“This week’s top pick”

The Artful Dodger

Taking place in the 1850s in Australia, this lively continuation of the story of Oliver Twist reimagines the character of Jack Dawkins (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster), also known as the Artful Dodger. He is now a former Royal Navy surgeon who earns a living by performing gruesome operations for large crowds. Although he has left his days as a pickpocket in London behind, his shady past catches up to him when the local army commander and Fagin (a repulsive David Thewlis) both recognize him. As Jack struggles with his old and new identities, he must also try to maintain his reputation and win the heart of Belle (played by Maia Mitchell), the spirited daughter of the governor. Despite the unlikely circumstances, Brodie-Sangster’s charming performance as the lead character makes the story work.

Disney Plus, starting on Wednesday, January 17th.

Cristóbal Balenciaga

An elegant Spanish biographical drama with strong influences from Phantom Thread, sharply filmed to the point where it could be watched without subtitles to fully appreciate the intense 1930s style. Alberto San Juan portrays the imposing Cristóbal Balenciaga, a fashion designer who rules the Madrid fashion scene but struggles to gain acceptance in Paris among the likes of Dior and Givenchy. In order to become a king of couture, he must embrace his natural tendencies for control and pursue his unique vision. Keep an eye out for Gemma Whelan as British fashion journalist Prudence Glynn.
Disney+, from Friday 19 January

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Former contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race may aspire to become guest judges or gain more recognition in the drag world, but Manila Luzon has gone beyond that. The Filipino-American queen, who placed second in season three, has created her own show that features a similar combination of high-energy performances and fierce competition. In its second season, the show brings together 10 Filipino queens, including Deja, Elvira, Feyvah Fatale, Jean Vilogue, Margaux, Maria Lava, Marlyn, Moi, Mrs Tan, and Russia Fox. The panel of judges, known as the “drag cartel,” includes Sassa Gurl and Nicole Cordoves.
Prime Video, from Thursday 18 January

LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland

What is the secret to making a comedian laugh? This unique and captivating comedy game show centers around this very question. Graham Norton serves as the host and judge while 10 Irish comedians are confined in a room for six hours, tasked with the challenge of making each other laugh. However, if you laugh, you’re eliminated. With their usual stand-up routines off the table, it comes down to who has the most naturally funny instincts. Aisling Bea is a top contender, but the smart bet is on the playful and primal humor of Jason Byrne.
Prime Video, from Friday 19 January

Love on the Spectrum US

The US reality show that features people with autism searching for love is back for its second season. With a mix of unexpected humor, breaking stereotypes, and heartwarming moments, the show has a feel-good tone similar to The Undateables. It allows viewers to gain insight into the emotions of those with autism and challenges the idea of presenting a false version of oneself in the dating world.
, 2018

On January 19th, 2018 (Friday), Netflix will be available.

The Bequeathed

Yoon Seo-ha, a college lecturer (played by Kim Hyun-joo), receives both good and bad news. She has inherited some land, but it happens to be a burial ground. Despite this, she decides to visit the village where the cursed property is located. There, she meets her half-brother for the first time, who has plans to claim the land for himself. As the story unfolds like a dramatic K-drama, a local police officer puts everything on the line to solve a murder related to the burial ground. With a series of eerie events and the constant repetition of the phrase “burial ground,” there’s a chance it may become comical.
2018, to Friday 19 January 2018

On Friday, January 19th, 2018, Netflix will be available for viewing starting from Friday, January 19th, 2018.

A French Case

The well-known and still unsolved homicide of four-year-old Grégory Villemin in the Vosges region in 1984 is depicted in this French miniseries. It starts off with the distressing disappearance of the child, the horrifying finding of his body, and the raw emotions of his parents. The murder is accompanied by a confusing background: an unknown harasser has been tormenting the family for years, vowing to seek revenge for an unspecified wrongdoing. However, the show evolves into a harsh examination of corrupt law enforcement and a perpetually insensitive media.
Channel 4, from Friday 19 January

Source: theguardian.com