From a chilling true story to an explosive exposé and scandal in the English countryside, there is a lot to love on your favourite streaming channels right now
Woman of the Hour – Netflix
“I don’t think I’ll watch a scarier film this Halloween than Woman of The Hour, now streaming on Netflix. Both directed by and starring the brilliant Anna Kendrick, the movie is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto). Alcala appeared on “The Dating Game” (similar to Blind Date) where he won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick) in 1978, by which time he had already killed several women. This isn’t a salacious telling of his crimes, or an attempt to understand why he committed them — the focus is on the women Alcala targeted, and how they were let down by the legal and police systems; how Alcala was enabled to continue hurting women long after he should and could have been stopped. In fact, he was permitted to go on the show even though he’d served two prison sentences, and was reported multiple times by multiple people during the time he was committing his crimes. It’s a chilling watch and an excellent directorial debut from Kendrick.” – Niamh, Acting Editor
She Said – Netflix
“I sent a message into our Team Whatsapp group say ‘Gals, you have to watch She Said on Netflix. From a journalistic POV it is hugely inspiring and important’ and it truly is. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan portray Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, two New York Times investigative journalists who were instrumental in bringing down convicted sex predator Harvey Weinstein and kickstarting the global #MeToo movement. While the story is hugely compelling and features actresses playing themselves such as Ashley Judd, it also shows the real human side to uncovering a global story. While working on uncovering the truth, they also experience postpartum blues, juggling family lives and maintaining relationships while bad’assing their jobs. It is inspiring and empowering and a must see.” – Ariana, Sales Manager
Rivals – Disney+
Set in the cutthroat world of television production in the 1980s, Rivals is a gloriously unapologetic retelling of Dame Jilly Cooper’s best-selling book of the same name. With a cast to die for, including Irish actors Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit, the series has all the steamy scandal of the novel as well as a cracking soundtrack, but doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable misogyny, racism and sexism of that era. David Tennant is channelling his best Bill Nighy as Lord Tony Baddingham, chomping on cigars that might as well be the scenery as he delivers line after line with obvious relish. I’m only half way through the series but as someone who hasn’t read the book, I’m on the edge of my seat to see what happens next! – Claire, Digital Journalist
Nobody Wants This – Netflix
“I recently binge-watched Nobody Wants This on Netflix, and it captivated me from start to finish. The story follows an agnostic sex podcaster (Kristen Bell) and a newly single rabbi (Adam Brody) as they unexpectedly fall in love, navigating the complexities of their vastly different lives and the challenges their meddling families pose. It’s a compelling exploration of love, identity, and the struggle to find common ground in a world filled with contrasting beliefs.” – Elle, Beauty Editor and Acting Deputy Editor
Will & Harper – Netflix
“Will & Harper was simply the best thing I’ve watched all year. It tells the story of actor Will Ferrell receiving an email from his close friend of 30 years, in which she comes out to him as a trans woman. To navigate this new stage in their relationship, they embark on a cross-country road trip, to places in America where Harper previously would have felt entirely safe and secure. Now as a trans woman, it is completely new ground as she reintroduces herself to her country as her true self. This is such a beautiful portrayal of friendship, allyship and self discovery — there are moments of such raw emotion that are like a punch to the gut, while other scenes will have you belly laughing. It’s a really special watch that will stay with you long after the closing credits (which include the most delightful, Oscar-worthy theme song written and performed by Kristen Wiig)” – Niamh, Acting Editor
Queen Charlotte – Netflix
“This isn’t a new release but it’s one I avoided because I wasn’t overly taken with the main character, despite being a fan of Bridgerton. However, after more than one recommendation, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. The story behind Queen Charlotte and King George’s marriage is more moving, compelling and beautiful than all the other Bridgerton stories combined. The casting is impeccable – India Amarteifio shines in the lead role and Michelle Fairley is fantastic as King George’s disapproving but ultimately, caring mother. You don’t need to have seen the other seasons of the Netflix juggernaut to enjoy Queen Charlotte – this series is a standalone jewel that transcends the franchise.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
