Keen for a new on-the-screen series to binge-watch, or something to listen to on your phone during your daily commute? Here are some recommendations from EL editors and readers for TV shows including series on Netflix Singapore, plus movies, podcasts and more.
Smile
Them a in image of this psychological horror film from 2022 caught my attention, so I saved it to my list for the weekend.
After witnessing the suicide of her professor, a PhD student named Laura is admitted under the care of Dr Rose Cotter who works as a therapist in the emergency psychiatric ward. Laura is experiencing PTSD and is terrified that an unseen entity is about to kill her. She suddenly becomes calm, however, and with an unnatural smile on her face, takes her own life in front of Dr Cotter. Soon enough, Rose starts experiencing strange events and it’s apparent that the curse has been passed to her – she will become the next victim. With the help of her police friend Joel, they begin to link precedent suicides and try to stop the evil cycle.
The film’s cinematography and story were good, with some great jump-scares addressing childhood trauma, hallucination and mental issues, however the ending was a nay for me. Six out of ten!
Judit Gál
Emily in Paris Season 4 (Parts 1 & 2)
Emily in Paris is one of those guilty pleasures that luckily you don’t have to hide because lots of people love it. Can I remember what happened last season? No. Do I need to remember? To be honest, not really. But what I do know is that the last three seasons were filled with outrageous outfits, bizarre love triangles and absurd influencer/marketing ideas that Emily seemed to rush together with a wild success rate. And what can I say, I love it.
This season is no different, albeit with the drama maturing in intensity and the outfits slightly more sophisticated. So it’s no surprise that once again I found myself totally re-invested in stereotypical American Emily and her caricature colleagues and friends. There’s just something silly, seductive and fun about the entire show, from the introduction of Italian love interest Marcello to the giant hats, frills, skiing attire, checkerboard outfit sets and, at one stage, a look involving no top at all!
The season also comes with plenty of drama surrounding Emily, her ex-friend Camille and on-again-off-again boyfriend Gabriel. Plus, Mindy is preparing for Eurovision, there’s a new addition to the office causing friction for Emily, a trip to Rome is thrown in and Sylvie reunites with an old flame. And, as usual, Season 4 is loaded with a fun, kitschy, “all will be fine” vibe that leads to a cliffhanger ending.
Megan Hobson
Inspector George Gently
This series actually started in 2007 and ended in 2018, so I’m a bit behind the times! Or maybe it’s new on Netflix, where I’ve just started watching it. I know there are a lot of these police series around, but with a mix of lovely Northumberland scenery, British humour and a decent storyline in each episode, I’m enjoying this one too. Also, the episodes are quite long, so it’s more like watching a mini film! Martin Shaw plays the Inspector in his usual type of role – many my age will remember him from The Professionals back in the late ’70s. But his sidekick, played by Lee Ingleby, is the more interesting character – fallible, but likeable.
I am watching The Durrells at the same time and it makes for a pleasant mix through the week.
Rebecca Bisset
Monsters
Monsters, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a true-crime drama about two brothers who, at the age of 18 and 21, were convicted for the murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989.
Now serving life without parole 35 years later, their tale is revealed across nine episodes, beginning with the fateful night they gunned down their parents at close range in cold blood, to the extravagant spending spree of their multi-million dollar inheritance in the aftermath of the killings while still presumed innocent, right through to the motivation for the murders, and the trial. Trigger warning: I almost stopped watching due to the intense descriptions of childhood sexual abuse that formed the selfdefence argument. Unthinkable. Note also that the series is by producer Ryan Murphy of Dahmer fame – which I actually did stop watching in the first episode as it was too dark for me!
However, what kept me watching Monsters until the end was wondering if the boys were simply evil and fabricating a lie of abuse to justify patricide, or whether in fact they were victims of an unbearable upbringing forced to end their oppression before their parents murdered them as a cover-up. How much is true and how much is liberal scripting for addictive viewing?
Like the viral podcast Serial, this series may just lead to the perpetrators’ release, with the US judicial system now revisiting the sentence due to new evidence in the case. Watch this space. Overall opinion: dive in only if you’re a hardcore crime fan. If not, go for lighter viewing.
Georgina Hockley
The English
A Western series where Emily Blunt is on a journey of revenge? Sign me up! I can’t tell what I loved more about this mini-series – the characters, landscapes, plot, costumes and soundtrack were just perfect. In fact, I loved the opening animation so much I didn’t skip it and watched it for all six episodes! I wasn’t surprised to find out later that this series took out five BAFTA awards on the back of 23 nominations.
The plot follows Cornelia Locke, a wealthy Englishwoman who is on a mission to destroy the man responsible for the death of her son. She meets Eli Whipp, an ex-cavalry scout from the Pawnee tribe; unbeknownst to them both, they actually have some shared history. This unravels throughout the series and throughout their journey across the wild American landscape.
It’s great to watch a Western with this level of quality, from the spellbinding acting and dramatic cinematography to the unveiling of intersecting plot points. I will add that it’s violent and a bit gory in parts, but in a way that builds an ongoing sense of danger and desperation. And as soon as I finished it, I wanted to watch it all again!
Megan Hobson
Bank of Dave | Netflix
This got the double thumbs-up from me. Based on a true story and set between London and Burnley, Yorkshire, it’s thoughtprovoking, inspirational and a pleasure to watch. It also gave me faith that truths are allowed to be told and not all hushed up. So, well done Netflix! It has a few well-known actors in it, including Rory Kinnear as Dave, Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), but equally some great unknown ones too. I think it will resonate with all – not just British people.
Rebecca Bisset
Civil War
This film holds a mirror up to America through the future prospect of a second domestic war. It’s a road trip story with some really nice cinematography, and very raw, gritty and confronting scenes by a cast headlined by Kirsten Dunst as a photojournalist (a very different role to what she normally plays). It’s a little slow to get started but worth the time as it builds to a pretty intense finale. Eight out of 10!
Simon Davis
Love is Blind: UK | Netflix
The current series of this well-known reality TV show is a light-hearted and addictive watch. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a group of singles looking for marriage speed-date over a period of two weeks in sealed pods. If they develop a deep enough connection, they propose to their chosen one, all sight unseen.
They next meet in person and go on a retreat (in this series, to stunning Greece), where they have a chance to connect physically. Or not in some cases – awks… Even more awkward is that they meet the other contestants over drinks, where the “Did I choose the right person?” and “That other person’s fiancé is way hotter!” doubts ensue.
The next stage is four weeks living together and meeting family members to see if their love can make it in the real world. The wedding finale is absolutely gripping – who will say “I do”, and who will be left jilted at the altar?
Very cleverly, this was all filmed a year ago and released in a short two-week burst so we can find out who is still married at the reunion episode. I was on the edge of my seat! It’s also a pretty intriguing experiment – is love really blind? Is Sam deserving of the social media hatred? And can one couple survive a meddling mother-in-law? Get the popcorn, hit the couch and find out…
Georgina Hockley
Luther: The Fallen Sun | Netflix
This 2023 movie is a follow-on from the British TV series Luther. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-watch, as it’s pretty dark – and that’s coming from someone who is happy to watch most crime films and thrillers. But the acting is good; I was impressed by Idris Elba, who I’d only seen before on The Graham Norton Show. The film holds your attention with plenty of action, though with a few unrealistic bits in there too. Just remind yourself that it’s a movie and not real life!
Rebecca Bisset
Indonesian horror movies for Halloween!
