Keen for a new on-the-screen series to watch at home or on your phone during your daily commute? Try one of these binge-worthy TV, Netflix and movie recommendations from EL editors and readers.
Oppenheimer
What a fantastic time for cinema lovers recently, as Oppenheimer and Barbie lent a much welcome break from the flood of superhero films that seem to have dominated the big screens over the past few years! I made a beeline for tickets to the former, the Christopher Nolandirected biopic about J Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb’s development during World War II.
It didn’t disappoint. Vividly shot with sharp, rapid dialogues, the film blends science and politics with Oppenheimer’s personal struggles and questions about morality. Cillian Murphy gave an Oscar-worthy performance, and three hours flew by. It does cover a lot of ground, though, so non-history buffs would benefit from reading up on the physicist and the Manhattan Project before going to better follow along.
– Cherry Lai
Barbie
I’d heard mixed reviews about Barbie, so I didn’t have high expectations. As a fashion enthusiast, the film’s setup and stylistic choices immediately caught my attention, for both the Barbie and Ken characters. The vintage-style Barbie dream houses were also quite a visual treat throughout. While I initially found parts of the story too didactic for my liking – I prefer a more subtle approach – as it progressed there were uncomfortable parallels to the real world that struck an emotional chord with me. This is an ultimately fun ride of a movie that helps us embrace our inner Barbie or Ken, a celebration of femininity and what it means to be authentic in a messy world, whether you’re a man or a woman.
– Yimin Huang
The Morning Show (Seasons 1 and 2) | Apple TV
Produced by and also starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show (titled Morning Wars in Australia and Indonesia) is all about the operations and machinations of a long-running morning show on fictional channel UBA. Steve Carrell plays the serially fornicating lead anchor, Aniston his long-time sidekick, and Witherspoon the rebellious newbie with something to prove.
The series explores some of the big issues of the day. Centring around sexual harassment in the workplace, it delves into the #MeToo movement, questions the prevailing cancel culture, highlights racism and flirts quite successfully with gender. Emmy Award-winning Season 1 rollicks along beautifully; only near the end of Season 2 was I a bit put off by an unnecessary amount of screaming and overacting that could not make up for weak dialogue. That said, the characters were generally well drawn, and the storyline engaging enough to keep us watching through a total of 20 episodes.
Now I’m looking forward to Season 3, slated for release this September. With the delectable Jon Hamm (Mad Men) coming on board, how could I not?
– Verne Maree
Endeavour | Apple TV, Amazon Prime
I’m honestly quite disappointed in myself that I haven’t thought to write about this earlier. I love this prequel to the Inspector Morse series, which ran from 1987 to 2000. Set in the 60s and 70s, it sees Oxford Police Constable Endeavour Morse solving crimes with DI Thursday. The writing is witty, clever and complex. The thought process that goes into the plots blows my mind – It feels so original, which, if you love a good crime show, you’ll know is becoming a rare thing.
The songs, time period and fashion are another bonus, but the real drawcard is the chemistry between Thursday, Strange and Morse. This show is also good at balancing the good and bad; it’s never overly dark, unlike some other crime shows.
There have been nine seasons of Endeavour since 2012, though this current season is said to be the final one. Unsurprisingly, it’s got a high 90 percent Rotten Tomato rating and an 8.6 IMDb score.
– Michaela Bisset
What We Did On Our Holiday | Prime Video
This is an oldie (2014) but a goodie, and it’s so nice to watch something a bit different. It’s thoughtful, funny and clever. Billy Connolly, David Tenant and Rosamund Pike are among the adults, but the three children are amazing actors too.
– Rebecca Bisset
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | Netflix
I’ve been a fan of screenwriter Shonda Rhimes since the first season of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. I’m amazed at the storylines that come out of her! Obviously, I binged Season 1 and 2 of Bridgerton, and now comes Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The new series comes on the back of the wonderful portrayal of Charlotte by Golda Rosheuvel in Bridgerton. Despite her limited screen time, she made a royal impression! Queen Charlotte is a historical drama based on actual historical figures. It tells the story of how a young Sophia Charlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz (portrayed by India Amarteifio) navigates her new marriage to King George III – their budding love, the intricacies of the English court and the king’s growing mental illness.
A side plot involves the back story of Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and her previously undiscovered link to Dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell).
It’s not a documentary, so it’s not an accurate historical account. What it is, though, is an hour of elaborate costumes, lavish balls and wonderful storytelling.
– Patricea Chow
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky | Netflix
I’ve resisted the K-pop pull for many years. While names like Girls Generation, Big Bang, Super Junior, Mamamoo and BTS are familiar to many, I have no idea what their songs sound like and can’t tell one apart from the other.
What drew me to find out more about the group Blackpink was because they were appearing everywhere – from Coachella 2019 (the first time a K-pop girl group has performed on any of the festival’s stages), to ambassadors for luxury fashion brands (Cartier, Celine, Chanel and Tiffany & Co.) and appearances on international talk shows (James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon).
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky is a Netflix documentary that provides an introduction to the group’s hits, insights into each girl’s journey up to their musical debut, and a backstage look at their living and working environment and group dynamics. It’s heartwarming to see that Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rose each have individual strengths of character and performance skills that complement the others. Their multicultural background makes them relatable to fans around the world, which could explain their international popularity.
After watching this, you can’t help but feel that these hardworking ladies deserve all the recognition and success they’re enjoying now.
– Patricea Chow
Citadel | Amazon Prime
First, a quick disclaimer: as I’m writing this, only two episodes of this series have been released – so if it takes a sudden nose dive on quality, forgive me! However, so far I’ve been impressed. This new spy thriller features a favourite for me, Stanley Tucci, along with Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The series is about a global spy agency, Citadel, which has fallen – its agents have had their memories erased. Now, the powerful Manticore crime syndicate is filling the power vacuum. Eight years on, Bernard Orlick (Tucci) gets in touch with one of those Citadel agents (Madden) in an attempt to take down the Manticore group.
– Michaela Bisset
A Man Called Otto | Now TV
Tom Hanks excels yet again in the lead role of this bittersweet comedy as a widower utterly consumed by grief. Otto takes out his anger on everyone with his cutting remarks, in between unsuccessful attempts to end it all.
Highly principled and organised, and full of disdain for modern life and the younger generation’s inefficiencies, Otto thinks everyone is an idiot. That is until new neighbours move in across the street.
It is the quick-witted Marisol who proves to be a match for Otto’s sharp wit. She soon sees through his salty demeanour at the pain he is in and they strike up an unexpected friendship. This wonderful film about a grump comes up trumps.
– Karl Woodbury
House of Hummingbird | Apple TV
For a long time, I’ve been looking for films that capture real life in its essence. Drama and exaggeration are common in cinema nowadays, but not the natural reflection of how things are, which to me is a lot more interesting and relatable.
I am, however, not disappointed by House of Hummingbird, a multiaward-winning Korean film about a quiet teenage girl’s coming-of-age experiences in 1994. From troubles at home from an abusive elder brother, to confusing dating experiences and a rapport formed with her teacher, the story is told with sincerity and great attention to detail. Like the protagonist, you will walk away feeling its emotional resonance.
– Yimin Huang
Race Across the World | BBC iPlayer
I’ve just finished watching the first season of this BBC adventure series. Based on a similar idea to CBS’s The Amazing Race series, five pairs of “ordinary Brits” are challenged with travelling from the UK to Singapore without taking a single flight. Instead, they have the budget equivalent to the cost of a direct flight (£1,329) to find their way by land through Europe, Central Asia and Southeast Asia to Singapore, travelling a distance of 12,000 miles in 50 days.
The contestants face many difficult decisions and hurdles along the way as they try to navigate the best route to win them first place and the coveted prize of £20,000. Although it does feel a little staged at times, I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold and the journeys they choose to take through interesting countries. I’ll be tuning in to the next two seasons, which take place in South America and Canada.
– Juliet Keys
Next in Fashion | Netflix
If you liked Project Runway, you’ll love Next in Fashion. While the first season was a flop, the competition has been revived on Netflix and all I can say is that I am totally here for season two!
