video

When Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village on the western coast of Ireland, she learns of her family’s connection to the sea, and the seals that hold a special status among the villagers. Over time, she realizes that this family history might have something to do with her brother Jamie’s disappearance years earlier...

Stream The Secret of Roan Inish, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

Secrets of the Whales

Disney+

This four-part documentary looks at various species of whales as never before, observing new and exciting things about their behaviors and unique cultures.

Watch Secrets of the Whales, rated PG, on Disney+.

Song of the Sea

Studio Canal UK/YouTube

Ben doesn’t always like his sister, Saoirse. After all, their mother went away after she was born. But when he discovers that his mute sister is a selkie, a mythical creature that can turn into a seal, the family must go on a quest to who must find her voice and free her from the fairies who would have her live with them.

Rent Song of the Sea, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

The Sea Beast

Netflix © 2022
Things aren’t always what they seem...

With a sea full of terrifying beasts, no heroes are more celebrated than the monster hunters who destroy them. But when an over-eager stowaway joins the crew of famous hunter Jacob Holland, she brings a new perspective... and a discovery that just might change everything.

Stream The Sea Beast, rated TV-PG, on Netflix.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie

Movieclips Classic Trailers/YouTube

When Mr. Krabs is framed for stealing the crown of King Neptune, SpongeBob and Patrick set forth to clear his good name, leaving Bikini Bottom for the hustle and bustle of Shell City.

Stream The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.

Aquaman

Moviefone/YouTube

Once an advanced, terrestrial civilization, Atlantis is now an underwater empire ruled by King Orm. But when the power-hungry king goes too far, it’s up to his half brother, Aquaman, to stop him and save the ocean.

Stream Aquaman, rated PG-13, on HBO Max.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Disney+

When Will Turner’s beloved Elizabeth is taken captive by pirates, he teams up with the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow to rescue her. They knew it was a dangerous mission, but they weren’t planning on facing a ship crewed by undead pirates!

This movie is definitely for older or less sensitive buccaneers, but if they like this one, good news, there are three more you watch as well, all available on Disney+!

Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, rated PG-13, on Disney+.

In the Heart of the Sea

Warner Bros. Entertainment
Thor hits the waves.

A whaling ship leaves Massachusetts on a two-year run in 1820 aboard the Essex. But when the ship is destroyed by a massive whale, the crew must struggle to survive. Based on the true events that inspired Moby Dick.

... maybe don’t watch if you’re about to go on a cruise or something...

Stream In the Heart of the Sea, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime.

Pacific Rim

Warner Bros. Entertainment
The monsters are coming

Monstrous creatures called Kaiju have lived in the sea for a millennium, and bring chaos and war to dry land. Mankind has developed giant robots called Jaegers to fight these terrible creatures, but the Jaegers might not be enough this time...

Stream Pacific Rim, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime.

Blackfish

Magnolia Pictures
These creatures are far more complex than we realized.

Tilikum is an orca at Sea World who has taken the lives of three people. But in the wild, these violence behaviors have never been observed. This documentary explores the remarkable social emotional lives of these mysterious creatures and explores the ethics of keeping them in captivity.

Stream Blackfish, rated PG-13, on Amazon Prime.

Happy watching!


Does Michelle Yeoh Have Kids? The Actress Is Proud A Stepmom & Grandma

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win in her category as she took home her very first Oscar earlier this year for her role as Evelyn Quan Yang, a wife and mother who finds herself exploring the multiverse to save her family in Everything Everywhere All at Once. But does the actress have children herself? There was a time in her life when she walked away from her career to become a mother. And today, she’s a proud stepmother, grandma, and now a wife after a 19-year engagement. Here’s what else you need to know about the actress’ family.

Michelle Yeoh left acting behind when she was 28 years old to start a family.

Back in 1988, Yeoh was an action star on the rise when she decided to change directions in her life. “I got married to a wonderful man called Dickson Poon,” she told Bustle in 2022. “At 28 years old, I decided maybe it was time to settle down, get married, and have a new life.” That life would include children, she hoped at the time, and felt that she wasn’t up to all the “multitasking” that came with her career and motherhood. “I looked in awe at some of the actresses who were able to juggle being a mother, take the kids to school, and act or produce. It blew my mind. I felt if I continued acting, I'd be constantly away from home. I couldn't understand how I could have a full [career while] being married,” she said in the same interview. “I really, really wanted to start a family.”

So much so that she told You magazine in 2018 she “tried IVF, everything. I was desperate. I love kids and saw myself surrounded by them but there’s only so much you can put your body and mind through.”

Yeoh ultimately discovered that she could not have children and she made the decision to leave her marriage to Poon in 1991. “If I’m being honest with myself, I didn't want for us to be bitter 10 years down the road,” Yeoh told Bustle. “Because in Asian families, people want to have sons and daughters [because] they are an extension and a legacy. And when you have the realization [that you can’t have kids], you have to deal with it. You deal with the curveballs that are thrown at you.”

While the pair divorced, she told You magazine that the two have remained friends.

Yeoh married her partner Jean Todt after a 19-year engagement.

Yeoh met French car executive Jean Todt in Shanghai in 2004 and they were engaged one year later. The couple stayed engaged for a whopping 19 years before surprising everyone by marrying in Switzerland in late July 2023.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh on the red carpet at the 76th annual Cannes film festival in May 2023.

“We met in Shanghai on 4th June 2004,” the couple wrote in the ceremony’s program, per the Los Angeles Times. “On 26th July 2004, J.T proposed to marry M.Y and she said YES…Today after 6992 days on 27th July 2023 in Geneva, surrounded by loving family and friends, we are so happy to celebrate this special moment together!”

The Shang-Chi star also became stepmom to Todt’s son Nicolas when they got engaged. Much like his father, Nicolas Todt, now 45, is involved in the world of motosports. Todt founded All Roads Management in 2003, and through that organization became manager to several famous racecar drivers. And perhaps even better, Nicolas made Yeoh a grandma.

Her granddaughter Raelyn calls her “Popo Michelle.”

Nicolas Todt made Yeoh a super proud grandma or “Popo Michelle,” which means “grandma” in Chinese, when he welcomed daughter Raelyn, and she could not have been happier. Yeoh’s social media feed is filled with videos and photos of Raelyn and their fun times together, including their reunion after nine months apart when they celebrated with a drink. Yeoh had a glass of wine and Raelyn a sippy cup.

Raelyn is also a pretty proud granddaughter. In an adorable video shared on Yeoh’s Instagram, little Reayln says a prayer in honor of her grandma’s Oscar-nominated movie. “Everything Everywhere All At Once! Everything Everywhere All At Once! Everything Everywhere All At Once!” she chants in front of a cake. Perhaps she helped things along because the movie walked away with seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress.

Yeoh might have millions of Instagram followers and fans across the world, but there’s no debate about who’s her biggest cheerleader.