I’ve been hooked on Indonesian horror films since visiting the Rumah Hantu haunted house in Yogyakarta last year. I really wanted to know the story behind those characters that made me scream my lungs out. And it doesn’t hurt to know where and what to be careful with while visiting the country, as some of the movies are based on true stories. The best thing about reading subtitles is that you can keep your eyes focused on the words when it gets really scary!
Here are some of my favourites available on Netflix: Munkar, Mantra Surugana, Susuk, The Womb, Siksa Neraka, The Corpse Washer, The Whole Truth, Dancing Village, Mystic Singer and The Haunted Hotel.
Judit Gál
Vikings: Valhalla Season 3
Valhalla is back for its final season! I can imagine that after last season a few people frankly gave up on the series – but don’t! The third instalment is a major improvement from the last one.
The action skips forward seven years, with Harald Sigurdsson and Leif Erricsson helping Romanos lay siege to Syracuse. Meanwhile, Canute travels to Rome to meet with the Pope, and Freydis is in Jomsborg where things are about to rapidly change for the worse.
Everything gets pulled together at the end, and there are no more fluffy bits. It’s such a shame this is coming to an end – make sure you give it a watch!
Michaela Bisset
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
To be honest, I only started watching this on Netflix because it had Superman actor Henry Cavill in it – and I only realised halfway through that it was a Guy Ritchie movie! (No wonder some things seemed similar to The Gentlemen…)
It was also not until later that I realised the controversy the film has stirred up around its historical accuracy. I do agree that this mixing of reality with fiction is a bit of an odd one – it bothered me in Bridgerton too. So do take the time to read the real story of this crack unit of Allied soldiers assembled by Winston Churchill in the early years of World War II.
Having said that, it’s true that Churchill did stand up to a large portion of the British government at the time, who were considering giving in to Hitler. He did whatever it took, too – no matter how “ungentlemanly” it was – to try at least to keep Great Britain, well, Great Britain!
Back to the film: it’s pretty gory, but quite exciting and well pulled together. So a thumbs-up from me!
Rebecca Bisset
Trigger Warning | Netflix
Jessica Alba not only directs this new action movie but has all the moves to go with it – she’s a one-woman army! (And she looks great!) It’s got a bit of intrigue and a feel-good vibe, as she beats the baddies at home and in the forces. There’s a fair bit of violence, of course, but it’s a good Friday-night flick.
Rebecca Bisset
Bridgerton: Season 3, Parts 1 & 2 | Netflix
If you enjoyed the first two instalments of Bridgerton, Season 3 provides steamy romance and regency rivalry in spades – just what we ordered! For those not in the know, Bridgerton is a glaringly fun period drama with a modern musical twist. And the latest episodes are dripping in even more gems, outrageous hairstyles, gorgeous gowns and extravagant gatherings of London’s high society.
After teasing us with the potential for a Penelope and Colin romance, they finally put all their cards on the table in this third instalment. In true Bridgerton fashion, there are multiple storylines following underlying quarrels, schemes and secrets – not to mention rapidly rising sexual tensions (particularly in a carriage fleeing a ball…).
Additionally, the Queen is on the hunt for Whistledown, Penelope’s secret looms over her relationship with Colin, two families race to find fortune through marriage or creating an heir, and ideas of feminism start to arise among the young ladies of society. There’s also baby news, a young romance, huge lies and scandalous escapades – and, finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for between Penelope and Colin. (It doesn’t disappoint!)
This Downton Abbey-esque drama is super easy to watch, and it’s set to the hits of today that have been crafted into orchestral compositions. While most loose ends come to a final conclusion, the last episode of the season will have you eager to find out what’s in store next.
Megan Hobson
Celine | Amazon Prime
I recently watched this Celine Dion documentary where the singer opens up about her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This rare, chronic neurological disorder causes muscle stiffness and intense spasms – and it explains her prolonged absence from the public eye.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but wonder how the condition affects the Queen of Pop’s iconic voice. The documentary is a tough watch, revealing a side of Celine that many have never seen. Gone is the glamorous and perfect image; instead, we see a very honest, scared, tired yet undefeated version.
The documentary provides an intimate look into her daily life, showcasing the challenges faced by someone with SPS. Celine courageously shares what happens during an attack, offering a raw and confronting perspective. Despite the hardships, she doesn’t want pity. Instead, her story is one of resilience and determination. And, as her performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony showed, if anyone has the willpower to make a comeback, it’s Celine Dion!
Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Abang Adik | Netflix
This is an award winning Malaysian movie about two undocumented orphan brothers with very different personalities. They are native Malaysians but they don’t have identity cards, which makes it impossible for them to lead ordinary lives. Abang, the deaf, caring older brother, is an odd job worker at a wet market. All he wants is to be accepted by society and live an honest, simple life, while younger brother Adik is rebellious and wants to make fast cash, which often gets him into trouble. They live in poverty in a small flat within a mixed community in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, where police raids are frequent. Their lives take a drastic turn when Adik’s outrage turns into a fatal accident while a social worker is genuinely trying to help to get them Malaysian identity cards. From here, the brothers have no way out and their fate is unavoidable.
I really hoped for a better ending, as the movie left some unanswered questions; yet this is what makes it so real and eye-opening. I loved the characters, the brilliant acting by the two brothers and their caring, transgender neighbour, Ms Money, who treats them as family.
Judit Gál
Hit Man | Netflix
A non-descript man who is fairly happy with his lot – of not much – takes on the role of a fake hit man and starts to own the persona, creating a whole new life for himself. I enjoyed this; it was a bit of fun, with a good plot and easy watching!
Rebecca Bisset
Clarkson’s Farm 3 | Amazon Prime
Having loved the previous seasons of Clarkson’s Farm, I was really looking forward to this one. The last season left us on a high with the restaurant starting, and a victory against the district council. In season three, it’s a quick descent into the doom and gloom – plus the bickering levels of Kaleb and Jeremy are at an all-time high. But the season bounces back! It takes a look at farming the unfarmed, pig farming and managing more council matters. Overall, it was really enjoyable… in the end.
Michaela Bisset
Ripley | Netflix
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1950s crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley (and also a 1999 movie of the same name starring Matt Damon), this miniseries tells the story of New York conman Tom Ripley who is hired by a wealthy man to find his son in Italy and bring him home. What seems to be a simple mission leads him down a slippery path of subterfuge and murder from which there is no return. Andrew Scott plays the role of Tom brilliantly and you are drawn in by his intense character and the intriguing plot twists and turns.
Juliet Keys
The Wheel of Time | Amazon Prime
The Wheel of Time debuted in 2021 and having binged both seasons over two weekends recently, I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re into fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping epic fantasy dramas with gorgeous visual effects. Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling books, it follows a sorceress (the always-amazing Rosamund Pike) and five young people on a journey through cities, dimensions and mystical realms. In particular, the character development of the main actors is done really well, so you end up truly caring about each of them. Curl up with some popcorn and be whisked away.
Cherry Lai
Bodkin | Netflix
This is quirky, funny and a little dark. The story revolves around a group of podcasters who set out on an investigation in the fictional town of Bodkin in Ireland to tell a story of a mystery from over 25 years ago. The story soon takes them on an adventure with swearing nuns, illegal eels, hippies and smugglers. It’s a bit of a wild ride. There are some cracking lines if you get the accents (and humour). Other online reviews were a bit scathing but Mum and I really enjoyed it! We thought the acting was great, and the characters were all cleverly created. Fun fact: The executive producers of this are Michelle and Barack Obama. Strange choice but interesting!