In short, 12 no-name, up-and-coming designers and international professionals compete for a $250,000 prize fund. Plus, they get to launch a collection on e-commerce platform Rent the Runway. The show is hosted by Tan France from Queer Eye and model Gigi Hadid, so you can expect the commentary to be insightful, fresh and funny.
The designers are given unbelievably tight schedules – sometimes just eight hours. In this time, they must come up with a design based on a theme, find materials, create the look and tailor the outfit before sending it down the runway in front of a crowd – and, in one episode, Donatella Versace!
Some of the looks are very out there and follow a “fashion as art” mentality, rather than being something you might walk down the street in. However, the designs they create are phenomenal. If you’re a fashion lover, you cannot miss this! Besides, you may be seeing these designers’ names on Orchard Road in the near future.
– Megan Hobson
Daisy Jones & The Six | Amazon Prime
I first came across this story in a book club a few years back so I was looking forward to seeing the TV series adaptation. It’s always a challenge seeing characters you’ve loved in books come to the screen but this was so refreshing.
It’s about a band in the 1970s who are at the peak of their fame until they play their last show to a sold-out arena in Chicago. The series is filmed like a documentary, in which the band members come together decades later to reveal the truth of what happened.
The story revolves around the two main characters, Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin), and their tumultuous relationship. I won’t reveal any more of the plot – just watch it for the amazing 70s outfits and the crazy rock and roll lifestyle!
Fun fact: Riley Keough is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, which probably explains her outstanding stage presence.
– Michaela Bisset
A trio of thrillers
Various platforms I think my blood pressure has been impacted over the past month, as I’ve been bingeing (just a little bit!) on intricate plots that have had me on the edge of my sofa. The first was a British series, Unforgotten, which has a fab cast including Nicole Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar. It delves into old crime cases that resurface, often through other newer crimes. It’s easy to become totally immersed in it.
Then I switched across to Netflix for some American intrigue in The Night Agent. The acting isn’t great, but the plot did hold me. You’re never quite sure who the baddies are until the end…
Next, after talking to myself sternly about not watching any more of these thrillers, I talked myself into watching Shetland on BBC. It’s set around a police team in the far north of Scotland and their personal lives – and, yes, a few murders (not sure how anyone is still alive up there!) and other unsavoury behaviour. The scenery is amazing and the cast is very relatable. Again, I like trying to figure out who done it, but I haven’t got many right – so far…
– Rebecca Bisset
Alone (US), Season 8 | Various platforms
I was late to come to Alone. I’d mistaken it for Survivor – the one with the inane challenges and “tribal alliances”. But this is the real deal: individuals sent to a ridiculously inhospitable corner of the globe and left to survive with meagre equipment – and brutal minus temperatures and hungry grizzly bears to contend with.
I jumped in randomly at Season 8 of the US version (Season 9 recently aired), and I loved it. It’s set around Canada’s icy, wind-blown Chilko Lake. The ten contestants aren’t celebrities or city slickers; they’re hardened adventurers who all bring essential skills to the table, whether it’s hunting with a bow and arrow, or forging Stone Age-style tools. The winner is the one who can stay out in nature the longest. (Spoiler: it’s months and months!)
There are some real characters too. My favourite in Season 8 was Biko, a construction worker and singer in a heavy metal band whose strategy was to stack on 30kg before the show in an effort to stave off hunger. Chilko Lake is unforgiving, however, and those extra kilos didn’t last long.
The first season of the Australian version of Alone has just started screening, set on Tasmania’s rugged west coast. I can’t wait to see it. And while I’ll thankfully be surrounded by the comforts of an electricity-powered home, I will – very appropriately – be alone. (My wife hates this kind of show, so she’ll be off in another room watching Succession.)
– Shamus Sillar
Criminal Minds: Evolution | Disney Plus
I was a fan of Criminal Minds, so this new series came as a welcome surprise! In previous seasons, the Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU) solved various crimes across one or two episodes; Evolution, on the other hand, follows one case across the whole series, as the team unravels a network of serial killers built during the pandemic, and tracks down the person that started it all.
I was quickly hooked as I watched the team discover conflicting psyches behind the crimes that had been committed and eventually realise that something bigger was at play. Best of all, you can watch this without catching up on prior seasons – you’ll just miss some of the characters’ growth and their changing relationships with one another.
The Evolution series is also unlike other crime dramas as it explores the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on serial killers. A detective in the show, David Rossi, describes it best: “They couldn’t move. They couldn’t hunt. So they started communicating, helping each other to become better predators.”
– Deepa Chevi
Who Do You Think You Are | YouTube
An American actress with lineage to an English aristocrat, British royalty and even a world-famous conqueror; a decorated English actress descended from a vice commander of Copenhagen; and an English former professional footballer with an ancestor who repeatedly served time in prison.
The common thread between these three? They’re all looking for answers about their ancestry – and that’s the premise of this documentary series. As someone who has questions about her own ancestry and lineage, I find it fascinating to watch these stories unfold, as famous people discover that they’re not merely English, Australian or Greek.
While full episodes are available, I prefer the “shorts”; these aren’t more than 10 minutes each and they get straight to the juicy bits and reveals, making them perfect for a quick break from work.
– Patricea Chow
The Banshees of Inisherin
I was very excited to see the duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson pairing up again for this movie. The last time I watched them together was in In Bruges, and their chemistry in that movie was just seamless. No less could be said about their performance in The Banshees of Inisherin.
Set in 1923, the film’s plot is about a friendship gone wrong on a rural island off the coast of Ireland (stunning scenery, of course!). The sudden rejection of one of the two friends leads to despair and revenge.
Despite the setting of a century ago, the dialogue, interactions and characters still make the film so relatable to modern day as it touches on issues like depression, violence, loneliness and finding one’s purpose in life.
It’s such a refreshing change to be able to watch a movie without any CGI manipulation to appreciate fine acting with a stunning backdrop. And the rhythmic sounds of the language were a definite bonus for me too.
– Harsharan Kaur
Limitless | Disney Plus
This is a good six-part series to watch with the man in your life. Star of the show is Chris Hemsworth, the Aussie celeb best known for playing superhero Thor – and for being one super-fit human! He’s on a mission to improve longevity, and with the help of a team of scientists, he tests mind and body to the max with six epic challenges.
This National Geographic production is beautifully shot, well researched and might just teach you a thing or two about how to live a longer and happier life.
– Georgina Hockley
Enola Holmes 2 | Netflix
Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, the title character of the book series, The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer. This second film is inspired by the 1888 “matchgirls’ strike”, a famous episode of industrial action in London.
Now a bonafide detective, Enola is enlisted by a matchgirl (a worker at a match factory) to find her missing sister. Of course, her investigations are hampered by Superintendent Grail (brilliantly acted by David Thewlis), a murder, and romantic interest from Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). She finds help from her brother, Sherlock, who’s investigating a perplexing mystery of missing funds that may be linked to her case.
Henry Cavill reprises his role as the famous English detective and the chemistry he shares with Brown is fun to watch. Definitely one for fans of detective fiction, especially Sherlock Holmes.
– Patricea Chow
Nolly | ITV
You don’t need to have watched an episode of the famous British TV series Crossroads to appreciate this three-episode series. As a bit of background, Crossroads was one of the longest-running soaps in the UK, behind Coronation Street and Emmerdale Farm, and at the centre of the show was Meg (Noele Gordon). Nolly is all about her, and she’s played brilliantly by Helena Bonham Carter; the rest of the cast is also good. It’s a bit of a walk down memory lane to the days of the 70s and 80s too – especially the fashion! Definitely worth a watch.
– Rebecca Bisset
Clarkson’s Farm Season 2 | Amazon Prime
Jeremy Clarkson returns to his Lamborghini tractor seat in Clarkson’s Farm Season 2. This series continues the humorous hopelessness of Clarkson trying to make his large Cotswold acreage profitable whilst highlighting the more serious struggle, and red tape, faced by modern-day British farmers. A good giggle.
– Jason Keys
Women at War (Les Combattantes) | Netflix
Set in 1914, this series sees German troops advancing across France and four women grappling with the devastating consequences of war at home. The women include Marguerite, a mysterious prostitute; Caroline, propelled to the head of the family factory; Agnes, Mother Superior of a requisitioned convent; and Suzanne, a nurse on the run.
