We’ve got some great movie and TV recommendations for you – and we’re also highlighting some much-hyped ones that failed to capture our imagination
Companion – Amazon Prime
“Starring my favourite new actress, Sophie Thatcher (also check her out in Yellowjackets and Heretic) this horror-comedy is a wildly entertaining ride. It follows Irish (Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid as they embark on a weekend away in the countryside with his friends – but from the opening scene, we know the trip doesn’t exactly go as hoped. In fact, the film opens with their meet-cute in the supermarket, with Iris describing it in a voiceover as one of two life-defining moments — the other being when she killed him. This isn’t the movie’s big spoiler, so don’t worry – but do go in blind and prepare to be hooked on this clever, sharp and darkly funny commentary on lots of timely modern themes.” – Niamh, Deputy Editor
Conclave – Apple TV+
“Set in the Vatican, Conclave, based on the book of the same name by Robert Harris, is a twisty, elegant, satisfying thriller about the election of a new pope. It’s a visual feast too – sweeping scarlet robes set against marbled corridors. What elevates this to something truly special, though, is the performance of Ralph Fiennes, who plays a British cardinal. For my money, it’s his best work yet.” – Ciara, Art Director
American Fiction – Prime Video
“American Fiction is a comedy-drama about the publishing business and it is one of the best films I have seen in years. Written and directed by Cord Jefferson in his feature directorial debut, it focuses on Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, but instead of being seen for the satire that it is, it is lauded as the next big thing and he is suddenly thrust into the heart of the hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. The cast is stellar, the writing is perfectly pitched and the storyline is fast-paced but also provides plenty of heartfelt emotion amongst the hilarity. Also, I would watch it again for the Adam Brody cameo alone.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
The Last of Us: S2 – Sky
“Life has been so hectic lately and so getting to sit down and enjoy a movie just hasn’t been on the cards these past few weeks. However, I was delighted to be able to sit down yesterday evening and dive into an episode of the new season of The Last Of Us. I don’t tend to enjoy zombie or apocalyptic type shows, but this just really is so much more than the monsters that begin to take over civilisation. The underlying themes of love, friendship and just how far you’ll go for those you love are what makes this show special. I absolutely adore the relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsay). Their chemistry together in such a turbulent relationship is just fascinating and really makes you feel for them both. Though there are some jumpy parts to the show, the first episode wasn’t too scary but has definitely been a very gripping start to Season 2.” – Megan, Journalist
Hacks: S4 – NOW TV
“I’ve spoken here before about my love for Hacks and the fact that Season 4 has just started with a double episode drop makes me very happy! The rest of the season will come week by week, which is a tad painful, but also makes me excited for the ‘appointment viewing’ element of it all – no bingeing allowed. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone yet to start the show (jealous), but let’s just say that at the start of this season, relations between the lead characters Deborah and Ava, played superbly by Emmy-winning Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are at an all-time low. How they navigate the tension to lead Deborah to the biggest moment of her career will undoubtedly be fun to watch.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
What to avoid….
Mobland – Prime Video
“I admit, I don’t like Guy Ritchie, but the appeal of Tom Hardy and Paddy Considine together in a gangster series makes me press play. MobLand is about an escalating war between two London-based crime families. Pierce Brosnan plays Conrad the patriarch of the ruthless Harrigan clan and Helen Mirren plays wife, Maeve, the brains of the operation. Tom Hardy is Harry Da Souza, the capable fixer who cleans up the Harrigan’s mess. Although there is something compelling about Hardy as the intimidating gangster, it’s hard to get beyond Brosnan’s terrible Irish accent and exaggerated performance, more suited to a pastiche in a parish hall than a crime thriller series.” – Ciara, Art Director
Babygirl – Apple TV
“Babygirl, the much hyped romp watch featuring Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson was a movie I was excited to see. Kidman plays a high powered CEO who puts everything on the line when she begins a torrid submissive affair with her much younger intern. But I had to turn it off after 30 minutes. Not just because my feministic hackles were raised but because it was uncomfortable viewing, badly acted and not very plausible. Her family life juxtaposed with her boss woman narrative was tone deaf and it seemed to me more like a vanity project for Kidman rather than a movie that had anything to say. This is one to put in the avoid pile.” – Ariana, Sales Manager
The Residence – Netflix
“The Residence is the latest offering from Shondaland and was written by Paul William Davies. It follows Detective Cordelia Cupp (played excellently by Uzo Aduba) as she painstakingly makes her way through the ridiculously convoluted stories of The White House staff in an attempt to solve the murder of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter. It takes place on the night of the State Dinner ‘with the Australians’ and features Kylie Minogue and “Hugh Jackman” – although we never see his face. It’s an 8-part series that often borders on farcical and is at least five episodes too long. It needed the mother of all edits but alas, got nothing like it. If they’re planning to do a Knives Out style franchise, major changes need to be made.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