Michaela Bisset
Next Goal Wins! | Disney+
This bio-sports comedy drama is loads of fun. The quirky storyline is classic Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, What We Do in the Shadows), this time about the world’s worst soccer team. There’s some clever writing and lots of genuine laugh-out-loud moments – apparently, many of the scenes were ad-libbed, which makes sense when you see the sort of sense of randomness about the whole situation. It’s a perfect 90-minute plane movie if you want to have a laugh. Seven out of 10.
Simon Davies
Baby Reindeer | Netflix
This brilliantly unsettling series is based on the true story of Scottish comedian Richard Gadd’s experience of being targeted by a female stalker. Like a car crash, it’s difficult to tear your eyes away as the horrific scene unfolds. It all begins with Donny (Gadd) offering Martha (Jessica Gunning) a pity cup of tea at the bar where he works, and escalates to a campaign of physical, verbal and online harassment. Throw in a dash of unrelated sexual trauma, unrealised dreams and self-sabotage, and his life is in tatters. Baby Reindeer is dark viewing – one for an adults-only late-night binge session. “Sent from my iPhone” never sounded so sinister…
Georgina Hockley
Rebel Moon Part 1 & 2 | Netflix
I’ve been a fan of Sofia Boutella since her appearance in Kingsmen: The Secret Service so it’s great to see her lead this Zack Snyder space opera production.
The storyline has elements reminiscent of other science fiction tales such as Star Wars, Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy – dominion by a tyrannical military imperium, a fighter or warrior with a hidden past, rebels with the same cause scattered across various locations, and an ultimate battle for survival.
Part 1 is well paced and leaves you wanting more but Part 2 began to drag about 45 minutes in and it only got exciting when the final battle began. The casting was done really well but was again let down by the second instalment’s drawn-out script.
What I particularly like was that Djimon Hounsou stayed alive until the end, unlike other films he has acted in, as well as Sir Anthony Hopkins voicing a mechanical knight.
Patricea Chow
Shogun | Disney+
The most recent adaptation of James Clavell’s historical fiction Shogun is an absolute treat and one of the best shows of 2024 so far.
Visually stunning sets and costumes paint the backdrop of a political battle that will literally determine the future of Japan and its international relations. An excellent cast brilliantly portrays the characters, and the casting of Japanese acting legend Hiroyuki Sanada with the emerging New Zealand actress Anna Sawai creates an engaging dynamic reflecting the subtlety of the culture of the day.
The decision to make most of the dialogue in the Japanese spoken 500 years ago only accentuates the storytelling’s brilliance. A must-see!
Simon Davies
The Gentlemen | Netflix
If you’re a fan of the interweaving stories in movies by Guy Ritchie, you’ll love this one. A spin-off of his 2019 film of the same name, this series also revolves around a secret weed-growing empire, but the characters and plot are different. And the twists and turns are the kind that will have you exclaiming, “I didn’t see that coming!” or “That was bloody genius!” Or just watch it for the amazing chemistry between Theo James and Kaya Scodelario as leads Edward and Susie, and a brilliant portrayal of Edward’s older brother by Daniel Ings. (Not forgetting Vinnie Jones as the groundskeeper, too!)
Stay tuned past the credits of the final episode of this season. It’s a great setup for season two, if that ever happens.
Patricea Chow
Scoop
I’m sure many of you remember the now infamous interview with Prince Andrew discussing his connection with disgraced financier Jeffery Epstein. This new movie covers the behind-the-scenes takes of the BBC interview team from Newsnight, and more specifically Sam McAlister (played by Billie Piper). McAlister is the gogetting producer who got on top of this story before it blew up. The show follows her journey of securing the interview for Newsnight and for its host Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson). As far as casting goes, I have to say I was impressed with Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew – he really pulls you into the character. But the real value in watching it is getting a better feel for why HRH was enabled to be so out of touch with reality for so long.
Michaela Bisset
Lion | Netflix
Based on a real story, the first part of this 2016 Oscar-nominated movie gives us an insight of the life of little Saroo, a five-year-old boy who lives in poor conditions in West Bengal. Saroo and his brother Guddu help the family by stealing coal from trains and exchanging it for milk. One night, Saroo boards an empty train trying to get some sleep only for it to unexpectedly take him thousands of miles away from home to Kolkata. Not knowing the language or the name of his hometown, Saroo ends up in an orphanage and gets adopted by a kind Australian couple.
The second part of the movie takes us to Australia where Saroo is 25, studying in Melbourne, and having flashbacks of his childhood. With the help of Google maps, he is determined to find his home and family but is afraid to tell his adoptive parents.
Lion is a very emotional movie, with superb acting by Dev Patel – you won’t regret watching it. I’m giving it a five-star rating and getting the book version!
Judit Gál
Red Eye | Netflix
While this film came out back in 2005, it’s only recently been added to Netflix. With Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy as the leads, I was surprised I hadn’t actually seen it before! It’s one of those movies that could easily settle the debate over watching a rom-com or thriller – plus the acting is fantastic.
The film starts with the promise of an exciting new romance, which quickly escalates into a storyline filled with suspense, kidnapping, blackmail and assassination. In short, the plot follows Lisa, a hotel manager on a flight home. She meets a charming young man named Jackson (Murphy), who by coincidence – or not! – is seated next to her on the flight. Murphy’s famed blue eyes quickly turn ice cold. Little does Lisa know, her flight companion requires her assistance in an assassination plot – and if she doesn’t comply, her father will be killed.
Megan Hobson
3 Body Problem | Netflix
This should have been right up my alley: a slice of skewed Black Mirror-style sci-fi, with elements of history and gaming thrown in – oh, and an extraterrestrial threat to destroy the planet, just for good measure. Admittedly, it worked for the first couple of episodes. I didn’t quite know where I was being taken, but I enjoyed the ride.
After all of this entertaining setup, however, things start to drag. Once the show’s quirky team of crack physicists discover that the aliens who are on their way to take down Earth won’t actually arrive for another 400 years, it becomes a bit of a talk-fest. (One wonders why the plot couldn’t have made it four years instead – or, frankly, four days.) If you’re science-minded, you’ll still enjoy it; but for many viewers I’m guessing this first series of 3 Body Problem will feel a little flat.
Shamus Sillar
The Miracle Club
This 2023 film stars Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith. Set in 1967 in a low-income area in Ireland, it covers a range of issues with warmth and some humour. The story hinges around the Catholic church and a trip to Lourdes in France to pray for miracles. The characters are good and likeable, and it gives you plenty to think about. It was enjoyable to watch something that had a feel-good element, but without any pretence.
Rebecca Bisset
Finding My Identical Twin Stranger | You Tube
I’ve had strangers say hi to me, only to realise they’d mistaken me for someone else who looks like me. So this documentary piqued my interest. A team from the Department of Twin Research at King’s College London work to determine how alike seven pairs of twin strangers are by putting them through a series of laboratory tests.
It’s fascinating to see the differences highlighted in 2D and 3D facial mapping, most of which aren’t obvious to the naked eye. Based on DNA testing, there are also pairs who share more similarities than just looks – though not the pair I guessed!
Perhaps I should go find my doppelgänger – according to a stranger who came up to me on a recent trip to Miami, she works in a café at Fort Lauderdale!