There were more twists and turns in Women at War than I can remember; you’ll be constantly on the edge of your seat. If you want brilliant sets, history and undeniable drama (with a bit of spice), this is for you!
The series is in French so if you aren’t a French speaker you can watch it dubbed in English or with subtitles – either way, it’s well worth the watch. It’s also a reminder of what we are all capable of achieving in difficult times.
– Michaela Bisset
Vikings Valhalla: Season 2 | Netflix
It’s back! I was eagerly waiting for the new season of this show and, although the storyline went in a completely different way than I expected, it was still great. It was more bloody and gory than Season 1 but definitely more focused on the characters’ development. I can see big things coming from the main characters in the next series – Leif, Harald and the heroine of the story, Freydis – it felt like it was setting the stage for the main event!
In particular, it will be interesting to see how shieldmaiden Freydis continues to battle with her fate as “keeper of the faith” of the pagans, while pursuing her relationship with Harald, a Christian prince.
For those who don’t know what the show is about, Vikings Valhalla is set in the 11th century and covers the final years of the Viking Age – well, loosely. It’s interesting in that it covers territorial fighting including the Viking rule of England, but also the fight between Christianity and paganism.
– Michaela Bisset
The Glory | Netflix
This South Korean drama series has a masterfully written plot, centring around a high school student, Moon Dong-Eun, who becomes a victim of violence perpetrated by her fellow students who have the money to get away with it. As the violence escalates, she is forced to drop out of school to save her life. From that moment, Dong-Eun’s life is a series of calculated steps towards getting revenge on her tormentors and the bystanders that allowed it to happen. The highlight is when she becomes the homeroom teacher of the main bully’s child.
Actress Song Hye-Kyo successfully brings out the cunningness yet vulnerability of Moon Dong-Eun, showcasing her determination, rage and loneliness that reverberate through every moment; from her deadly blank expressions to the hysterical applause she gives to the woman who once tortured her, she captures the spectrum of grief that comes with trauma.
– Deepa Chevi
Singles Inferno | Netflix
Season two of this Korean reality dating series dropped in January. As in the first season, a group of attractive and chiselled single males and females are placed on an isolated island dubbed “Inferno” to find their potential partner. Without revealing their age or occupation, they have to use their natural charms to pair up and leave the island for a night in “Paradise”, which is a stay at a luxury hotel.
You’d think that being attractive makes things easier. However, there are awkward silences and laboured conversations; I could hear the gears in their heads cranking doubly hard to find ways to keep the conversation going. My takeaway from this is that, regardless of your looks, the inability to express yourself eloquently or hold a conversation can only get you so far. Whether it’s a reality show or app, it’s just an introduction to a potential date. Anything more has to be nurtured through shared interests, values and belief systems.
– Patricea Chow
Drive My Car | HBO Max
This Japanese film by renowned director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and inspired by Haruki Murakami’s Men Without Women is not your usual “romance” film. In fact, it starts off on a pretty grim note, with a stage actor and director first discovering his wife is cheating on him, and later having to cope with her passing. Brace yourself, as it gets more complicated, when he receives an offer to produce a show his late wife had scripted, starring one of the young actors who was the very man she had the affair with.
Things do get better eventually, not through the finding of a new flame, but in the man’s unlikely friendship with his chauffeur, who is contending with the loss of her mother. Themes like art as a way to process trauma, and grappling with secrets and regret in relationships are handled with nuance and elegance. Essentially, this film is about love, though not in the way you may expect.
– Yimin Huang
Wednesday | Netflix
Any scepticism buzzing over Tim Burton’s new cast playing the iconic Addams Family was silenced when Wednesday was finally released on Netflix. Jenna Ortega brings Wednesday Addams into a whole new light – from playing the cello to “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones to the kooky dance routine to “Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps – all while maintaining Wednesday’s iconic stoic expression and deadpan demeanour.
The show sees Wednesday joining Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts, where she investigates a murder mystery. While it was easy as a viewer to narrow down the culprits, the journey to their unveiling was still a rather satisfying one. The usually tired tropes of coming-of-age and high school cliques are seamlessly woven in, in a way that grips the interest. Oh, and did I mention that Christina Ricci (Wednesday in the original cast) stars too?
– Deepa Chevi
Believer | HBO Online, Prime Video
The title of this documentary film is taken from Imagine Dragon’s single of the same name. The basis of the tune and the documentary is the same – how lead singer Dan Reynolds channels pain in his life to become his strength.
The “pain” in this case comes from the stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints towards the LGBT community in Utah. It lays out the background of why Dan, who grew up in the faith, decided to organise Loveloud in August 2017, a a charity music festival in support of LGBTQ+ youth.
Besides filmed footage of concert preparations, there are interviews with people in Dan’s life – including fellow musicians, his personal assistant and his wife – whose loved ones have committed suicide or face discrimination. It also shows the internal struggle Dan experienced in reconciling his current beliefs with the doctrine he grew up with.
– Patricea Chow
Sherwood | BBC iPlayer
Sherwood, a small town in Nottinghamshire, was torn apart by miners’ strikes in the mid-1980s. This new crime series is based on the lingering feuds from those strikes, which are reignited and old wounds opened up again as the community is rocked by two murders. Sherwood boasts an all-star British cast with some fabulous acting. In spite of a few plot holes, there’s plenty to keep you guessing until the end. Definitely worth a watch.
– Kate Woodbury
Andor | Disney+
Yet another Star Wars offshoot, this time a prequel to the underrated movie Rogue One, this series follows Cassian Andor’s struggle to escape the clutches of the omnipresent evil Empire. This first season is a cleverly made, very watchable lead-in to the formative years of the rebels and their fight to restore freedom and justice to the galaxy. Highly recommended and suitable for all the family.
– Jason Keys
A Call to Spy | Netflix
This thrilling historical film from 2019 is based on a real event. At the start of the war, Winston Churchill knew that a vital way to get information was to build a base of spies to link up with the resistance in France. This led to women being used as spies for the first time, as they were able to move under the radar more easily than men.
The main character is an American woman who was previously denied a diplomatic role on account of her gender and the fact she had an artificial leg. She is joined by the first Muslim spy used by British secret operations, a Sufi pacifist who risked her life along with the others. Without this infrastructure and the information the women were able to pass back to the Allied Forces, the outcome of the war may have been different.
It’s a great film to watch but pretty terrifying when you realise how easy it is for people to believe propaganda, and how others will do what they are told even though it’s not the right thing to do.
– Rebecca Bisset
Operation Mincemeat | Netflix
In the early years of WWII, a secret team was set up to pass false information to the Germans via various spies – and making it look like it was real information was the key. In order to make the Nazis think the Allied Forces were invading Greece rather than Sicily, an ingenious plan was concocted for a corpse carrying supposedly top secret information to wash ashore in Spain, in a location with known Nazi sympathisers.
As a viewer, you’re left with the question: if the information gets into the hands of the Nazis, would they believe it, or would they know that it’s a diversion? Like A Call to Spy, this is based on a true story, and it features a stellar cast including Colin Firth and Penelope Wilton.
– Rebecca Bisset
Bald and Bankrupt | Daily Bald | Youtube
Continuing my shout-outs for various travel-themed YouTube channels, this time I’m giving props to “Bald”, which is the nickname of British travel blogger Benjamin Rich. In his two channels, he ventures into the sketchier corners of countries that many would consider not particularly travel-friendly, and invariably manages to smash any preconceived notions by meeting and interacting with wonderful people at every turn.
Bald isn’t for everyone; he’s a quintessential “lad” – the videos where he’s travelling alone rather than with his rogue mates are easily the best. But it’s hard to deny the strength of his series of vlogs filmed in the post-Soviet states – and Ukraine, in particular (filmed shortly before the start of the war). You’ll have a laugh, shake a head at his courage, and perhaps even develop an appreciation for old Soviet mosaics!
– Shamus Sillar
The Capture (Series 1 & 2) | BBC
In this mystery-thriller series set in London, a young detective comes across a government strategy that can alter video footage, plant people as spies, as well as make them disappear – all in the name of justice… This was gripping and probably a bit too close to the truth for comfort, but cleverly done, and with a great cast. Highly recommended.
