Starting with The Death of Bunny Munro through to Wicked's Final Chapter: An Overview to Current Must-See Viewing Picks
Television Highlights
If you only watch one, make it …
Bunny Munro's Demise
Now & Sky
Summed up in a sentence A bleakly tender screen version of the novel by Nick Cave about a hugely troubling journey between father and son, featuring a stellar performance from Matt Smith.
What our reviewer said “As a study in masculinity, in men handing on misery to men, growing ever deeper like a continental shelf as Bunny and son drive towards doom, it is as relevant – for all, alas, that the book was written over a decade ago – as it is illuminating.”
Other notable selections
Black Swan Exposé
BBC iPlayer
In brief The documentary exposé that rocked Denmark – an underworld attorney becomes an informant and uncovers a shocking path of graft.
Reviewer's take “It would be an understatement to say that The Black Swan resonated with Danish audiences. It was seen by half the population when it premiered last year, and it triggered multiple police probes, as well as a tightening of laws around money laundering and gang activity.”
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
BBC iPlayer
Brief description An exploration of the thousands of obscure drawings created by JMW Turner, including commentary from unexpected celebrity voices.
What our reviewer said “Will a previously uninitiated viewer now be more inclined to visit a Turner exhibition? Yes. Can existing Turner experts refine their understanding? Certainly. Job done.”
Daddy Issues
iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence The starring duo's Stockport-set father-daughter sitcom hits its stride with a new season that is filled with laughter and warmth.
Reviewer's view “Not only has it found its feet, it has Deep Heated its knees and – if we can toss another tortured idiom into the ball pit – started at full speed.”
Men of the Manosphere
BBC iPlayer
In short A frightening, sorrowful examination at the experiences of youthful males who have succumbed to the hateful messaging of anti-women online figures.
Critical assessment “An hour that is considerate, gentle, and frightening.”
Film Selections
Your must-see film…
Frozen Tower
In cinemas now
Briefly stated Marion Cotillard stars as a film star appearing in a stage adaptation of The Snow Queen in Lucile Hadžihalilović’s disturbing fairy tale about mortality.
What our reviewer said “It's a hypnotic drama, blending eroticism with nervous tension, balancing on a cliff-edge of disaster.”
Pick of the rest
Wicked: For Good
Now showing
Summed up in a sentence Continuing Oz origin story with Cynthia Erivo heading a talented ensemble in a zingily scored conclusion to the hit musical origin story.
What our reviewer said “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
Summed up in a sentence Darkly comic reconstruction of self-important Italian nationalist Gabriele D’Annunzio’s ragtag takeover of the Croatian port city once called Rijeka.
Reviewer's analysis “This intriguing documentary from director Igor Bezinović is part humorous spectacle and part sobering historical lesson … it is essentially a early fascist version of a classic comedy.”
Survivor Accounts
In cinemas now
In a phrase Heartbreaking revelation of the Irish church’s brutal Magdalene laundries in which a young human rights lawyer joins survivors and campaigners in a fight for truth and accountability.
Critical response “The movie concludes triumphantly, a lunch in Dublin for survivors, honoured like celebrities by supportive crowds, waving banners, applauding their bravery; it moved me to tears.”
Now streaming
Saragossa Document
Streaming on Klassiki from 20 Nov
Summed up in a sentence Cult Polish period-costume comedy from director Wojciech Has, taking place in historical Spain, as an officer careens through farcical encounters and erotic episodes.
Reviewer's perspective “The thing to be savoured about The Saragossa Manuscript is its lack of irony and self-awareness; there is a kind of innocence and even refinement in the storytelling, even as it outrageously swerves off the beaten track of conventional storytelling.”
Literature Recommendations
If you only read one, make it …
John Updike: A Life in Letters
In brief A personal glimpse into a giant of American literature.
What our reviewer said “There are abiding enmities – Gore Vidal is a thorn Updike never managed to extract from his side – but his fondnesses far outnumber his dislikes.”
Pick of the rest
Sacco's Visual Reportage
Summed up in a sentence Brilliant visual reportage from the author of Palestine.
What our reviewer said “Street interviews break up the story, a demonstration of personal perspective of people on the street, in the heart of events.”
Jeeves Again by various authors
In a nutshell New stories about unique pair Jeeves and Bertie Wooster from celebrity fans including well-known authors.
What our reviewer said “The stories clearly come from a place of love and respect, plus, on the 50th anniversary of Wodehouse’s death, the shrewd recognition of market potential. The characters would undoubtedly endorse.”
Ravn's Witch Trial Tale
Briefly stated A deeply lyrical story of witch trials in 17th-century Denmark from the author of The Employees.
What our reviewer said “In its finest moments this novel is powerfully atmospheric, lovely, unsettling and raw.”
You may have missed …
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
In summary In Belfast, a Catholic teacher and a married older Protestant begin an affair during the Troubles in this brilliant debut, which has now been adapted into an acclaimed TV series.
What our reviewer said “Trespasses is a novel distinguished by a quality rare in fiction: a sense of utter conviction. It is a story told with such compulsive attention to the textures of its world that every page feels like a moral and intellectual event.”
Albums Releases
Your essential listen…
Ólafsson's Beethoven
Out now
In brief The pianist's interpretation of Beethoven’s Op 109 is one of the most beautiful on record.
What our reviewer said “Purists might object, but for those prepared to go along with him, Ólafsson reveals a spiritual dimension on to a new artistic territory.”
Pick of the rest
OPN's New Album
Out now
Summed up in a sentence Kaleidoscopic new album from producer Daniel Lopatin, created with a cache of Y2K sample CDs salvaged from the internet’s fringes.
Reviewer's analysis “Despite its title, the album never feels particularly recumbent. Rather, it calms the audience deceptively with the familiarity of its sounds, then surprises you completely.”
De La Soul: Cabin in the Sky
Out now
Summed up in a sentence The first release since the death of the rap group’s founding member focuses on spiritual themes, yet maintains their optimistic style.
Critical opinion “The album seems cheerful and uplifting, a tonic for chillier months