Patricea Chow
The Brothers Sun | Netflix
Michelle Yeoh plays the matriarch of a Taiwanese family who is hiding in LA with her youngest son, who has no idea his older brother and father are in Taiwan running the triad gangs. When the eldest son arrives in LA, lots of fun (and violence) ensues. Through a cast of offbeat criminal characters, I learnt a lot about Taiwanese food, gang traditions and quirky ways to kill people!
Danielle Rossetti
Saltburn | Prime Video
This must-see-film of the moment has polarised audiences with it’s shocking, overtly sexual and disturbing content. It’s a gorgeously shot satire about wealth and excess, and the middle class scholarship lad (Barry Keoghan) who wants to take it all (no matter the cost). His malevolent character is reminiscent of Matt Damon in The Talented Mr Ripley, as is the plot.
Watch Saltburn even if only to enjoy the glory that is Jacob Elordi, and to keep up with what’s going viral on TikTok. Drinking bath water appears to have catapulted Barry Keoghan into super stardom. I must admit the grave scene was a little too much for me, but overall I loved it. Now planning a trip to a mansion in the English countryside!
Georgina Hockley
Avatar: The Last Airbender | Netflix
The original animated version of The Last Airbender was a childhood favourite of mine, but I will admit I’d set the bar pretty low for this adaptation – which I think is what helped me to enjoy it so much!
The series focuses around Aang (The Last Airbender) and two siblings from the water tribe. The plot concerns the four elemental nations who are at war with each other; only the Avatar, master of all four elements, can restore peace. Aang – the Avatar – and his friends go on various adventures to stop the fire nation. The target demographic is definitely kids or people who were kids when the show came out in 2005. It’s been nostalgic for me to watch this but I can understand some of the mixed reviews; then again, those do come up any time an original concept is changed!
Michaela Bisset
One Day | Netflix
The year is 1988, and funloving and charismatic Dexter meets idealistic Emma at their university graduation ball. Dexter has only one thing on his mind but instead Emma persuades him to spend the night and the following day talking, as they share their hopes and dreams.
At its most simple, this British romantic drama adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel is a “rich southern boy meets working class northern girl” story about friendship and love. But it is so much more. Spanning 20 years, each episode depicts a chapter of the book and takes place on 15 July. We witness the highs and lows of their friendship, the missed opportunities and a handful of “will they or won’t they” moments.
I loved every single minute of this series. Em and Dex are such likeable characters, there’s a stellar supporting cast, a killer soundtrack and meticulously recreated period details. The ultimate bingeworthy show.
Kate Woodbury
Death’s Game | Prime Video
Choi Yi-jae fails to land a permanent job after trying for seven years. Devoid of hope, he declares, “It’s life that I’m afraid of; I’m not afraid of death – death is merely a means of ending the pain I’m in”, and takes his own life.
He opens his eyes to see a human form of Death who doesn’t appreciate being made a mockery of. To punish him before he faces his final judgement with God, Death sentences him to live through 12 inevitable deaths of 12 individuals. If he survives any of the deaths, he gets to live as that person until their natural death.
Yi-jae thinks he’s been set up to fail and obviously he goes through the first few lives very quickly. The twist happens after he has spent more than half of the given lives and he suddenly has a purpose to live for.
The series is based on a popular webtoon and many well-known Korean names appear including Seo In-guk (Squad 38) as Choi Yi-jae, Park So-dam (Parasite) as Death, Oh Jung-se (Revenant), Lee Do-hyun (The Glory), Kim Jae-wook (Her Private Life), and Lee Jaewook (Alchemy of Souls).
If you pay attention to the details starting from the first episode, you can work out how the story develops and the twist at the end. It’s an endearing story about valuing life but more so the people in your life. Prepare tissues as there are many tear-inducing moments.
Patricea Chow
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | HBO GO
I have gladly watched most things starring Jason Momoa (yes, even Baywatch) but I was a little worried about all the lukewarm reviews that flooded in for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. I’m happy I didn’t listen! This sequel, also directed by James Wan, sees King Arthur facing off against a vengeful Black Manta. It delivers all the things that made the first Aquaman fun – visually stunning CGI, epic battle scenes, lots of humour and Jason’s Arthur being charming.
But what made an impression in this film was the human element. Arthur is now a father, and without giving much away, the film explores themes like duty, loyalty and family, especially as they clash. It’s a two-hour ride of fast-paced adventure and light-hearted fun, and perhaps I didn’t have sky-high expectations, but it totally exceeded them. It’s now streaming in Singapore after its recent cinema run here, and I’d highly recommend giving it a watch.
Cherry Lai
Expats | Amazon Prime
I was so looking forward to watching this series, but it was disappointing that they only released two episodes at first rather than the whole lot in one go!
Taking in the vibrant city of Hong Kong on the screen is wonderful, but some of the acting could be a bit better. I think a lot of expats can relate to some aspects of the life of lead character Margaret (Nicole Kidman), such as losing your identity and not being able to work – instead, being “just” a mum, and longing for a normal life back home and so on.
But you do need to really sit and follow the storyline as there are so many things happening. We get to see and follow some of Hong Kong’s political issues, and also follow a friend of Margaret’s friend, Hilary Star, who I have not decided if I like or not! She has mega issues with her husband and seems like she deliberately sabotages her marriage; she seems quite selfish.
There’s also Mercy Cho, a Korean girl who befriends Margaret and who was present when the key incident of the story unfolds. We don’t actually get to see that incident in the first two episodes, leaving lots of questions. What happened to Margaret’s son? Did he get kidnapped or murdered? Maybe episode three or four will reveal all!
Mercy comes with a whole bunch of personal baggage – she seems to be so capable of a better life for herself, as she went to a great school and has quite a rich friend group, but she just can’t get her life together!
I’m looking forward to getting some answers in the remaining episodes!
Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Marry Me | Netflix
I watched Marry Me because it had Owen Wilson in it, and I usually enjoy him in movies (Shanghai Noon, for instance). It was a feasible storyline for this day and age of social media and stars, but what has Owen Wilson done to himself? His hair is blow-dried under, like my old aunties used to have done at the hairdressers. It was just weird to watch him like this or take him seriously.
In case you want to give it a go, Jennifer Lopez looks stunning and sounded great. But it’s a no-go from me.
Rebecca Bisset
Traitors – Season 2 | BBC
This is my new favourite show! I haven’t had any luck in convincing my family members to give it a go, so I’ll try here instead…Traitors is a reality-style game show based on murder-mystery dinner parties, or the game Mafia. The game starts with 22 people and then three are selected to become the Traitors – dun, dun, dun! Each night, the Traitors “murder” one of the remaining contestants, who are called the Faithfuls. All the while, the Faithfuls must figure out who among them is a traitor in time to win the prize pot.
Now this may sound lame to you but I’ve been on the edge of my seat for almost every episode. The second season’s Traitors were amazing at their game and you can’t help but get sucked in.
Michaela Bisset
Where the Wind Blows | Netflix
This crime drama spans three decades – the 1940s to the 1960s – and focuses on Nam Kong and Lui Lok, played by Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung respectively. The film follows how they each entered the Hong Kong police force, became friends and partners in controlling crime and triads in HK, and their eventual flight from the country to avoid arrest for corruption.
The story’s timeline weaves in actual events that happened in the country during these times. These include the case of Peter Godber, then Chief Superintendent of the HK Police Force, who was charged in 1975 for corruption and bribery, which led to the formation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption agency.