– Rebecca Bisset
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey | Netflix
I loved this documentary about Kevin Clash, the man behind popular muppet Elmo. As a child, I religiously watched Sesame Street and learned so much from the show. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, the documentary will take you back down memory lane (if you also grew up with Sesame Street) and teach you what can come from the perseverance of a young man pursuing his dreams.
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Elvis | HBO Max
I was pretty sceptical when this movie came out. Biopics about famous people are tough to nail down. There are many aspects to take into consideration, like physical likeness, movements, accent, personality and factual accuracy. Perhaps the most difficult task for the actor is embodying the character’s spirit in a way that doesn’t feel contrived.
Putting these challenges into perspective, I’m impressed with Austin Butler’s attempts to capture both the charisma of Elvis and his vulnerability. Despite not being a professional dancer, his dance moves are fluid and he exudes an electrifying stage presence reminiscent of “the King”. On the other hand, I felt the script could have showcased more of Elvis’s inner struggles with drugs and relationships.
In all, Elvis is worth watching, with authentic acting and quality art direction that bring the 50s and 60s to life.
– Yimin Huang
Woman in Gold | Netflix
I’ve found a couple of good older movies that have popped up on Netflix recently. Probably the best was this one from 2015. It’s a biographical story of a woman (played by Helen Mirren) who had fled Nazi-occupied Austria and later in life finds the help of a young solicitor (Ryan Reynolds) to get back what was stolen from their house in Vienna. A couple of other top actors feature in it too.
– Rebecca Bisset
The Newsreader
This superb Australian drama is set in a fictional TV newsroom in Melbourne. The year is 1986 and the reporters are covering hard-hitting events such as the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and the case of Lindy Chamberlain’s missing baby. Behind the news, there’s plenty of drama as the storylines unfold, with a strong rivalry between the news anchors, an unlikely romance and plenty of personal secrets revealed… This is a must-watch for anyone who remembers the 80s – and the good news is that Season 2 airs next year.
– Kate Woodbury
Thor: Love and Thunder Disney+
Brace yourself for more Thor in “Thor Four”! The everexpanding Marvel Cinematic Universe presents its latest instalment and fourth Thor movie, Thor: Love and Thunder.
The story reintroduces Jane Foster – the Mighty Thor played by Natalie Portman who was missing in action in the previous film in the series. Director Taika Waititi brings plenty of laughs to the audience with a bombardment of comedic moments; and the imagery and scenery of the locations are breathtaking and visionary.
Despite all that, the overall story feels dull and unimaginative. Much like many MCU movies, it doesn’t try anything new. It also has a huge pacing issue; the beginning is rushed, with too much going on at once. The villain, Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), has a generic character arc with poorly written motivations. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor barely has any character growth despite most of the focus going on him.
In all, the movie is a fun brain-off experience that will be enjoyed by those wanting to sit down for some mindless action.
– Lim Hunor
The Grey Man | Netflix
This new Netflix film is quite watchable – especially when you need a bit of escapism. I mostly enjoyed seeing Ryan Gosling in it, but you also have to sit through lots of killing and shooting! If you’re into car chases and explosions, you’ll have a field day! There are some pretty cool stunts, but I’m not sure who’s doing them. It’s nice that it’s not too predictable in the love department.
– Rebecca Bisset
Itchy Boots | youtube.com/itchyboots
I’m not a motorbike guy – at all. So, you’d wonder why I like watching the Itchy Boots channel on YouTube, which follows the adventures of a person riding a motorcycle around the world. Probably because that person, 35-year-old Dutch woman Noraly Schoenmaker, makes simple, beautifully filmed videos of off-the-beaten track locations (her drone footage of rivers, canyons and mountains is a real highlight). She’s relentlessly positive in the face of challenges and dangers – and there are plenty of those, as Noraly isn’t afraid to ride through the more notorious pockets of the planet, alone. And the videos are almost entirely lacking in any technical motorbike references, which means you can enjoy them without having to know what a sprocket is. (I’m guessing a sprocket is like a miniature rocket that helps fire up the engine – right?)
– Shamus Sillar
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman
Netflix I can’t say that I’ve watched many episodes of Late Night with David Letterman. But I can say that I’m enjoying My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, a talk show made for and streaming on Netflix.
Letterman interviews guests in a conversational style, reminiscent of how a biography would look if it was turned into TV. The setting could be in the studio or on location. Some places viewers are taken to include Mumbai (with Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan), Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford (with Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai) and Utah’s Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument (during a horse ride with palaeontologist/geologist Christa Sadler).
Season 1 in 2018 opened with a sit-down with Barack Obama – his first interview since leaving office; Season 4 premiered this May with six episodes, and guests including Billie Eilish, Kevin Durant and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
My absolute favourite episode is the Season 1 bonus, titled You’re Dave Letterman, You Idiot. This line is uttered by comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who’s the guest. The two greats talk about the progression of their careers, the state of stand-up comedy as well as the memories they’ve had of each other through the years.
– Patricea Chow
The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes | Netflix
The whole Marilyn Monroe mystery has always interested me – whether she was bumped off because of her liaisons with JFK, who was behind it, and the rest.
Another old journalist was obviously still wanting to get to the bottom of it, as he decided to revisit people he’d interviewed in the 80s to see if they were more willing to talk. We hear from the people themselves first hand – at least, those who were willing to talk.
After these investigations, things still don’t seem exactly clear, but there’s a better picture of what happened that fateful night, and what happened leading up to it – and it’s an insight into Marilyn’s life I hadn’t known before. Worth a watch!
I see there’s a new Netflix movie on her too, Blonde; who knows which angle that will take?
– Rebecca Bisset
Hospital Playlist | Netflix
This Korean drama series follows five best friends who met in medical school and who get the opportunity to work in the same hospital. On the side, they also play in a band together, with comical outcomes at times.
Each episode is equal parts hilarious and heart-warming, as they navigate their personal lives while doing their best for the patients who come with their own stories.
– Cindy Lau
Turning Red | Disney+
This Pixar movie runs on a simple albeit outlandish premise: Mei Lee, a 13-year old Asian American girl, discovers that she has inherited a rare family condition that turns her into a red panda whenever she encounters strong emotions. This is in addition to facing pressures from school and dealing with her “tiger mum”.
While it may initially seem silly, this coming-of-age story is relatable with its familiar characters and representation of the universal challenge of parent-child relations.
The movie also thrives on nostalgia of the early 2000s such as the prevalence of Nokia phones and a fictional boy band called 4 Town delivering catchy, wouldbe hits.
Most poignant is Mei Lee’s alter ego – it’s messy, chaotic and a reminder to us that it’s okay to not always be in control. The adorable animation certainly drives up the likeability.
– Yimin Huang
Anne With An E | Netflix
Based on the book Anne of Green Gables, this three-season series (2017-2019) takes us back to 19th-century Avonlea, a small Canadian town.
An orphan girl with a devastating past, Anne was accidentally adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister pair. Anne’s talkative, compassionate and highly imaginative nature immediately captures the heart of shy Matthew, and they decide to let her stay.
Anne is full of new ideas that are ahead of her time, which are not always welcomed by the folks in the conservative town. Still, she remains positive. As the story progresses, she starts to inspire many around her, especially women, which leads to positive changes.
The characters are well played and the scenery is breathtaking. The story also addresses problems that are still relatable today. Whether you’ve read the book or not, this will keep your eyes glued to the screen.
– Judit Gál
Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+
Obi-Wan. That’s a name I haven’t heard for a long time. This six-part series about the legendary Jedi Master is set 10 years after the devastating events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Inquisitors from the Empire are hunting Jedi. Leading the hunt for Obi-Wan is Reva or Third Sister, played by Moses Ingram, which forces him off-world. Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprise their roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader respectively.
The show follows the same “babysitter” formula that has been embedded into Star Wars in recent times. And while I was excited to see that Deborah Chow was directing this series, as she did wonders on her episodes in The Mandalorian, the constant shaky camera work, close-up shots during action sequences and lacklustre writing made it hard to follow the plot. Star Wars has always had its cheesy moments but not at the expense of plot convenience.
