TV & Film Journal | 22.04.22

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't mainly been talking about the new Kardashians reboot on Disney+ all week which is maybe considered somewhat more lowbrow than the list below but just as entertaining; I challenge anyone to say that watching Kourtney watching Travis Barker hit a punching bag in his glorified garage isn't stimulating television for all. But, to fill the void while we wait for the next episode, there is much newness to absorb...

Gaslit on Starzplay

A new Julia Roberts series! Based on the true story of Martha Mitchell and her role in calling out Nixon's involvement in the Watergate scandal, rippling into his presidency deterioration and her life to unravel. It's inspired by the first series of the podcast Slow Burn, and planned as an anthology series created by show runner Sam Esmail who also worked on Homecoming with Julia Roberts (on Amazon Prime). The reviews of this are so far, so good, and it's laden with good actors rendered unrecognisable with prosthetics.

Trailer: Watch here

The Rising on Sky/NOW

A new mystery thriller that ventures into the supernatural, and if done well, definitely my favourite kind of tv show. The story, based on a Belgian crime thriller, follows Neve Kelly, who wakes up disorientated in the wilderness and finds out she has been murdered... but due to a supernatural occurrence, her spirit has remained on earth. So naturally, she endeavours to find out who is responsible for her death.

Trailer: Watch here

Life After Life on BBC iPlayer

Along the same supernatural, mysterious lines of The Rising, Life After Life is a new BBC adaptation of the Kate Atkinson novel about a woman who keeps dying and being reborn, coined a Groundhog Day period drama that is meant to be very, very sad. It stars everyone's favourite Sian Clifford (Fleabag) and Thomas McKensize (Last Night in Soho). The trailer is welling-up-and-goosebump-enducing! 

Trailer: Watch here

Chivalry on Channel 4 

Created by and starring Steve Coogan and Sarah Solemani, this new comedy-drama tackles the #MeToo movement Channel 4 style in the landscape of a Hollywood itself. Coogan plays a 'ladies man' producer and Solemani an indie filmmaker, and also stars Sienna Miller, Wanda Sykes and Lolly Adefope.

Trailer: Watch here

The Souvenir Part 2 on MUBI

The sequel to Joanna Hogg's semi-autobiographical and hugely popular The Souvenir is out on MUBI this week. The story picks up with Julie in the aftermath of her tumultuous relationship of the original film, where she is creating her graduation film to artistically unravel what's come before. Again featuring both Tilda Swinton and her daughter Honor, as well as Tom Burke, Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) and Richard Ayoade, the first film was lingering and emotional, so I'm expecting more of the same, and apparently it's even better. Definitely worth watching the first one if you haven't already.

Trailer: Watch here

Swimming With Sharks on Roku

I hadn't heard of Roku as a streaming platform until reading about this series in Diane Kruger's interview in the ST style last week. Based on the 1994 film of the same name, Swimming with Sharks is a retelling of the story that follows a young, female assistant to a big time movie producer. This time Diane Kruger plays the scary boss (previously it was Kevin Spacey) and it has all the elements to be a really good watch.

Trailer: Watch here

 Prima Facie in theatre and cinemas

I had to include this as I'm going to see it tonight and if you can't make it to the theatre (I think it's sold out but definitely worth checking on the day), you can watch it at Picturehouse cinema streamed live from the 21st July. Starring THE Jodie Comer, Prima Facie tells the story of Tessa, a young and brilliant barrister, who when experiences an unexpected event, she is forced to confront the patriarchal power of the law. Expecting that Anatomy of a Scandal is perfect complimentary watching for this and hopes are super high!