Featured Image Credit: Netflix
Topics: Netflix, Streaming, Reddit, Film and TV, Crime
Ellie Kemp
An underrated short movie that recently joined Netflix has been dubbed a 'favorite hidden gem' by viewers.
The Netflix charts are currently being topped by twisty mystery dramas and gritty crime series. But if you fancy streaming something a little more uplifting, then look no further than this 32-minute-long documentary, which viewers are desperate for more of.
The short movie from 2024 centers on a group of men incarcerated at South Central Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison in Licking, Missouri.
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The prison holds the most dangerous offenders - including murderers and rapists - or those who are at the highest flight risk.
Through what's known as a 'restorative-justice program', the inmates design and hand-sew personalized quilts that are then gifted to local foster children.
Via the craft, they find both peace and purpose.
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Directed by Jenifer McShane, the 'compelling' watch first released in 2024, winning Santa Fe International Film Festival's juried award for Best Documentary Short, as well as BendFilm's Audience Award.
It then joined Netflix in May 2025, although it may well have slipped under your radar.
Taking to the r/Netflix community on Reddit, one person asked: "What is your fave hidden gem on Netflix?" adding: "Looking for recommendations of what you believe to be the most underrated shows that you have watched."
The thread received more than 500 responses, but one of them topped the list; The Quilters - the short documentary we're talking about.
"Very short (way too short) documentary about inmates who make quilts for foster kids," one social media user summarized as they gave their recommendation.
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"I agree - it was so compelling," a second said, as a third admitted: "I would watch a multi-season show of this."
"I actually just watched that a couple weeks ago. It seems like it would have been even better if it were longer," a fourth agreed.
Somebody else said: "YESSSSS!!! I've watched it a few times with my relatives and friends."
The praise continued over on IMDB, where the short movie was awarded a score of 8 out of 10.
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Describing it as 'incredibly moving,' one viewer added: "Watching [the inmates] work together, find purpose, and be genuinely proud of what they created was emotional and inspiring."
"Why isn't this a series?!" another questioned, continuing: "I absolutely loved this short film. And I was so disappointed when it ended."
"I was crying with pride watching this," someone else said, echoing: "Wish there were more episodes to watch, I would watch more."
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Meanwhile, over on Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer called it 'so moving and uplifting but so devastatingly sad all at once', while another said: "A very heartwarming short film."
The Quilters is streaming now on Netflix.