The series does a good job of showing the PTSD experienced by Obi-Wan through flashbacks; overall, though, the story feels like an excuse for “the rematch of the century” and it doesn’t feel natural.
– Lim Hunor
Strictly Ballroom
YouTube This 1992 film is for those who love dance, artistic expression and celebrating love. It’s the first of Baz Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy of theatre-related films; it was followed by Romeo+Juliet in 1996 and Moulin Rouge in 2001.
Set in Australia, it opens with Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) and his dance partner losing the Southern Districts Waratah Championships for dancing his own style rather than traditional ballroom steps. With three weeks to the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dancing Championship, Scott pairs up with beginner dancer Fran (Tara Morice), who’s happy to dance his steps for a shot at winning. While practicing in secret, they’re faced with hiccups – Scott being paired with an established Champion dancer without his knowledge, the couple being schooled in proper Paso Doble technique by Fran’s father and grandmother, and uncovering a conspiracy by Australian Dancing Federation head Barry Fife. The themes are issues we can identify with – artistic repression, struggles of the underdogs and love in different forms.
The film launched the screen career of both leads. Mercurio was already a well-known dancer before taking on this role and Morice was nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
– Patricea Chow
Stranger Things 4 | Netflix
Dunno about this one. I enjoyed the first season of Stranger Things; the mid-80s Atari-game vibe and cheesy synths really took me back. And there was lots of intrigue around Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her powers, heightened by the “small town USA” setting. Since then, though, it’s been the law of diminishing returns.
This new season just seems disjointed. (And I don’t mean all those broken bones dished out by the monster…) For one thing, it’s divided into two parts; seven episodes released together in June, then a wait for the final two. Why? Then there are the settings. We’re no longer just in small town USA, that’s for sure. Two different plot threads take place in the USSR – the one with Winona Ryder is, frankly, a slog to watch.
There’s also less fun to be had with the kids. One problem is that Eleven is mostly not with them – she’s off on her own, involved in a sub-plot in a research institute. To be fair, that particular storyline does have an interesting pay-off, which ties things together. The rest, though, is darker and more violent than before, but ultimately less engaging.
Who knows: now that the last two episodes have just come out, maybe I’ll watch them and love them and the whole season will feel like a win. Stranger things have happened.
– Shamus Sillar
Hi Bye, Mama! | Netflix
This is an emotional South Korean drama that depicts a woman who dies and becomes a ghost shortly after giving birth to her daughter. Five years later, she’s given the chance to regain her place as wife, mother and daughter. As she haunts her family, viewers are drawn into the moving journey of her loved ones and herself as they try to find peace, let go and move on.
Besides the titular ghostly mum, equally touching is the story arc of her own mother – we see how she deals with the grief of losing a daughter.
– Cindy Lau
Magic | Apple TV
When I was growing up in sleepy Kerteminde in Denmark, I played volleyball with my friends during any free time I had, and I daydreamed of a life in the big city – and in the big leagues. The kind of life Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr had.
Johnson is, in my opinion, the greatest basketball player of all time, certainly of my generation growing up. I always wondered what happened to him after he retired from the NBA.
Magic takes us back to when Johnson was a child growing up, his road to the NBA, his depression after he was diagnosed with HIV and what he’s doing now to make a difference in people’s lives. It reminds you that, while hard work pays off, keeping your dream alive can be tough. What you do in between will be what people remember you for.
I always believe in doing things to inspire and motivate, and if it can help just one person change the way they look at things, then you’ve done a good deed in this world. This documentary is a testament to that.
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Severance | AppleTV
Set in a dystopian future, where humans can opt for their consciousness to be “severed” – their work self detached from their personal life – Mark (Adam Scott) plays out a terrifying extreme scenario of attempting to attain work-life balance. His outside self, “Outie”, has no recollection of his work self, “Innie”, and vice versa, which might seem like the perfect solution to “not bringing your work home”. However, when a new colleague, Helly (Britt Lower), joins their team, he’s faced with more questions and revelations than his “severed” dual consciousness is ready to navigate.
It’s intriguing as it is illuminating as this Black Mirror-esque series takes you deep into the human psyche. If anything, it’s made me realise how jarring our work selves can be from our home personas, which, in turn, evokes a strange form of empathy for the characters; only ever having the privilege to acquaint themselves with half their person made me sad at some points.
The story gripped me from the first episode and at the point of this review, the show is still in the midst of Season 1, but I’m already betting on one hell of a cliff-hanger in the season finale.
– Zawani Abdul Ghani
Vikings: Valhalla | Netflix
Wow, was this good! I’ve watched all the previous seasons of Vikings, but you don’t need to have watched any of them first, as this is set 100 years later as a sequel.
The series is based in the 11th century, when, after 100 years of “peace” in England, the British King orders a massacre of all Vikings in England. This leads to the Danish Invasion of the country, all of which is based on real historic events. Not only will you be entertained but you’ll be learning too.
An extra bonus is the unbelievably good-looking cast, which only solidified that I definitely have a “type”!
– Michaela Bisset
The Adam Project
I’ll watch anything with Ryan Reynolds in it – Smokin’ Aces, Deadpool, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Free Guy, Red Notice – so I wasn’t going to miss this one!
In The Adam Project, while time travelling from 2050 to look for his wife (Zoe Saldana), Adam (Reynolds) meets his 12-year-old self (Walker Scobell) in 2022. Both Adams also end up meeting a younger version of their dad Louis (Marc Ruffalo). Jennifer Garner and Catherine Keener have small roles respectively as Adam’s mum and Louis’s investor.
While the CGI effects are great and the acting is flawless, it’s the character relationships that are captivating. The chemistry between Reynolds and Scobell is palpable and it’s also great to see Reynolds in a different kind of role. My favourite pairing is Ruffalo and Keener; their last appearance together was as an estranged married couple in Begin Again (2013). Make this your one action or sci-fi film to watch this weekend!
– Patricea Chow
Suffragette
This is a story that needs to be told. I hadn’t known enough about the working conditions and societal issues that women faced in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Carey Mulligan is just brilliant in it. The movie was well done, thought provoking and something we should watch with our children to see how far we have come, and the conditions people had to live in then.
– Rebecca Bisset
The Tourist
Just when I was thinking there was nothing to watch, I came across this! It’s different and interesting – the representation of the various characters in outback Australia is perceptive and empathetic. It also changed my view of Jamie Dornan (from the Fifty Shades trilogy)! I thought he was excellent in this, as was Danielle Macdonald as his sidekick junior cop. I will say no more in case I give things away!
– Rebecca Bisset
Midnight Diner | Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Binge watch alert! These two anthology series are for fans of Japanese food and culture. Set in a simple 12-seater restaurant, Midnight Diner provides an insight into the lives of Japan’s night owls.
Master runs a small diner in the back alley of Shinjuku from midnight till 7am and can make any food for his guests as long as he has the ingredients. Each episode focuses on his patrons’ favourite dish and the intriguing story behind it. The diners are made up of colourful yet very real personalities – from the yakuza to strip dancers, famous people and commoners, all respect Master and his wisdom.
By the end of the season, the viewers have also become part of the diner, eating sushi and drinking sake while watching one episode after another.
There’s also a recipe book of dishes from season one (justonecookbook.com/netflix-midnight-diner-tokyo-storiesseason-1-recipes), which makes it a fun way to pick up some Japanese words.
– Judit Gál
Gunpowder Milkshake
English actress Karen Gillian (Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy) takes on the lead role of Sam in this action thriller. Sam is a professional assassin who’s ordered to retrieve money that was stolen from The Firm, the organisation she works for. In a twist of fate, she ends up being hunted by assassins of The Firm even as she finds herself in the custody of a young girl.
Sam finds help from her estranged mother Scarlet (Lena Heady), who was an assassin of The Firm, as well as Scarlet’s former accomplices (Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Carla Gugino). Freya Allen portrays a young Sam.
The movie feels like a video game at times – over the top and fast yet fun. While the script was written by Navot Papushado and Ehud Lavski, there’s something about the development of the story that makes it feel as if it could have been penned by Quentin Tarantino.