The film tries to include too many elements in its two hour-20-minute run time, including the personal romantic lives of Nam and Lui, which I felt wasn’t necessary to the plot.
Watch this for the artistic and creative shots as well as to marvel at the acting chops of both Leung and Kwok.
Patricea Chow
All The Light We Cannot See | Netflix
I had avoided watching this for a while as I’m always a bit cautious of how upsetting shows about World War II can be, but then it popped up as the most thumbed-up thing on Netflix – and I can see why.
The four-episode series is based on a book by American writer Anthony Doerr. It’s centred around a blind girl, Marie-Laure (played by Aria Mia Loberti) and her father Daniel (Mark Ruffalo). The series mainly takes place in Saint-Malo on the coast of Brittany, under the German occupation. The story parallels Marie-Laure’s story with a boy called Werner, a genius with radio transmitters. Both of them have grown up listening to the broadcasts of a mysterious man called “The Professor”.
I won’t give any more away as it’s so enjoyable to watch it unfold.
Michaela Bisset
Singles Inferno 3
Things are completely shaken up in the third season of this Korean reality dating show. For a start, the four original hosts are joined by Kim Jin-young, a contestant from Season 2. Secondly, the twists happen from as early as the end of episode one and continue until the finale. There’s also the development of not one, not two, but three love triangles, which is a first for the series.
This season has some interesting characters that you love to hate and others that you want to ship. Although the producers claim that everything is unscripted, there are dramatic moments that have you questioning this.
Pull up a chair, grab some snacks and settle in for 10 episodes of dating drama. I’m totally here for it!
Patricea Chow
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
This harrowing ITV docudrama tells the true story of a computer glitch that resulted in numerous fraud cases brought against UK postmasters between 1999 and 2015. One of these was Welsh postmaster Alan Bates (played in the series by Toby Jones) who was accused of fraud before later becoming an activist in bringing the scandal to light. The show documents this fight and the journey to justice that took tens of years and cost millions of pounds.
Jacqui Young
Paddington & Paddington 2
I saw the first Paddington on a plane a while ago but when I saw the second one was out I decided to watch the first again as a refresher before the new one. They are both just the most divine feel-good movies, with a clever mix of CGI, animation and great acting from all including Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters. Hugh Grant plays the villain brilliantly in Paddington 2 – plus there’s a guest appearance by Joanna Lumley. It’s a top ranking cast with a dollop of great British humour … and marmalade, of course!
Rebecca Bisset
The Blacklist | Netflix
The Blacklist came up regularly for me on the “You may like” section of Netflix, but it never grabbed me. But once I started watching it, it grabbed me a bit too hard! I hadn’t registered it was James Spader from the 1986 film Pretty in Pink either, so that was interesting. He is, in my opinion, fantastic in this role. He’s also the producer. The show has kept me intrigued and slightly obsessed for a couple of weeks now. The characters are likeable, and even though it’s sometimes dark, it’s also quite believable – well, apart from the fact that all those bullets seldom seem to hit the main stars…
Rebecca Bisset
Mrs Wilson | BBC
I saw English actress Ruth Wilson playing Jane Eyre in the 2006 film and she blew me away. And now her versatile abilities are on show in the Netflix series, Mrs Wilson, in which she plays the title character, who was her grandmother in real life! For this reason and others, it’s a complex and intriguing show.
Alison Wilson’s happy home life is shattered in 1963 when her husband of 22 years, a former MI6 officer, dies. Everything she knew about her husband quickly unravels when she discovers she is not the only Mrs Wilson; there is another wife and other children. Alison tries to keep this information from her own two sons as she reconciles her marriage with her husband’s activities as a foreign intelligence officer.
Ceri Shahrokhshahi
Killers of the Flower Moon
This epic Western revisionist crime drama won’t be everyone’s cup of tea – especially if, like me, you’re sensitive to horror, treachery and downright wickedness. But by the end of 206 minutes (yes, nearly 3.5 hours), I was glad I’d come to see it.
Set in Oklahoma in the 1920s and based on true events covered by journalist David Grann’s 2017 book of similar title, it tells the story of the Osage Nation after the discovery of oil on their land had made them spectacularly rich overnight. The non-Native white community, headed by ruthless William Bale (Robert De Niro) will stop at nothing, not even murder, to steal their oil rights.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bale’s feckless nephew Ernest Burket. He marries and has a family with a rich Indian woman, Mollie (the beautiful Lily Gladstone). As her sisters and various other community members die in suspiciously rapid succession, the fledgling FBI is brought in to investigate the case. A well-told story complete with convincing performances, this film was an insight into a part of American history I’d had no idea about. It’s well worth seeing.
Verne Maree
The Diplomat | Netflix
Not sure if any of you oldies remember the American series Felicity from the late ‘90s? I couldn’t figure out why the main character looked familiar when I started watching The Diplomat – and then the penny dropped. The main actress (and one of the executive producers) is Keri Russell, aka Felicity.
I had no preconceptions about this show – I thought it would just be another CIA-type thing – but I was pleasantly surprised. I really like the characters and the acting. British actor Rufus Sewell is interesting as the American husband, as is David Gyasi who plays the British Foreign Secretary.
The personal relationships are complex and different – you’re kind of not sure who to trust. They’re politicians with their own agendas… but it works. And there’s also the international political sphere, which seems pretty close to the bone. Now I’m left hanging at the end of the first series. That’s why it’s so much better to watch a movie!
Rebecca Bisset
DNA Family Secrets | BBC iPlayer
I can’t get enough of this! It’s fascinating what can be found out from people’s DNA. The show focuses mostly on missing family members and finding long-lost siblings, parents and relatives. There’s a real array of stories, from a World War II holocaust survivor looking for family to children conceived from sperm/egg donations. This show regularly makes me cry happy and sad tears. I am so happy to be able to see people getting the answers they wouldn’t have been able to get even a decade before.
Michaela Bisset
Who is Erin Carter? | Netflix
This kept popping up as a suggestion but it didn’t really appeal. And then I saw that it had Douglas Henshall in it – the actor from Shetland – so I gave it a go. Okay, so there’s a lot of fighting and car chasing, but it’s good watching (and it made me want to start MMA classes…). Some bits are slightly unrealistic – as in “mission impossible”. But the characters and actors are great, the way the story unfolds and the plot is clever, and it held my attention and was never boring. It’s a nice change from all the crime and police dramas based in the UK that are usually a bit depressing. You get some great Spanish scenery thrown in too! Definitely worth a look.
Rebecca Bisset
Golda
Despite heavy prosthetics to transform her facial and body features, Dame Helen Mirren is still recognisable in this biographical dramatisation as Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. The film focuses on what could possibly be the internal turmoil that Weir battled during the Yom Kippur War, while undergoing secret medical treatments for a life-threatening illness.
Putting aside the creative license taken for the conversations she had with key people – her personal assistant, Israeli government and military leaders, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger – as well as the background to the war, it’s Mirren’s restrained portrayal of Weir that kept me watching to the end. That, and the imagery throughout the film – swirling cigarette smoke, a ceiling fan whirring, the claustrophobic confines of her abode and office.
Don’t expect a history lesson or answers on what actually caused the initial slow defence and Israeli losses, but do expect another sensational performance by Mirren.
Patricea Chow
Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is a familiar name among video gamers – it ignited interest in simulation racing as well as dreams of real car racing. It actually led to the formation of the GT Academy, which was a driver discovery and development programme that turned sim-drivers into licensed professional race car drivers, competing in races worldwide. The movie is based on this and it follows the journey of Jann Mardenborough, the 2011 GT Academy winner.
