From Harrowing Documentaries to Gritty Crime Classics: Your Weekend Entertainment Guide
A diverse slate of new releases and overlooked gems awaits, offering everything from deeply unsettling true crime investigations to escapist comedies and thought-provoking political documentaries. This week’s offerings demand attention, spanning film, television, books, and music – with something to challenge and captivate every viewer and listener.
On Television: Facing Unimaginable Darkness
Channel 4’s “Poisoned: Killer in the Post” is a harrowing, two-part documentary that delves into the disturbing world of online suicide forums and the individual who exploited vulnerable users by selling them lethal poison. The series offers “a painstaking account of a journalist’s investigation,” according to reviewers, and is not for the faint of heart. As one critic noted, “If you can get through this…without sliding down on to the floor in despair – well, you’re a better viewer than I.”
For a different kind of escape – or perhaps a darkly comedic one – BBC iPlayer presents “Billion Dollar Playground.” This reality TV series offers a “staggering…hate-watch” into the lives of the ultra-wealthy and the staff catering to their every whim. The show is described as akin to “The White Lotus’s characters were real, but worse,” promising a captivating, if unsettling, viewing experience.
Those with a strong stomach may also find themselves gripped by “The Mortician,” now available on Now TV. This three-part documentary recounts the unbelievably dark tale of a California crematorium owner who resorted to shocking measures to increase profits. Reviewers call it “a feat of construction,” building to a horrifying climax that will leave viewers breathless.
In Cinemas: From Political Intrigue to Witty Dramedies
The cinematic landscape this week is equally compelling. “Apocalypse in the Tropics” offers a sobering look at the rise of rightwing fundamentalism in Brazilian politics, focusing on the influence of evangelical Christian leaders. The documentary highlights figures like Pastor Silas Malafaia, described as “thrilled and energised by his own national celebrity and wealth.” Further reading on the subject, including an article titled ‘God chose you, Jair Bolsonaro!’ Is Brazil now in the grip of evangelicals?, provides additional context.
Shifting gears, “The Other Way Around” presents a witty Spanish comedy about a couple navigating the complexities of separation. The film is praised for its meta-narrative, with one reviewer noting that the characters are “busy editing her new film, which turns out to be the film we’re watching.”
For classic cinema enthusiasts, “Nine Queens” is a must-see. This Argentinian grifter classic explores themes of greed and cynicism with a masterful blend of narrative trickery. As one critic observed, the film invites the audience to question their own assumptions, creating a thrilling and unpredictable experience.
“The Tree of Authenticity” offers a more experimental cinematic experience, using a talking tree as a lens to examine European exploitation of the Congo’s natural resources. While leaning into academic visual experimentation, the film provides “a fascinating look at how extraction can take many forms.”
Now Streaming: Reverse Love Stories and Japanese Seaside Towns
Mubi streams “Super Happy Forever,” a beautifully acted film that subverts traditional romantic tropes. The story follows a man returning to the Japanese seaside town where he first met his wife, offering “a glowing reverse love story with echoes of Before Sunrise.”
Beyond the Screen: Books, Albums, and Live Performances
The literary world offers “Every One Still Here” by Liadan Ní Chuinn, a short-story collection set in Northern Ireland that showcases a brilliant new voice. The stories are praised for their realism and lack of easy resolution, offering “reports from the knotty midst of things.”
Music lovers should turn their attention to Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” a triumphant reunion album that reaffirms the duo’s skills and power. Reviewers call it “familiar but fresh,” and “one of the albums of the year.” Wet Leg’s “Moisturizer” also arrives, showcasing the Isle of Wight duo’s evolution as a band.
On tour, the highly anticipated co-headline tour of Kendrick Lamar and SZA continues, offering a historic celebration of their individual achievements and collaborative energy. One reviewer described the performance as a celebration of their “elevating power of their friendship.”
Finally, for those seeking further exploration, albums like BC Camplight’s “A Sober Conversation” and Phase Space’s “Degrees of Freedom” offer unique sonic landscapes, while books like “Bless Me Father” by Kevin Rowland, “The Mission” by Tim Weiner, “Havoc” by Rebecca Wait, “Life Cycle of a Moth” by Rowe Irvin, and “A Different Kind of Power” by Jacinda Ardern provide compelling narratives and insightful perspectives. This week’s entertainment offerings are as diverse as they are compelling, promising a rich and rewarding experience for all.