– Patricea Chow
Inventing Anna
As they say, “It’s who you know, not what you know”. This can’t be truer for Anna Delvey, a charismatic German woman who faced multiple charges of fraud in 2017. The nine-episode limited series chronicles a close-to-accurate timeline of her shenanigans up to when she was found guilty on eight of her 10 charges.
The production is snappy and sharp, only slowing down when dialogue marks a pivotal shift in character dynamics. While it does take some patience to sit through the hourlong episodes, the series teaches you that even something as simple as likeability can put you on the path to success. After all, the biggest question is: how did everyone become enamoured by her? One has to be slightly impressed – if not bewildered – by how someone with no credibility could almost con their way to a US$40 million loan.
Anyone who has a penchant for true-crime documentaries will lap this up, although you may have to ironically suspend disbelief to truly embrace this show.
– Zawani Abdul Ghani
The Tinder Swindler
I watched this after I saw it on Netflix’s Top 10; it’s a perfect watch for anyone who is interested in true crime – or an avid user of dating apps.
The documentary tells the story of Simon Leviev (real name Shimon Yehuda Hayut; nickname “the Tinder Swindler”) and the women he conned. It shows his con through WhatsApp voice recordings and text messages so you feel like you’re living the situation; you also get multiple perspectives from victims, friends and partners.
What I found interesting was the response people have to it. Many naturally blame Simon while others have glorified him in social media while turning the blame on the women. It’s easy to watch this at home and think, “Oh, I’d never be so stupid.” but this guy has clearly mastered this ploy. It’s also fascinating to think about what people are capable of and how often he was able to get away with it.
– Michaela Bisset
The Book of Boba Fett | Disney+
The series kicks off at the conclusion of The Mandalorian, which revealed that Darth Vader’s right-hand man, Boba Fett (played by Temuera Morrison), is alive. Reunited with his iconic armour and in league with assassin Fennec Shand (played by Ming-Na Wen), the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter returns to the desert planet of Tatooine to fill the power vacuum left by the demise of Jabba The Hutt.
The Book of Boba Fett places equal emphasis on exploring new parts of the Star Wars universe and fleshing out established cultures, characters and planets of the original movies. The first episode alone further explores the culture of the enigmatic Sand People, last seen in The Mandalorian. This is truly an adventure for the die-hards.
– Dinesh Ajith
Stay Close
We decided to watch this drama miniseries, because we liked some of the actors in it, and it turned out to be a fab, well-written show. Based on the 2012 Harlan Coben novel of the same title, the story follows what happens after Carlton Flynn goes missing, 17 years to the night when Stewart Green did. The two incidents begin to unravel the lives of those who are connected to both men. All the episodes are gripping and will keep you entertained.
– Jacqui Young
Haunting of Bly Manor
Set in the 80s, this drama miniseries on Netflix follows an American au pair who arrives at a country house in England to take care of two orphaned children. Instead of the usual jump scares that one would expect of horror shows, what makes this drama suspenseful is the characters living amidst an eerie home of forbidden rooms, a mysterious dollhouse and apparitions, as well as a misty lake close by.
Love stories and an interesting storyline provide some twists and turns. The plot is unpredictable and the story shuffles between dream and reality, where each character has an intriguing story to tell.
– Judit Gál
Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened
It was meant to be a huge music festival in 2017, taking place on an exotic island with all the trimmings: private planes, luxury accommodation in an eco-friendly geodesic dome, and meals by celebrity chefs as revellers rocked out to Blink-182, Lee Burridge, Tyga, Pusha T and more. Promotional videos and posts by models and influencers such as Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid implied that they would be attending.
This documentary film exposes the deceit spun by co-organiser Billy McFarland that ran all the way until festival day, with fellow organiser Ja-Rule and investors portrayed as clueless onlookers. Besides hearing from service providers and ticket holders about unpaid debts and confusion, we also hear how staff at McFarland’s company were kept in the dark about organisational snags.
As I watched the mess unfold on Netflix, I wondered why anyone would entrust this massive event to someone without any prior experience. It was a recipe for disaster right from the beginning.
– Patricea Chow
The Green Planet
The Green Planet is a five-part landmark series on BBC Earth and BBC Player that follows Sir David Attenborough as he travels the world – from the rainforests of the tropics to the wildernesses of the frozen north – to explore the extraordinary ways in which plants have learnt to survive and thrive in almost every environment.
Using pioneering new filmmaking technology – from moving time-lapses to robotics – and the very latest science, the series takes the viewer on a journey into a series of magical worlds. It reveals that the lives of plants are as competitive, aggressive and dramatic as those of animals, and investigates the crucial role plants play in controlling our climate and maintaining our ecosystems.
– Dee Khanduja
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
If you’ve read the novel, I suggest giving the movie a miss or risking disappointment – there are gaps in the storytelling as well as alterations in character development. The film follows Lily James as Juliet Ashton as she develops her story about the Society and the island’s missing inhabitant, Elizabeth McKenna.
Jessica Brown Findlay (Lady Sybil Crawley in Downtown Abbey) provides a riveting performance as Elizabeth, although without the background provided by reading the book, the viewer would be left wondering what motivates her to carry out what she did.
Regardless, the film clearly depicts the resilience, fellowship and love that people possess even during times of hardship. You’ll feel warm and fuzzy at the end of it. Catch it on Netflix.
– Patricea Chow
Altered Carbon (Seasons 1 & 2)
This cyperpunk TV series is set in the year 2384 in a futuristic metropolis, where former soldier and convicted criminal Takeshi Kovacs is pulled out of prison to investigate the murder of Laurens Bancroft, who’s also the man who hired Kovacs for the job. The rich don’t die of old age like everyone else as they can afford to clone new bodies and store their consciousness remotely in satellites so that they can “live” infinitely.
Season 1 focuses on Kovacs’ relationship with Quellcrist Falconer, the leader of a rebel group that rose against the new world order 250 years ago, who was also his lover, as he continues solving a series of brutal murders that seem linked.
Based on a novel of the same name by English author Richard K Morgan, the series was unfortunately cancelled after Season 2. So you’ll have to pick up the book to know how the story unfolds further!
– Patricea Chow
The Towering Inferno
Released in 1974, this classic film has a simple premise. On the night of its dedication as the world’s tallest building, a fire breaks out on the 81st floor of a skyscraper, trapping party revellers on the 135th floor. The developer refuses to believe that the fire is a possible hazard and doesn’t call off the party until it’s too late. As firefighters battle to put out the quickly spreading blaze, guests become trapped as elevators and stairways become blocked or inaccessible.
Suffice to say, there isn’t a happy ending and I was left wondering how the two novels that the film was based on foreshadowed an even bigger tragedy that would unfold 27 years later with 9/11. This was the highest grossing film of 1974 and won three Oscars after being nominated for eight.
– Patricea Chow
Lucifer
What would the Devil do if he took a break from managing Hell to spend some years in Los Angeles instead? This is the premise of TV series Lucifer, based on the DC Comics character created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg.
Fallen angel Lucifer Morningstar has quit Hell and is living it up in LA, where he owns a nightclub called Lux. He becomes a consultant to the LAPD, working closely with homicide detective Chloe Decker to solve cases. Their relationship develops to more than just work partners.
Along the way, his views of humanity, definition of good and evil, and understanding of what defines the Devil are challenged through interactions with different characters. The series culminates in a battle between Lucifer and twin brother Michael over who gets to take the spot that’s been vacated by dad!
This is an engaging series for fans of fantasy superhero stories. Each episode focuses on a standalone homicide case. The process of solving these cases puts human nature in the spotlight. Is someone inherently bad, or do they become bad through circumstance? And, if someone is bad, can they become good?
– Patricea Chow
Below Deck | Below Deck Mediterranean
I’m slightly embarrassed even writing this but I simply couldn’t stop watching Below Deck. I watched three seasons of the main series and then even went on to watch the spin-off series, Below Deck Mediterranean! It’s a reality show that focuses around the yachting season and the jobs of the crew. You watch the chaos unfold between the staff and the sometimes outrageous and usually mega-wealthy clients.