There were some factual inaccuracies that didn’t sit well with me, a motorsports enthusiast. One is the notion that drivers aren’t familiar with the track condition or design until the actual race. In reality, all drivers have time to get to know the track through pre-race practices. I also felt that Archie Madekwe in the lead role gave a rather monotonous performance.
What did light the screen up, however, was the fast pacing of the storytelling. This was helped by the racing scenes, by David Harbour’s caustic remarks to trainees as their trainer and Orlando Bloom’s polished press responses as the marketing executive at Nissan UK.
It’s a fun, feel-good movie that could perhaps ignite your interest to try out simulation racing.
Patricea Chow
Beckham | Netflix
Full disclosure: I am not a football fan. I am, however, a pop culture fan, and I found it oddly interesting to watch how David Beckham’s life has played out. From his early childhood, this mini-series covers everything from his upbringing, to his relationship with Posh Spice, to being England’s captain.
I can’t even begin to comprehend having to experience such highs and lows on a regular basis but it makes for a great watch. It’s also an interesting look at how the public is quick to turn on their stars. The series is divided into four parts and has a long list of appearances from famous coaches, teammates and family members.
Michaela Bisset
Who Killed Jill Dando? | Netflix
This was a crime committed before my time of reading the news, but I had heard of it. In 1999, Jill Dando, a well-known news reporter and star of the show Crimewatch, was shot while entering her Fulham home in London. The crime was famously described as an execution. Twenty years on, it still contains many mysteries, including the big questions: who and why.
The stuff I found interesting was the thought process behind the investigation and how sometimes having a high-profile case can do more harm than good. It also shows how far we’ve come with forensics.
Although it’s a story that might not have revealed all the details yet, it’s a good one for anyone who enjoys a crime documentary.
Michaela Bisset
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart | Prime Video
This seven-part series is dripping with mystery, cinematic shots and the threat of violence. So it’s no surprise that the complicated layers of abuse explored within the storyline were first fleshed out in a novel.
Adapted from Holly Ringland’s bestselling book, the series is set in regional Australia, mostly on a native flower farm. The storyline follows Alice Hart, a young girl living with her loving mother and abusive father. Without giving too much away, we watch her experience tragedy, grow up learning about flowers from her grandmother (Sigourney Weaver), find love, face abuse as a young woman and discover secrets from her childhood.
The show does well to include cycles of abuse that transcend generations. You can’t help but feel captivated watching Alice’s life unravel and take shape at the same time. The threat of toxic masculinity looms in every episode and the themes of sisterhood and the emotional scars of trauma leave you with a bittersweet final episode laced with hope.
Megan Hobson
Wandering (aka The Wandering Moon) | Netflix
This 150-minute movie begins on a rainy day in a park, where 19-year-old university student Fumi offers his umbrella to Sarasa, a nine-year-old girl. Fumi then asks Sarasa if she wants to go to his home. Sarasa agrees as she is not happy living with her aunt. They become friends and the girl stays with him voluntarily for two months, enjoying freedom, happiness and ice cream – until the police arrest Fumi for kidnapping.
Fifteen years later, Sarasa is living with her abusive boyfriend Ryo when she meets Fumi by chance and the two rekindle the time they had together. Their stories and dark secrets then slowly unfold, and the movie comes to an unexpected end, which leaves us with some questions and makes the audience contemplate on some mental issues.
Although there were a few slow-moving parts that the show could have done without (it took me two days to watch it), I found the storyline unique and interesting, and I’d love to read the book that the movie is based on. Superb acting, too! If you like Japanese dramas, this is a must!
Judit Gál
The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies | BBC iPlayer
Having only watched the premiere last night, I am very excited about what this show will bring. The story focuses on a woman, Alice, whose husband Rob Chance ducked out to get a takeaway only to disappear – and then reappear 20 years later. This man had been responsible for scamming Alice and her parents and friends out of money, so when he returns and she discovers he’s up to a new scam, she’s out for revenge. Rob, meanwhile, has his sights set on best-selling fantasy author Cheryl.
Now, this might seem like a serious plot but it’s quirky and quite funny. Rob Chance is played by Alistair Petrie who was brilliant on Netflix’s Sex Education. On top of the good acting from costars Rebekah Staton (Alice) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, the cinematography is great.
Michaela Bisset
Fifteen-Love | Amazon Prime
This British drama starts with Justine Pierce, a former teen tennis prodigy, making accusations about her superstar ex-coach. Justine’s world had come crashing down earlier in her life when a career-ending tragedy struck at the French Open. Five years later, she’s picking up the pieces when her old coach returns. The series is filmed in such a clever way that it really makes you question the reality of the situation. The story slowly unravels until the viewers grasp what’s really happening. Although it’s about quite a dark theme, it’s enjoyable to watch – I managed to binge the entire season in three days!
Michaela Bisset
Tales by Light | Netflix
Photographs can provide us with a unique glimpse into a moment, scene or culture. However, we don’t often have the opportunity to watch this process taking place and understand why a photo was snapped in the first place.
This documentary series follows world-class photographers around the globe to discover what happens behind the lens. Visit remote communities in Papua New Guinea and Australia, dive with manta rays, cuddle tiger sharks, learn about an ancient Indian funeral ceremony on the Ganges and go on a safari in Africa.
The episodes across the three seasons are not very long but they’ll make you feel outraged, inspired or in absolute awe of our world. Expect your perspective to be changed forever.
Megan Hobson
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones | Netflix
This absorbing series is highly recommended to anyone who, like me, aspires to live a long, healthy and happy life.
Blue zones are simply areas that have more than their fair share of centenarians. The five “pockets of health” originally identified 20-plus years ago by National Geographic Fellow and author Dan Buettner are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.
Dan has made it his life’s work to understand and to share the longevity-promoting lifestyle factors that these communities have in common. Based on his best-selling book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, this four-part Netflix series takes us on an entertaining journey around the world to meet some of these inspirational elders and see how they live.
Sadly, since Dan did his original research, many of these areas have been vanquished by Big Food and subjected to other damaging Western influences. With unhealthy changes to their previously nutritious diets, highly active habits, strong family connections, supportive community ethos and other lifestyle factors such as environmental degradation, most blue zones have either shrunk or disappeared.
On a happier note, Part 4 ends with a look at how the Singapore government is addressing the problem of our own ageing population, and getting it right in so many ways. Your heart may swell with pride!
Verne Maree
Oppenheimer
The middle of 2023 proved a fantastic time for cinema lovers, as Oppenheimer and Barbie lent a much welcome break from the flood of superhero films that seem to have dominated the big screens over the past few years! I made a beeline for tickets to the former, the Christopher Nolandirected biopic about J Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb’s development during World War II.
It didn’t disappoint. Vividly shot with sharp, rapid dialogues, the film blends science and politics with Oppenheimer’s personal struggles and questions about morality. Cillian Murphy gave an Oscar-worthy performance, and three hours flew by. It does cover a lot of ground, though, so non-history buffs would benefit from reading up on the physicist and the Manhattan Project before going to better follow along.
