In recent years, Netflix has become a dominant force on the internet particularly when allowing users to watch a large mixture of films and television programmes.

But the video on demand service is now set to premiere a film of its own through their website without much need for a cinematic release. The big-screen recipient of this new scheme will be the upcoming African-based war drama Beasts of No Nation.

Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Uzodinma Iweala, the film has unveiled its official trailer online.

Helmed by Cary Fukunaga (Jane Eyre, True Detective), the plot sees Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther) play a West African mercenary leader who recruits children and trains them up to become soldiers. The majority of the film is told through the eyes of one of the youngsters (played by newcomer Abraham Attah) who experiences the harsh realities of war.

The film has already garnered acclaim from critics at the Venice Film Festival and is being touted as a potential Oscar contender early next year.

Beasts of No Nation will premier on Netflix and selected cinemas on October 19th.