At first, it was just something to have on in the background but it does become a little addictive as an escape-from-reality kind of show. If you want to watch something where you get to tune out, this is the one for you! You can find most of the seasons now on Netflix.
– Michaela Bisset
The Vow
How does a self-improvement organisation become a cult that carries out sex trafficking, racketeering and forced labour? This American true crime documentary on HBO delves into that. Over nine episodes, you’ll learn how people were lured by the promise of career advancement to take NXIVM’s Executive Success Program for “self-development”, how female members were then invited to join Dominus Obsequious Sororium (DOS), a secret sisterhood that ostensibly championed female empowerment, and the chain of events that revealed DOS to be a means to trap members into sexual slavery under founder Kieth Raniere.
Interviews with former NXIVM coaches and members are interspersed with archive footage and recordings of the organisation’s activities. These were recorded by Mark Vicente, maker of the 2004 film What the Bleep Do We Know!?, during his time as a member of Raniere’s inner circle.
This is a very timely documentary – in fact, some key members were sentenced as recently as 30 June, while others are still awaiting sentencing. A second season focusing on Raniere’s trial is in the works.
– Patricea Chow
The Mauritanian
I’m not usually one for legal dramas (or Jodie Foster films for that matter!), but The Mauritanian captured my attention from start to finish. Based on the true story and memoirs of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, the film sees Tahar Rahim (The Serpent) play a Mauritanian man who was held for 14 years without charge in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He’s held on suspicion for his connection with Al Qaeda and the 9/11 bombings, which leads defence attorney and human rights lawyer Nancy Hollander (Foster) and military prosecutor (Benedict Cumberbatch) to go head to head in uncovering the truth in Slahi’s culpability.
What comes to light is a harrowing insight into the unconstitutional methods of the prison that are left outside the purview of American law and justice. As evidence and tough-to-swallow accounts of torture and coercion are revealed, the audience is left with plenty to debate as Slahi’s judgement day finally comes around.
– Leanda Rathmell
Sweet Tooth
This American fantasy drama is only eight episodes long, but it’s packed with action! It tells the story of Gus, a young “hybrid” boy who’s half-human and half-deer, living in perilous times. It’s an epic adventure in a post-apocalyptic world where hybrids are seen as threats. So Gus’s journey is filled with many obstacles, but he manages to get through them with the help of a gruff protector.
It’s exciting and heart-warming at the same time, and the PG13 rating makes it suitable for watching with the family. Plus, the scenes are set in the beautiful terrain of New Zealand, which kind of helps with the wanderlust. Since leisure travel is out of the question, watching this will do for now!
– Anthia Chng
Made You Look
This Netflix documentary tells the story of art dealer Glafir Rosales, who was unknown in the art world and didn’t even have an art degree, but whose vast and unbelievable collection of impressive expressionist paintings included works ostensibly by the likes of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollack.
Rosales approached Anne Freedman, director and well-respected head and face of the prestigious Knoedler art gallery in New York; and it was here where all the drama started.
Anne Freedman was convinced that the paintings were real and sold them for millions of dollars, even as convincing evidence began to show up that the paintings could be fake. Finally, all hell broke loose when the head of Goldman Sachs, executive Jack Levy, purchased an untitled Jackson Pollock piece for $2 million. The FBI and art forensics were called in to analyse the artworks.
I won’t give away the ending, but this is an intriguing documentary – all the more fascinating for me because I’ve actually seen an original Rothko up close!
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
The Last Days
If you want to teach your teens a lesson or two about unbelievable hardship, then this documentary will achieve that. Produced by Steven Spielberg and originally released in 1998, The Last Days has now been remastered and released on Netflix. It’s a strong, “in your face”, no BS, real-deal story about five Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust and the hell that was Auschwitz.
We follow them from the day they were taken by the Nazis in Hungary, hearing about their terrifying journey in the cattle trains with no food or water. Their description of Auschwitz on their arrival is almost unbelievable – it really was hell on earth; the barracks where they were all packed like sardines; the gas chambers; and the knowledge that some of them were even used for experiments and studies.
This is painful to watch, but sadly it’s also real history. If you do decide to watch this documentary, remember the tissues!
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
A Promising Young Woman
I absolutely loved Carey Mulligan’s performance and the cunning production in A Promising Young Woman. Mulligan plays medical school dropout Cassie, a mysterious and wicked “heroine” who leads a double life. Frequenting nightclubs and bars, she appears to have a twisted “hobby” of appearing to be alone, drunk and vulnerable, luring men to prey on her and abandon their own moral code.
The reasons behind her actions and insatiable vendetta are slowly unearthed as a traumatic story. The derailment of her promising future is revealed, condemning not just one man, but an entire system that has long protected criminals over their accusers. Incredibly thought-provoking for both men and women, this movie is wickedly empowering and bold. One for the big screen if you get a chance!
– Leanda Rathmell
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
I remember hearing about this scandal over a year ago, where celebrities like Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin were being charged with buying their kids acceptance into university. So, when this popped up on Netflix, I was keen to learn more about it.
The documentary is a deep dive into the fraudulent methods used by Rick Singer to get the children of rich and famous families into top universities in the US. It’s a fascinating look at the man behind it all and a great way to understand how these families ended up getting involved. You can’t help but think stuff like this must’ve been happening for decades.
Personally, I’m hoping that cases like these get more attention as the real victims here are the kids who work exceptionally hard to try to get into these “prestigious” universities only for spots to be taken from them. It might also make universities themselves become more accountable. But let’s see what you think!
– Michaela Bisset
Seaspiracy
I remember watching Cowspiracy years ago – a documentary that took a close look at the beef industry – and being outraged by what was being covered up. Seaspiracy takes things to a new level. This 2021 documentary is about the impact of fishing on marine wildlife. Director Ali Tabrizi is great at covering all the various perspectives as well as making you question figures of authority such as the MSC, WWF and the UN – particularly around how flippant some of their rules and regulations are. It’s shocking to get a glimpse at how corrupt the world fishing industry might be.
Even if you don’t consider yourself much of an activist, I’d watch this as it’s very well put together and thought provoking.
– Michaela Bisset
Firefly Lane
My niece recommended this to me, and I soon became hooked. It covers three timelines starting in the 70s, which is interesting from the point of view of fashion, music, mobile phones and lifestyle, for a start. But I think it’s clever and must have taken a lot of coordination. It didn’t get great reviews in Time magazine, but I really enjoyed it. I thought there were a lot of relevant points of discussion, and family and relationship issues we can relate to (even if you’re younger like my niece or daughter). Katherine Heigl is a key character and also the producer – no mean feat. The only problem is how long we need to wait until the next series!
– Rebecca Bisset
Dream Home Makeover
This Netflix series stars Shea and Syd McGee from Studio McGee, an interior design business in Salt Lake City. I loved watching girl boss Shea in her element, working with homeowners and contractors to transform different spaces. As Shea works on her clients’ homes, she also puts together her own new dream house, which turns out gorgeously. I’m eagerly awaiting another season!
– Lindsay Yap
Derren Brown: The Push
This is a super interesting “human experiment” by English illusionist Derren Brown. The documentary shows how far humans will comply with what is unfolding in the environment around them. Basically, the documentary answers the question, “Can a person be psychologically coerced to kill another person?” The answer may just surprise you.
– Dee Khanduja
Long Way Up
If you’ve been missing the wide-open spaces of a good old-fashioned road trip in 2020, then the latest instalment of the Long Way series may be for you. Ewan McGregor (aka Obi-Wan Kenobi!) and Charley Boorman (aka BFF of Ewan McGregor!) join forces again in Long Way Up to ride their motorcycles from the southern tip of Argentina, all the way through South and Central America, to Los Angeles, California. However, this time they are riding Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles! The last few episodes are a little squeezed for time, but overall the series is worth a watch for the sparsely visited places they pass through in this fascinating yet under-explored part of the world.
– Jason Keys
The Undoing
Check out Hugh Grant like you’ve never seen him before! He and Nicole Kidman are on top of their game in The Undoing. Each of the six episodes is captivating, with close-up camera shots revealing all kinds of demonstrative facial expressions as the story unfolds. A really good watch with class acting.