Cherry Lai
Barbie
I’d heard mixed reviews about Barbie, so I didn’t have high expectations. As a fashion enthusiast, the film’s setup and stylistic choices immediately caught my attention, for both the Barbie and Ken characters. The vintage-style Barbie dream houses were also quite a visual treat throughout. While I initially found parts of the story too didactic for my liking – I prefer a more subtle approach – as it progressed there were uncomfortable parallels to the real world that struck an emotional chord with me. This is an ultimately fun ride of a movie that helps us embrace our inner Barbie or Ken, a celebration of femininity and what it means to be authentic in a messy world, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Yimin Huang
The Morning Show (Seasons 1 and 2) | Apple TV
Produced by and also starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show (titled Morning Wars in Australia and Indonesia) is all about the operations and machinations of a long-running morning show on fictional channel UBA. Steve Carrell plays the serially fornicating lead anchor, Aniston his long-time sidekick, and Witherspoon the rebellious newbie with something to prove.
The series explores some of the big issues of the day. Centring around sexual harassment in the workplace, it delves into the #MeToo movement, questions the prevailing cancel culture, highlights racism and flirts quite successfully with gender. Emmy Award-winning Season 1 rollicks along beautifully; only near the end of Season 2 was I a bit put off by an unnecessary amount of screaming and overacting that could not make up for weak dialogue. That said, the characters were generally well drawn, and the storyline engaging enough to keep us watching through a total of 20 episodes.
Now I’m looking forward to Season 3. And with the delectable Jon Hamm (Mad Men) coming on board, how could I not?
Verne Maree
Endeavour | Apple TV, Amazon Prime
I’m honestly quite disappointed in myself that I haven’t thought to write about this earlier. I love this prequel to the Inspector Morse series, which ran from 1987 to 2000. Set in the 60s and 70s, it sees Oxford Police Constable Endeavour Morse solving crimes with DI Thursday. The writing is witty, clever and complex. The thought process that goes into the plots blows my mind – It feels so original, which, if you love a good crime show, you’ll know is becoming a rare thing.
The songs, time period and fashion are another bonus, but the real drawcard is the chemistry between Thursday, Strange and Morse. This show is also good at balancing the good and bad; it’s never overly dark, unlike some other crime shows.
There have been nine seasons of Endeavour since 2012, though this current season is said to be the final one. Unsurprisingly, it’s got a high 90 percent Rotten Tomato rating and an 8.6 IMDb score.
Michaela Bisset
What We Did On Our Holiday | Prime Video
This is an oldie (2014) but a goodie, and it’s so nice to watch something a bit different. It’s thoughtful, funny and clever. Billy Connolly, David Tenant and Rosamund Pike are among the adults, but the three children are amazing actors too.
Rebecca Bisset
The Witcher, Season 3 | Netflix Singapore
This season of The Witcher is bittersweet for me, as the main star of the show Henry Cavill has opted to leave… as such, I’ve decided to treat it like it’s the last season, and many fans will probably do the same. There aren’t many things worse than recasting the main character three seasons in – especially when you have to replace Henry!
Despite this, this season so far has been great – the plot has stepped up a gear, along with the continued romance of Geralt and Yennefer. The focus this time is largely on the relationship between Ciri and Geralt, as Ciri comes into her power. Geralt continues to protect them from those who wish to harm her.
Unfortunately, the costumes and effects have felt cheap at times – some questionable CGI and caked-on makeup, for example, despite a budget of $35 million! Ratings have been mixed, too, though this may just be a backlash for Henry leaving – I’ve not yet finished it, so I’ll have to wait and see!
Michaela Bisset
Yellowstone
This story about the Dutton family who for a century has owned the biggest ranch in America has five seasons (the final episodes of Season 5 are expected to air around November this year). My favourite characters are Beth Dutton and her boyfriend/husband Rip, and it’s one of the best series I’ve watched.
Anna Bautista
Arnold | Netflix Singapore
Not that he’s been someone I’ve thought of much since, but I did enjoy watching Arnold Schwarzenegger in True Lies, Twins and even Terminator back in the day. Somehow, though, I’ve been on a bit of an “Arnie blitz” lately! First, I watched this entire three-part Netflix documentary on him. I wouldn’t say that you really end up knowing what kind of person he is, but it was interesting. Shortly after, I started watching Fubar, which he stars in – mostly for something to help me cope with jetlag, but I really enjoyed it. It didn’t take itself too seriously and there were enough different plots and storylines to make you want to see more.
Rebecca Bisset
Love Me
This feel-good Australian series is an in-depth look into relationships at all stages in people’s lives. It delves into family dynamics, grief and, most of all, love. It follows three different family members as they find out what it means for them to find and be in love when they face all of what life has to throw at them.
My favourite thing about Love Me is that it brings in comedy in the most unsuspecting moments; it has me and my friends laughing and squealing at the TV! Definitely a binge-worthy show.
Georgia Bisset
The Hardest Geezer | YouTube
I like a bit of a jog every now and then – a dozy amble around a park, or a kilometre or two along a beach on holiday. To employ the lingo of Russell Cook, that would make me “The Softest Geezer”.
Russell – nicknamed “The Hardest Geezer” – stars in a current YouTube series that’s documenting his attempt to run the entire length of Africa from south to north. The 26-year-old from Sussex is an unlikely looking ultra-runner (giant red beard, for starters), but boy can he tear up the tarmac. In 2022, he became the first person to run from Asia to London. This time, he’s tackling South Africa to Tunisia – around 13,000km.
It’s not the prettiest travel doco you’ll see. Russell gets up, emerges from the van he sleeps in with his support crew, then starts his stopwatch and heads off on another hot road, generally with the aim of running 60km a day (almost a marathon and a half). But as you start to get to know his teammates and hear their banter, it becomes kind of addictive.
Just as I’m writing this, Russell has encountered the biggest challenge of the mission to date – an incident that made news headlines back in his home country. But, as far as I can see, he’s just going to brush it off and continue on his perilous way north. Hardest Geezer? More like Maddest Geezer!
Shamus Sillar
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | Netflix Singapore
I’ve been a fan of screenwriter Shonda Rhimes since the first season of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. I’m amazed at the storylines that come out of her! Obviously, I binged Season 1 and 2 of Bridgerton, and now comes Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The new series comes on the back of the wonderful portrayal of Charlotte by Golda Rosheuvel in Bridgerton. Despite her limited screen time, she made a royal impression! Queen Charlotte is a historical drama based on actual historical figures. It tells the story of how a young Sophia Charlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz (portrayed by India Amarteifio) navigates her new marriage to King George III – their budding love, the intricacies of the English court and the king’s growing mental illness.
A side plot involves the back story of Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and her previously undiscovered link to Dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell).
It’s not a documentary, so it’s not an accurate historical account. What it is, though, is an hour of elaborate costumes, lavish balls and wonderful storytelling.
Patricea Chow
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky | Netflix Singapore
I’ve resisted the K-pop pull for many years. While names like Girls Generation, Big Bang, Super Junior, Mamamoo and BTS are familiar to many, I have no idea what their songs sound like and can’t tell one apart from the other.
What drew me to find out more about the group Blackpink was because they were appearing everywhere – from Coachella 2019 (the first time a K-pop girl group has performed on any of the festival’s stages), to ambassadors for luxury fashion brands (Cartier, Celine, Chanel and Tiffany & Co.) and appearances on international talk shows (James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon).
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky is a Netflix documentary that provides an introduction to the group’s hits, insights into each girl’s journey up to their musical debut, and a backstage look at their living and working environment and group dynamics. It’s heartwarming to see that Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rose each have individual strengths of character and performance skills that complement the others. Their multicultural background makes them relatable to fans around the world, which could explain their international popularity.
