The latest shows to stream on Netflix, Amazon and others including Bombshell, Little Women, Onward, Glow Up and Trial by Media
06:00, 13 May 2020
Looking for something new to stream? Here's the week’s new shows on Netflix, Amazon and other download sites:
FILM OF THE WEEK
Bombshell
Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services
Bombshell is a provocative drama inspired by the real-life sexual harassment scandal which engulfed Fox News and precipitated the downfall of chief executive Roger Ailes. In 2016, Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), co-anchor of the morning news show Fox And Friends, has a meeting with lawyers after enduring sexism in the workplace and being demoted to a graveyard slot in the station schedule. She prepares to file a harassment suit against Ailes (John Lithgow) and is confident other women in the company will support her version of events. One of Fox News's most prominent anchors (Charlize Theron), remains suspiciously quiet. Meanwhile, ambitious new arrival Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie) worms her way into Ailes's inner sanctum to persuade him to put her on camera. Lithgow is deliciously loathsome as the leering puppet master, who professes his innocence until the bitter, bloody, bile-drenched end.
Rating: ****
FILM Little Women
Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services
Marmee (Laura Dern) presides warmly over the March family home while her husband is enlisted in the American Civil War. Her four daughters pursue their dreams. Jo wishes to become a writer, Meg hopes to become a famous actress, Amy yearns to step out of Jo's shadow so handsome next-door neighbour Laurie might look her way, and Beth loves to play the piano.
The siblings' paths diverge courtesy of romantic dalliances and grave sickness, while clucky Aunt March (Meryl Streep) advises the brood to marry well because "no-one makes their own way, not really, least of all a woman".
Little Women is distinguished by terrific performances including Saoirse Ronan as the fiercely independent wordsmith Jo. As guardian of Louisa May Alcott's beloved text, writer-director Greta Gerwig remains faithful to the original words and abides by literary tropes. She also indulges in post-feminist revisionism to set her Little Women apart from previous incarnations and strike a chord in the MeToo era.
Rating: ****
FILM: Onward
Sky Store and other streaming services
Inspired by the childhood loss of director Dan Scanlon, Onward is an unabashedly heartfelt computer-animated valentine to brotherly love set in a fantastical world, many years after ancient magic has been forgotten. The film balances eye-popping visuals with sincere sentiment, alternating between heart and head as Tom Holland and Chris Pratt bring to life their seemingly mismatched kin. Action set-pieces are orchestrated with typical aplomb - a motorcycle chase is frenetically paced and punctuated with booming belly laughs - but Scanlon's film leaves its indelible mark with rich, nuanced characterisation. Scanlon's script, conceals knockout blows in a final act that will have grown men weeping uncontrollably on the sofa.
Rating: ****
SERIES I Know This Much Is True
Six episodes, streaming exclusively on NOW TV
Based on the best-selling novel by Wally Lamb, this compelling six-part drama written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, stars Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo in dual roles. The series screens in weekly instalments on Sky Atlantic and streams exclusively on Now TV. Ruffalo plays Dominick Birdsey and his identical twin brother Thomas. Thomas suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and needs medication and his sibling's support to manage his condition and live in relative peace. A shocking incident at a public library puts the brothers' bond under the spotlight and Dominick examines instances of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness, which have marked his life. Meanwhile, the brothers rely heavily on social worker Lisa Sheffer (Rosie O'Donnell) and psychologist Dr Patel to support Thomas through his treatment.
DOCUMENTARY Trial by Media
Netflix
Another week, another true crime documentary from Netflix. In the past, issues raised in programmes such as Making a Murderer and The Innocence Files have led to several cases being reinvestigated; TV has undoubtedly helped to right some wrongs. However, this six-part series offers a very different view about the value, or otherwise, of media coverage in America by revealing how allowing TV cameras into courtrooms may have influenced the outcome of various cases during the past 40 years. It's believed that such scrutiny has inadvertently encouraged showmanship, changing the US legal system in the process. Among the cases featured are the impeachment of politician Rod Blagojevich and the death of Amadou Diallo, who was shot and killed by four police officers after being mistaken for a rape suspect.
SERIES Glow Up
BBC3/iPlayer, from Thursday, May 14
It's a year since Ellis Atlantic was crowned the winner of BBC3's inaugural make-up competition, and in the months since he's become a well-known figure within the industry. Not that this will be a surprise to those who followed his progress during the show - he was streets ahead of the rest and was complimented by professionals who stated there and then they would like to work with him in the future. Will any of the class of 2020 be as impressive? We're about to find out as the second run begins. Stacey Dooley returns as host, mopping the fevered brows of those struggling with their nerves while trying to impress judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner. The first challenge involves helping a sports retailer get the right look for their Christmas campaign.
SERIES The Swingers
All 4, from Friday, May 15
The Dutch drama returns for its fourth series. Eva is now a desperate woman. She's on the run, determined to escape from her troublesome neighbourhood while keeping her distance from the biological father of her adoptive daughter Roosje - she's worried he will want to fight her for custody. Eva receives help from an intriguing stranger named Olivier and his seductive partner Victoria. They all settle in Sardinia, but ghosts from the past seem certain to rock the supposedly safe world Eva has created for her and Roosje. Meanwhile, back home, Peter is released from hospital and is shocked that his wife and child are missing. After discovering where they are, he journeys to the island, but it might be too late to save them from harm...
SERIES White Lines
Netflix, from Friday, May 15
A Spanish-British co-production, this 10-part crime drama set on Ibiza has a fine pedigree. It was created by Alex Pina, the driving force behind Netflix's Money Heist, and has been made by the team behind The Crown. Laura Haddock, who was last seen in The Capture, takes the lead role of Zoe Walker, who wants to find out exactly what happened to her brother, legendary DJ Axl. He had been missing for 20 years before his body was found on the island, and her very personal investigation leads her into a dark world of sex, drugs and dance clubs. Along the way she confronts aspects of her own character while learning more about her brother and his friends. Daniel Mays, Laurence Fox, Angela Griffin and Nuno Lopez co-star.
Bad Boys For Life
Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services
Hard-wired to entertain fans of the series, Bad Boys For Life barks to the same tune as its predecessors, albeit without Michael Bay at the helm. The directorial reins are firmly held here by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The Moroccan-born duo share Bay's penchant for blowing up anything that moves, punctuated by salty wisecracks. A heady scent of nostalgia permeates as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence work tirelessly to rekindle the sparky rat-a-tat banter of their badge-wielding buddies. It takes a good half-hour for the old chemistry to show signs of recovery and when the laughs come, they come thick and fast.
Rating: ***
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