Starting with Bunny Munro's Demise to Wicked: For Good: An Overview to This Week's Must-See Viewing Picks
Television Selections
Your essential viewing choice…
The Death of Bunny Munro
Sky & Now
In a nutshell A darkly compassionate adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel about a hugely troubling father-and-son road trip, showcasing a stellar performance from actor Matt Smith.
Critical opinion “As a study in masculinity, in men handing on misery to men, growing ever deeper like a continental shelf as father and son journey toward tragedy, it is as timely – for all, alas, that the book was written over a decade ago – as it is revealing.”
Other notable selections
Black Swan Exposé
iPlayer
In brief The revealing documentary that rocked Denmark – a mob lawyer turns whistleblower and reveals a devastating trail of corruption.
What our reviewer said “To say it made an impact is putting it mildly to say that The Black Swan resonated with Danish audiences. Half of all Danes watched it when it premiered last year, and it sparked a string of police investigations, as well as a tightening of laws around financial crime and gang activity.”
Turner's Hidden Sketchbooks
iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence An exploration of the 37,000 little-known sketches created by JMW Turner, including commentary from unexpected celebrity voices.
Critical perspective “Will a previously uninitiated viewer now be more inclined to visit a Turner show? Absolutely. Will established Turner scholars refine their understanding? Yes. Mission accomplished.”
Father-Daughter Dynamics
iPlayer
Quick summary The starring duo's comedy set in Stockport finds its footing with a second series that is stuffed with hilarity and joy.
What our reviewer said “It has not only settled in, it has Deep Heated its knees and – to use another mixed metaphor – hit the ground sprinting.”
Men of the Manosphere
BBC iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence A terrifying, heartbreaking look at the experiences of youthful males who have fallen victim to the hateful messaging of misogynist influencers.
What our reviewer said “A thoughtful, tender, terrifying hour.”
Film Picks
If you only watch one, make it …
Frozen Tower
Currently in theaters
Summed up in a sentence Marion Cotillard plays a movie actor starring in a production of The Snow Queen in the director's disturbing fairy tale about mortality.
Reviewer's opinion “It's a hypnotic drama, mixing sensuality with a teetering anxiety, teetering on the brink of catastrophe.”
Additional choices
Wicked: For Good
Now showing
In summary Continuing Oz origin story with Cynthia Erivo heading a talented ensemble in a zingily scored conclusion to the popular musical prequel.
Critical view “The superstar among equals is Cynthia Erivo, demonstrating her powerful on-screen charisma to the role of Elphaba, and revealing a new vulnerability and maturity.”
Fiume or Death!
In cinemas now
Quick take Morally ambiguous reenactment of self-important Italian nationalist Gabriele D’Annunzio’s disorganized seizure of the Adriatic city once called Rijeka.
Reviewer's analysis “This fascinating film from Croatian film-maker Igor Bezinović is part humorous spectacle and partly a chilling message from the past … it is essentially a protofascist Passport to Pimlico.”
Survivor Accounts
Now in theaters
In a phrase Devastating exposé of the church-run laundry institutions in which a emerging legal advocate partners with victims and activists in a struggle for justice and recognition.
Critical response “The movie concludes triumphantly, a lunch in Dublin for survivors, treated like stars by crowds outside cheering, waving banners, applauding their bravery; it moved me to tears.”
Now streaming
The Saragossa Manuscript
Available on Klassiki
Summed up in a sentence Beloved Polish historical comedy from director Wojciech Has, set in 18th-century Spain, as an soldier stumbles through comic situations and erotic episodes.
Reviewer's perspective “The thing to be savoured about The Saragossa Manuscript is its absence of cynicism; there is a kind of innocence and even refinement in the storytelling, even as it boldly diverges from convention of conventional storytelling.”
Books Picks
If you only read one, make it …
Updike's Correspondence
Summed up in a sentence A personal glimpse into a giant of American literature.
Critical opinion “Long-standing rivalries exist – Gore Vidal remains an irritation Updike could never remove – but his affections greatly exceed his animosities.”
Pick of the rest
The Once and Future Riot by Joe Sacco
Summed up in a sentence Brilliant visual reportage from the creator of Palestine.
Reviewer's view “Street interviews break up the story, a demonstration of personal perspective of ordinary individuals, in the midst of the action.”
New Jeeves Stories
In a nutshell Fresh tales featuring unique pair Jeeves and Bertie Wooster from celebrity fans including well-known authors.
What our reviewer said “The tales originate from admiration and affection, plus, on the Wodehouse centenary, the keen-eyed appreciation of a commercial opportunity. Jeeves (and Wooster) would approve.”
Ravn's Witch Trial Tale
Summed up in a sentence An intensely poetic tale of witch trials in 17th-century Denmark from the writer of The Employees.
Reviewer's opinion “In its finest moments The Wax Child is powerfully atmospheric, lovely, unsettling and raw.”
Previously featured…
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
In summary In Belfast, a Catholic teacher and a married older Protestant fall in love during the Troubles in this brilliant debut, which has now been adapted into an acclaimed TV series.
Critical perspective “Trespasses is a novel distinguished by a quality rare in fiction: a sense of utter conviction. The narrative unfolds with such compulsive attention to the textures of its world that each page seems significant.”
Albums Selections
If you only listen to one, make it …
Ólafsson's Beethoven
Available now
In brief The pianist's interpretation of Beethoven’s Op 109 is among the finest recordings.
Critical view “Traditionalists may wince, but for open-minded listeners, Ólafsson opens up a transcendent vista on to a new artistic territory.”
Pick of the rest
OPN's New Album
Recently released
Quick take Multifaceted release from electronic artist Daniel Lopatin, made using a collection of millennium-era samples recovered from obscure online sources.
Reviewer's analysis “Despite its title, Tranquilizer doesn't seem particularly relaxed. Instead, it lulls the listener into a false sense of security with the recognizability of its audio, then throws you for a loop.”
De La Soul's Return
Out now
In summary The initial album since the death of the rap group’s founding member focuses on spiritual themes, yet doesn’t forsake their perpetually sunny sound.
What our reviewer said “Cabin in the Sky seems cheerful and uplifting, a remedy for colder seasons
