BBC One/iPlayer has released a new series featuring David Attenborough, celebrating his enduring passion for wildlife, particularly in British gardens, just ahead of his 100th birthday. According to our reviewer, the program, while showcasing familiar animals, narrates captivating tales of survival, reproduction, and predation reminiscent of Attenborough’s renowned documentaries set in Africa and Asia. – Jack Seale
Further reading: ‘We didn’t want to be preachy’: David Attenborough’s unexpected new show – which might enrage cat lovers.
In a fresh format, Stephen Fry becomes the latest celebrity to engage with a group of young adults with neurodivergent conditions or learning disabilities, resulting in an enlightening experience. Our reviewer highlighted a performance by a budding actor named Luca, who delivered a rendition of William Wordsworth’s “The World Is Too Much With Us,” blending Shakespearean flair with the essence of a musical. Fry’s reaction was one of genuine delight, as such a moment is rarely seen on television. – Jack Seale
Further reading: A new Austen drama made me wonder: is the fate of bookish young women really so different today?
This sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, while initially appearing lighter, reveals the continued harshness of life for women in Gilead. Our reviewer notes that this young adult adaptation still portrays severe punishments, graphic imagery, and themes of indoctrination and abuse, making it particularly difficult to watch given the youth of the characters. – Lucy Mangan
Available on BBC/iPlayer, all episodes can now be viewed.
In a new spin on Pride & Prejudice, Ella Bruccoleri shines in a narrative focusing on the often-overlooked character of Mary Bennet and her journey to self-discovery. The reviewer commends Bruccoleri’s charming performance, asserting that the series is worth following for its depth and appeal. – Lucy Mangan
François Ozon’s adaptation of L’Etranger remains faithful to Albert Camus’s original novella while infusing contemporary relevance into its themes of race and imperialism. The reviewer praises Ozon’s visually stunning black-and-white rendition, which conveys an exceptional sense of time and place, ultimately serving as a heartfelt tribute to a significant piece of French literature. – Peter Bradshaw
Jim Jarmusch presents a thoughtful exploration of the dynamics between parents and their adult children through three vignettes set in the US, Dublin, and Paris. Our reviewer describes the film as offering a sense of tranquility and acceptance, providing a refreshing palate cleanser for viewers. – Peter Bradshaw
A 40th-anniversary re-release of the coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner, adapted from a Stephen King short story, follows four boys on their quest to find a deceased body. The reviewer notes that the film’s surreal and poignant adventure encapsulates themes of lost youth and the rediscovery of innocence through storytelling and memory, showcasing the remarkable talent of its young cast. – Peter Bradshaw
In his directorial debut, James McAvoy tells the unusual true story of Scottish rappers masquerading as Americans. The reviewer highlights the captivating oddity of the narrative, combining the thrill of a con with the tension of its inevitable collapse. – Richard Lawson
Jonah Hill writes and directs a humorous yet insider-laden parody about a well-meaning megastar actor (played by Keanu Reeves) concealing a drug problem. The reviewer praises the entertaining performances, particularly highlighting Laverne Cox as a women’s rights lawyer, Drew Barrymore as herself, and Martin Scorsese in a poignant role as a struggling talent manager. – Cath Clarke
Reviewed by Ian Thomson, this work presents a deeply engaging investigation into the mysterious death of a teenager. The reviewer notes that Keefe, known for his bestsellers such as Say Nothing and Empire of Pain, writes in a compelling style reminiscent of other literary greats.
Further reading: A gangster, a bogus inheritance and a dead 19-year-old: the mystery Patrick Radden Keefe couldn’t ignore.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wait, a new romantic comedy set in New York delves into stoic philosophy, crafted by the author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette. The reviewer describes the book as a quirky narrative that cleverly ties up its seemingly meandering plot by the conclusion.
Reviewed by Steven Poole, this narrative explores the profound human toll of one of the most deadly pandemics in history. The reviewer notes how Asbridge evokes both horror and empathy by focusing on the “micro-histories” of individuals caught in the chaos.
Reviewed by Xan Brooks, a debut by a non-speaking autistic author provides insight into life within an adult daycare facility. The reviewer finds the book both humorous and poignant, celebrating the complexities and contradictions of its themes.
Further reading: ‘I was in the pit of despair’: Non-speaking autistic novelist Woody Brown on his journey from write-off to writer.
Reviewed by Imogen Hermes Gowar, this bold and clever reimagining of Lambert Simnel, an unlikely contender for Henry VII’s throne, reveals a deep appreciation for literature and the development of the late-medieval mindset, which elevates The Pretender above mere historical retelling.
