Articles doesn't mention the most obvious thing: no shadows! Soft nonspecific lighting everywhere, even when there's a visible light source.

(2024)

Some related discussions since:

Casual Viewing – Why Netflix looks like that

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42529756

The new literalism plaguing today’s movies

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44567683

Why 90s Movies Feel More Alive Than Anything on Netflix

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46062198