Pick of the week

The New Look

At an event reflecting on his career, one fan stated that Christian Dior’s 1947 New Look collection “brought beauty back to humanity following the atrocities of World War II”. However, in Todd A Kessler’s extravagant drama, it is suggested that the situation was not as straightforward. During the war, designers such as Dior and Coco Chanel found themselves in a compromised position in occupied Paris, as their designs were desired by the Germans. This could be seen as a form of collaboration for self-preservation. While The New Look may come across as overly dramatic and with awkwardly accented English, it still manages to capture the essence of a rich and decadent cheese, thanks to the talented performances by Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, and John Malkovich.

“From Wednesday, February 14th, Apple TV+ will be available.”

The ruling family: New England Patriots

Display the image in full screen mode.

Based on the book by Jeff Benedict, this comprehensive series follows Apple as they venture into the realm of sports documentaries. However, the tale of the New England Patriots NFL team is even more bizarre than most fictional stories. In 1994, they were a laughingstock – nearly bankrupt and trapped in a cycle of defeat on the field. But then, everything changed. With the arrival of head coach Bill Belichick and star player Tom Brady, the team experienced a remarkable streak of success, winning six Super Bowl titles. However, as this series reveals, that is only a fraction of the team’s history; it also includes a scandal involving extreme rule-breaking and a player convicted of murder.

On Friday, February 16th, Apple TV+ was released.

Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All

View image in fullscreen

Another revealing standup special from Tomlinson, whose unflinching examinations of everything from mental health struggles to romantic disappointments succeed in universalising difficult subjects. As befits a comic who has just slipped neatly into the coveted late-night CBS slot vacated by James Corden’s Late Late Show, Tomlinson’s self-possessed confidence carries her through – as a performer who first cut her teeth on the Christian comedy circuit, she’s well versed in understanding the limits and expectations of an audience, even as she’s subverting them.
2018

Netflix will be available starting Tuesday, February 13th, 2018.

Love Is Blind

View image in fullscreen

The sixth season of a dating show, known as one of the least romantic on television, is back. One contestant expresses her desire for a genuine connection as she enters a secluded pod on the show’s set to communicate with potential soulmates without seeing their faces. However, the chances of finding true love are slim and instead, past seasons have shown that contestants often react with loud outbursts and hysterics. The program is once again hosted by polarizing duo Nick and Vanessa Lachey, whose occasionally harsh presenting manner further adds to the feeling of detachment.

On Wednesday, February 14th, Netflix will release new content.

The Vince Staples Show

View image in fullscreen

This bizarre meta-comedy stars Californian rapper Vince Staples as a version of himself, enjoying eccentric adventures based on the premise of his conflicted relationship with fame. There’s a kaleidoscopic quality to the narratives as he ricochets between police central booking and celebrity barbecues; between borderline criminality and music stardom. Basically, he’s on the cusp of being famous and successful enough to leave his former life behind (the real-life Staples was involved with gangs in his youth). But, for various reasons, it won’t quite leave him.
, 0:00

Starting on Thursday, February 15 at midnight, Netflix will be available.

Life & Beth

Display the image in full screen mode.

Amy Schumer’s sitcom continues to map out the contours of a semi-permanent midlife crisis, even as, on the surface, Beth’s life appears to be going quite well. Beth (Schumer) and John (Michael Cera) are getting increasingly serious – and as their relationship develops, they’re contemplating marriage and even the possibility of children. But doubt is never far away as communication problems lead to a series of excruciating encounters with therapists and some tough realisations. It’s earthy and warm, with enough darkly cynical humour to maintain a comic edge.
2021

On Friday, February 16, 2021, Disney+ will be available.

The Drought

View image in fullscreen

A timely drama from Spain tells the story of a town facing water scarcity and a disturbing issue. In a dry area near the border of Spain and Portugal, a long-standing conspiracy comes to light when two skeletons are revealed in a reservoir, due to the low water levels. Detective Daniela Yanes is assigned to investigate the deaths, but faces resistance from the tight-knit community who would rather forget the past. However, in the face of the ongoing climate crisis, ignoring the problem is not a viable solution.
2018

Channel 4 will air on Friday, February 16, 2018.

Source: theguardian.com