I have to admit, that when I looked back on my week’s viewing this morning, I was struck by the sheer quantity. Note to self: I must be more productive in other areas like housework, cooking and gardening. I think the pandemic has allowed me to be more slothful than ever, spending copious amounts of time on my couch reading and surfing. Given that the weather has been beautiful, I need to put a little more oomph into my outdoor activities. Although I did play golf 3 times last week, I have been luxuriating in a golf cart and not getting in those elusive 10,000 steps that my friends are so conscientious about. Anyhow, here are some viewing recommendations for you.
Streaming
The Rental (1 h 28 m) Two couples rent a vacation home for what should be a celebratory weekend get-away. Stars Dan Stevens and Alison Brie. Full disclosure: I will watch anything with Dan Stevens in it as I am still following Matthew Crawley and love seeing him play American (which he does very convincingly). As far as this little thriller goes, I can’t understand why they keep making the same film over and over again.
Relic (1 h 29 m) A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family’s home. Stars Emily Mortimer. Again, although this is supposed to be a meditation about dementia, it really is just another haunted house movie where I kept shouting to the characters, “Don’t go in there!”
Bancroft (7 episodes) A dark thriller surrounding Elizabeth Bancroft, a senior detective with explosive secrets. Sarah Parish stars as the psychopathic cop here. Great suspense seeing her commit crimes with impunity.
The Luminaries (6 episodes) I’m still following this grim, dark and confusing epic about the gold rush days in New Zealand.
Summerland (1 h 39 m) During WWII, an Englishwoman opens her heart to an evacuee after initially resolving to be rid of him in this moving journey of womanhood, love and friendship. Stars Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay. I loved this very sweet film.
In My Skin (From Wales, 5 episodes) Darkly comic coming-of-age story that follows 16 year old Bethan as she deals with the anxieties and insecurities of teenage life, along with the stark reality of a home life that is far removed from what she projects to her friends. Very moving and powerful.
Out in the Dark (From Israel with English subtitles, 1 h 36 m) A drama centered on the love affair between two men on opposite sides of the Mid-East conflict: Palestinian student Nimer and Roy, an Israeli lawyer. Michael Aloni, star of Shtisel, stars, need I say more?
Hitmen (6 episodes) Fran and Jamie are best friends and business partners – they just happen to kill people for a living. Having stumbled into a career in contract killing, the misfit duo are definitely not your typical killers for hire.
I Used to go Here (1 h 20 m) Following the launch of her new novel, 35-year-old writer Kate is invited to speak at her alma matter by her former professor. After accepting the invitation, Kate finds herself deeply enmeshed in the lives of a group of college students. Stars Jemaine Clement and Gillian Jacobs. A little slow for a comedy set in academia.
Rock n’ Roll Gins for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen (Documentary: 1 h 30m) A behind the scenes look at the sidemen (and sidewomen) who support musicians like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Prince, Billy Joel and many others. Originally made for the BBC and shown recently on PBS, I think this will really appeal to those with a strong interest in the music business, but perhaps gives a little too much background on these background figures. Not as totally captivating as I had hoped it would be.
Netflix
Immigration Nation (Documentary, 6 episodes) A documentary looking inside the world of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Filled with searing images of desperate immigrants forced to flee for their lives from their home countries who are not wanted in the US and are treated with no mercy when they attempt to enter. Terribly sad and very powerful.
World’s Most Wanted (Documentary, 5 episodes) Heinous criminals have avoi8ded capture despite massive rewards and global investigations. This docuseries profiles five of the world’s most wanted. A little slow and plodding for a very exciting topic.
The Rain (from Denmark with English subtitles, 20 episodes) After a brutal virus wipes out most of the population two young siblings embark o a perilous search for safety. Season 2 debuted recently and I’m not sure if I will stay with the whole post-apocalyptic series.
Lost Girls (Based on a true story, 1 h 35 m) When Mari Gilbert’s daughter disappears, police inaction drives her own investigation into the gated Long Island community where Shannan was last seen. Her search brings attention to over a dozen murdered sex workers. Stars Amy Ryan, Thomas McKenzie, Gabriel Byrne. Terrific film features great performances.
Work It (1 h 33 m) When Quinn Ackerman’s admission to the college of her dreams depends on her performance at a dance competition, she forms a ragtag group of dancers to take on the best squad in school…now she just needs to learn how to dance. Stars Liza Koshy and Sabrina Carpenter. A delightful film in the style of Bring it On. The most enjoyable film I have watched in ages.
Tiny Creatures (Documentary, 8 episodes) Little animals embark on big adventures across the US in a dramatic nature series that explores their hidden worlds and epic survival stories. You will never look at squirrels, mice, rats, etc. the same way again!! I love this show.
HBO/Crave
It’s Only the End of the World (in French with English subtitles, 1 h 37 m but strangely seems much longer) Louis (Gaspard Ulliel) a terminally ill writer, returns home after a long absence to tell his family that he is dying. Directed by wunderkind Xavier Dolan. A very easy film to sleep through, despite performances from Marion Cotillar, Lea Seydoux, Vincent Cassel and Nathalie Baye. Nothing happens!!!
Atomic Homefront (Documentary, 1 h 40 m) A terrifying look at the corruption that’s destroying our nation and our planet. This should shake every American citizen. Citizens of an American city fight back against corruption and greed and try to save their own lives as they try to deal with nuclear waste in their backyards, cellars and drinking water.
An American Pickle (1 h 28 m) An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn. Stars Seth Rogen and Sarah Snook. Supremely silly but often enjoyable comedy.
P-Valley (10 episodes) Follows the lives of strip club dancers working down in the Dirty Delta. Whoaah! Much nudity and profanity here. You may need to enable the closed captioning!!
Showbiz Kids (Documentary, 1 h 35 m) A documentary about the highs and lows of children in show business, featuring interviews and examinations of the lives and careers of the most famous former child actors in the world. Features Evan Rachel Wood, Will Wheaton, Milla Jovovich, Henry Thomas and many others. Do not put your children on the stage!!!
Apple TV Plus
Little Voice (9 episodes) I am still following this touching series about a young singer/songwriter trying to make it in the music business in NYC. All music by Sarah Bareilles.
PBS
*Endeavour (Returns to Masterpiece Mystery tonight for Season 7, 3 episodes) Set in the 1960’s, the show follows Endeavour Morse in his early years as a police constable. Working alongside his senior partner DI Fred Thursday, Morse engages in a number of investigations around Oxford.
Comic Relief
Almost all the late night comics (Colbert, Noah, Kimmel, Bee) have been on holidays except Jimmy Fallon who has had Trump’s follies all to himself. I have been keeping up with Seth Meyers on YouTube. Bill Maher has returned to Friday nights and has been doing a pretty job with his fake studio audiences and a laugh track to keep us amused.
Closing Words
The week to come features some golf and some hanging out with my son who is spending most of August with us in Thornbury. My Toronto fitness group is doing a Zoom chat on the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (it will be my third book discussion on this great piece of non-fiction). We have some Florida friends coming to spend time in the area and we will be doing a little touring with them. The weather looks like a mix of spectacular and rainy. Have a wonderful week wherever you are!!
Here are a few videos for you to watch:
INSPIRATIONAL LIFE LESSONS FROM MOTHER NATURE
What's Lorraine watching? 