After watching this, you can’t help but feel that these hardworking ladies deserve all the recognition and success they’re enjoying now.
Patricea Chow
Citadel | Amazon Prime
First, a quick disclaimer: as I’m writing this, only two episodes of this series have been released – so if it takes a sudden nose dive on quality, forgive me! However, so far I’ve been impressed. This new spy thriller features a favourite for me, Stanley Tucci, along with Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The series is about a global spy agency, Citadel, which has fallen – its agents have had their memories erased. Now, the powerful Manticore crime syndicate is filling the power vacuum. Eight years on, Bernard Orlick (Tucci) gets in touch with one of those Citadel agents (Madden) in an attempt to take down the Manticore group.
Michaela Bisset
A Man Called Otto | Apple TV
Tom Hanks excels yet again in the lead role of this bittersweet comedy as a widower utterly consumed by grief. Otto takes out his anger on everyone with his cutting remarks, in between unsuccessful attempts to end it all.
Highly principled and organised, and full of disdain for modern life and the younger generation’s inefficiencies, Otto thinks everyone is an idiot. That is until new neighbours move in across the street.
It is the quick-witted Marisol who proves to be a match for Otto’s sharp wit. She soon sees through his salty demeanour at the pain he is in and they strike up an unexpected friendship. This wonderful film about a grump comes up trumps.
Karl Woodbury
House of Hummingbird | Apple TV
For a long time, I’ve been looking for films that capture real life in its essence. Drama and exaggeration are common in cinema nowadays, but not the natural reflection of how things are, which to me is a lot more interesting and relatable.
I am, however, not disappointed by House of Hummingbird, a multiaward-winning Korean film about a quiet teenage girl’s coming-of-age experiences in 1994. From troubles at home from an abusive elder brother, to confusing dating experiences and a rapport formed with her teacher, the story is told with sincerity and great attention to detail. Like the protagonist, you will walk away feeling its emotional resonance.
Yimin Huang
Race Across the World | BBC iPlayer
I’ve just finished watching the first season of this BBC adventure series. Based on a similar idea to CBS’s The Amazing Race series, five pairs of “ordinary Brits” are challenged with travelling from the UK to Singapore without taking a single flight. Instead, they have the budget equivalent to the cost of a direct flight (£1,329) to find their way by land through Europe, Central Asia and Southeast Asia to Singapore, travelling a distance of 12,000 miles in 50 days.
The contestants face many difficult decisions and hurdles along the way as they try to navigate the best route to win them first place and the coveted prize of £20,000. Although it does feel a little staged at times, I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold and the journeys they choose to take through interesting countries. I’ll be tuning in to the next two seasons, which take place in South America and Canada.
Juliet Keys
Next in Fashion | Netflix Singapore
If you liked Project Runway, you’ll love Next in Fashion. While the first season was a flop, the competition has been revived on Netflix and all I can say is that I am totally here for season two!
In short, 12 no-name, up-and-coming designers and international professionals compete for a $250,000 prize fund. Plus, they get to launch a collection on e-commerce platform Rent the Runway. The show is hosted by Tan France from Queer Eye and model Gigi Hadid, so you can expect the commentary to be insightful, fresh and funny.
The designers are given unbelievably tight schedules – sometimes just eight hours. In this time, they must come up with a design based on a theme, find materials, create the look and tailor the outfit before sending it down the runway in front of a crowd – and, in one episode, Donatella Versace!
Some of the looks are very out there and follow a “fashion as art” mentality, rather than being something you might walk down the street in. However, the designs they create are phenomenal. If you’re a fashion lover, you cannot miss this! Besides, you may be seeing these designers’ names on Orchard Road in the near future.
Megan Hobson
Daisy Jones & The Six | Amazon Prime
I first came across this story in a book club a few years back so I was looking forward to seeing the TV series adaptation. It’s always a challenge seeing characters you’ve loved in books come to the screen but this was so refreshing.
It’s about a band in the 1970s who are at the peak of their fame until they play their last show to a sold-out arena in Chicago. The series is filmed like a documentary, in which the band members come together decades later to reveal the truth of what happened.
The story revolves around the two main characters, Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin), and their tumultuous relationship. I won’t reveal any more of the plot – just watch it for the amazing 70s outfits and the crazy rock and roll lifestyle!
Fun fact: Riley Keough is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, which probably explains her outstanding stage presence.
Michaela Bisset
A trio of thrillers | Various platforms
I think my blood pressure has been impacted over the past month, as I’ve been bingeing (just a little bit!) on intricate plots that have had me on the edge of my sofa. The first was a British series, Unforgotten, which has a fab cast including Nicole Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar. It delves into old crime cases that resurface, often through other newer crimes. It’s easy to become totally immersed in it.
Then I switched across to Netflix for some American intrigue in The Night Agent. The acting isn’t great, but the plot did hold me. You’re never quite sure who the baddies are until the end…
Next, after talking to myself sternly about not watching any more of these thrillers, I talked myself into watching Shetland on BBC. It’s set around a police team in the far north of Scotland and their personal lives – and, yes, a few murders (not sure how anyone is still alive up there!) and other unsavoury behaviour. The scenery is amazing and the cast is very relatable. Again, I like trying to figure out who done it, but I haven’t got many right – so far…
Rebecca Bisset
Alone (US), Season 8 | Various platforms
I was late to come to Alone. I’d mistaken it for Survivor – the one with the inane challenges and “tribal alliances”. But this is the real deal: individuals sent to a ridiculously inhospitable corner of the globe and left to survive with meagre equipment – and brutal minus temperatures and hungry grizzly bears to contend with.
I jumped in randomly at Season 8 of the US version (Season 9 recently aired), and I loved it. It’s set around Canada’s icy, wind-blown Chilko Lake. The ten contestants aren’t celebrities or city slickers; they’re hardened adventurers who all bring essential skills to the table, whether it’s hunting with a bow and arrow, or forging Stone Age-style tools. The winner is the one who can stay out in nature the longest. (Spoiler: it’s months and months!)
There are some real characters too. My favourite in Season 8 was Biko, a construction worker and singer in a heavy metal band whose strategy was to stack on 30kg before the show in an effort to stave off hunger. Chilko Lake is unforgiving, however, and those extra kilos didn’t last long.
The first season of the Australian version of Alone has just started screening, set on Tasmania’s rugged west coast. I can’t wait to see it. And while I’ll thankfully be surrounded by the comforts of an electricity-powered home, I will – very appropriately – be alone. (My wife hates this kind of show, so she’ll be off in another room watching Succession.)
Shamus Sillar
Criminal Minds: Evolution | Disney Plus
I was a fan of Criminal Minds, so this new series came as a welcome surprise! In previous seasons, the Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU) solved various crimes across one or two episodes; Evolution, on the other hand, follows one case across the whole series, as the team unravels a network of serial killers built during the pandemic, and tracks down the person that started it all.
I was quickly hooked as I watched the team discover conflicting psyches behind the crimes that had been committed and eventually realise that something bigger was at play. Best of all, you can watch this without catching up on prior seasons – you’ll just miss some of the characters’ growth and their changing relationships with one another.
The Evolution series is also unlike other crime dramas as it explores the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on serial killers. A detective in the show, David Rossi, describes it best: “They couldn’t move. They couldn’t hunt. So they started communicating, helping each other to become better predators.”
Deepa Chevi
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