– Lara Sage
The Last Kingdom
This series is set in England during the invasion by the Danes. It starts slowly, but really ups the ante with many twists and tense moments that make it quite compelling to watch all the way through. There’s lots of treachery, back-stabbing, forbidden love, wars and plotting by Kings and Danes. I enjoyed the fictional setting, in Winchester, England, which is close to my hometown; I could really visualise a bygone era. The cast is an interesting mix of Brits as well as actors from Nordic countries. It’s a decent show that got me doing the whole “back-to-back-viewings” thing from around Season 2 onwards.
– Dee Khanduja
Bridgerton
I thought this would be a nice mum-and-daughter series to watch, and it was… up until about Episode 6, and then it gets fairly saucy! It’s interesting and entertaining, and a mix of fact and fiction, which gets you doing your own research to avoid any confusion. The show is like a combination of Pride & Prejudice and 50 Shades of Grey – and worth a watch on a rainy day!
– Rebecca Bisset
The Sinner
This isn’t the jolliest or most relaxing of Netflix shows, but it’s certainly gripping and psychologically fascinating. The three seasons each star Bill Pullman (Independence Day) as brooding police detective Harry Ambrose. He investigates crimes committed by unlikely culprits – for example, Jessica Biel, who stars in Series 1 and is also the show’s executive producer. Storylines have twists and turns, some of them mind-bending and impossible to second guess. It’s less of a “whodunnit” and more of a “whydunnit”, featuring cliffhangers designed for binge-watching, and characters who stay with you long after you’ve finished watching.
– Jo Upcraft
The Queen’s Gambit
This is an unexpectedly gripping series about a girl who plays chess! The lead actress Anya Taylor-Joy is a delight to watch as she breathes life into her character Beth Harmon. Beth is a child-star chess player who goes on to win some big chess tournaments, eventually beating a world champ. As an orphan, she struggles with dark personal challenges and addictions during her rise to the top of the chess world.
– Dee Khanduja
A Confession
Recreating a true story from the not-so-distant past, A Confession focuses on the disappearance of a young woman in England after a night out with friends. It follows the heroic efforts of the local police to resolve the mystery as well as dealing with emotional families and bureaucratic obstacles along the way. Over six episodes, it is a gripping drama and a vivid reminder of the societal threats that exist outside the safety of our own bubbles/homes. It’s not your standard murder-mystery crime show and it had us hooked from start to finish.
– Jason Keys
Emily in Paris
I loved this Netflix series. From the writers of Sex and the City, it’s light-hearted and funny – and of course, it’s always lovely to dream of being in Paris! The story follows Emily who is sent to the Paris office of her company, Savoir, to take on the assignment of a lifetime. Emily moves to France and brings her American perspective to the Paris staff of Savoir.
– Jacqui Young
Get Organized with The Home Edit
I love getting things packed and arranged nicely – there’s this feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, don’t you agree? When I spotted Netflix’s series Get Organized with The Home Edit, I knew I had to watch it. The Home Edit’s all-woman team takes on everything from bedrooms to garages, and transforms them into neat and beautiful spaces – truly #homegoals. The first episode was already pretty exciting; it featured Reese Witherspoon who starred in Legally Blonde, one of my fave movies. I loved seeing the before and after shots of her closet – and, of course, the Legally Blonde outfits and memorabilia!
– Lindsay Yap
Kingdom
My husband flicked on the first episode of this series and I thought, “Ugh. This show has everything I hate: extreme violence, graphic sex and drugs.” But since he has had a rough couple of months (COVID sucks!), I figured I’d humour him and watch one episode – and I was hooked.
While it’s true that the show does have all that awful stuff I usually avoid in spades, it’s also an amazing, tender and sometimes disturbing story about a father and his two sons, all MMA fighters. The intricate plot lines are brilliantly acted with such emotion that each episode left me exhausted and wanting more. I was in awe of the raw acting talent, and equally awed by the amazing physiques of these talented actors, who all sport eight packs and bulging biceps. The three-season Netflix show’s plot-twist finale took me totally by surprise. If you can stomach the realistic fight and sex scenes, it’s worth the watch. It’s one of those shows that haunts you long after the final credits.
– Melinda Murphy
Bloodline
This three-season Netflix thriller is very interesting, but I’m not sure if the show is making me anxious, or if it’s just the ongoing COVID-19 situation! The ending is revealed in small snippets all the way through, so you’re kind of just waiting for it to happen.
– Rebecca Bisset
Umbrella Academy, Season 1 & 2
I’ve always loved shows like X-Men or anything where people have superpowers, so I thought I’d give Umbrella Academy a go. The show is about seven gifted children who are adopted by an eccentric billionaire, who raises them to save the world. Klaus (one of the siblings at the Academy) is hilarious – actor Robert Sheenan will have you in stitches. This is witty, quirky viewing and it shouldn’t be missed! Season 1 got rave reviews, but Season 2 was even better!
– Michaela Bisset
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons
This documentary began airing back in 2016, with Season 4 being released most recently. It’s an eye-opening series, getting down and personal with prisoners, showcasing their back-stories and exploring their daily life in some infamous jails.
– Lindsay Yap
Crazy Delicious
I love watching cooking competitions (The Final Table and The Big Family Cooking Showdown, anyone?) so Crazy Delicious caught my eye when it was released on Netflix recently. Set in a magical edible forest, the British series features talented self-taught cooks who go all out to please the “food gods” and win the golden apple. The whimsical elements of the show can get a little over the top but the creations you’ll witness are amazing, so it’s totally worth it. Don’t watch too late at night though as your stomach will start to rumble!
– Lindsay Yap
The Night Manager
This is one of those shows I tripped over while scouring Amazon Prime, and boy am I glad I did. It’s a six-episode BBC series based on the 1993 novel of the same name by John le Carré and stars the delicious Tom Hiddleston and impeccable Hugh Laurie. Hunky Hiddleston is a former military man working as a night manager at a hotel in Cairo when a guest comes to him with some papers to copy. Soon, he’s entangled in an international ring, smuggling arms headed by Hugh Laurie’s character. It’s a wonderful game of cat and mouse and both my husband and I really loved it. There are just enough episodes to entertain, but you don’t have to commit hours and hours to finish the story arc. I hope the rumoured season two comes to fruition.
– Melinda Murphy
Secondhand Lions
Brilliant! This 2003 movie tells the story of an introverted young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who is sent to live with his eccentric great-uncles (Robert Duvall and Michael Caine) on a farm in Texas.
– Franci Malan
Miracle in Cell No. 7
A remake of the original South Korean film from 2013, this movie set in Turkey is truly heartwarming and will definitely tug at your heartstrings. It has a very interesting storyline about the relationship between a daughter and her autistic father who gets accused of a crime. Please be ready for a good cry!
– Siti Shahirah
Normal People
I’ve just finished binge watching Normal People (on BBC Player with a VPN). Oh god, it’s good. It’s just so, so good. Trigger warning: it can and will bring up any and all feelings of young adult anguish that you may have successfully repressed – just with a lovely saturated Instagram filter. The show centres around Connell and Marianne who have a clandestine affair in high school in their bleak, Irish county town where they’re both misfits in their own way. The ripples of their relationship follow them onto university in Dublin – and it ain’t all roses. In fact, it almost never is. And it’s glorious.
Normal People has been carefully adapted to screen from the novel of the same name. You become so invested in this relationship – whether you want to or not! It’s wonderfully painful and human. And it’s just so beautiful to watch. I can’t stop thinking about it. (But be prepared to have your heart ripped out of your chest. Just sayin’…)
– Kate Marsden
Restaurants on the Edge
I’ve been hooked on this Netflix show lately! It’s a feel-good series that follows a team of three professionals – a chef, a restaurateur and a designer – who help to transform the space of struggling restaurants around the world. The experts also tap into the local community and natural surroundings, and come up with a plan to create positive change in the business strategy. Think home makeover, but for restaurants instead! These restaurants are tucked away in some of the most idyllic places on earth. The scenery is to die for, and will feed your wanderlust for now. My favourite episode so far is Hawaii.
– Anthia Chng
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