February 14, 2025
Discover what we’ve enjoyed culturally recently. TV, podcasts and books.
TV Programmes
Hacks
★★★★★
It’s been a long wait, but Hacks is finally back—and it’s better than ever. Season three reunites us with the razor-sharp Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), now basking in her hard-earned comedic glory, and the ever-awkward yet brilliant Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), who finds herself on the outside looking in as Deborah hires not one, but two new writers. Ava might take it as a compliment that it takes two people to replace her, but of course, she doesn’t see it that way.
What follows is another season of beautifully written, exquisitely performed comedy that balances biting wit with genuine heart. The dynamic between Deborah and Ava remains one of TV’s greatest odd-couple relationships—built on tension, admiration, and just the right amount of mutual exasperation. Smart and Einbinder continue to deliver career-best performances, making every interaction feel electric.
Witty, heartfelt, and effortlessly engaging, Hacks proves once again why it’s one of the best shows on television. It’s great to have them back.
American Primevil Netflix
★★★★★
“This doesn’t seem to be a world that favours a woman on her own.” Nowhere is that more true than in America’s Old West, where survival is brutal, and danger lurks behind every dust storm. Sara (Betty Gilpin) learns this the hard way in this gripping drama series, as she embarks on a treacherous cross-country journey with her son in search of her missing husband. But this is outlaw country—where violence is the law, and bodies swing from trees as grim warnings.
Hope, however, isn’t entirely lost. Enter Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), a hardened yet enigmatic figure who swears to protect Sara and her son from the relentless dangers of the frontier. With stunning cinematography, raw performances, and an unrelenting sense of tension, this series captures the unforgiving spirit of the Wild West in all its dusty, desperate glory.
Grubby, gripping, and utterly unmissable—this is prestige Western drama at its finest.
Paradise Disney+
★★★★☆
In this gripping slow-burn drama from This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) is a man defined by his discipline, discretion, and emotional opacity—traits that serve him well as the lead protection agent for former U.S. President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their relationship is layered with history, and the world they inhabit is anything but ordinary.
What begins as a character study gradually expands into an immersive, intricately crafted narrative, revealing a reality shaped by cataclysmic events beyond their control. Collins’s stoicism slowly unravels, his quiet composure giving way to something more complex—perhaps even deeply wounded. Brown delivers a commanding performance, subtly conveying the weight of past traumas, while Marsden brings a compelling mix of charm and mystery to the role.
Though the pacing may feel deliberate, the payoff is worth it. With strong performances, meticulous world-building, and a simmering undercurrent of tension, this is a drama that rewards patience.
Jerry Springer Netflix
★★★★☆
The Jerry Springer Show may have started with good intentions—heartfelt reunions, uplifting surprises, and a mission to bring people together. But good intentions don’t drive ratings. This grimly fascinating two-part documentary dissects the transformation of a struggling talk show into a cultural phenomenon fueled by chaos, controversy, and confrontation. Under the guidance of producer and self-proclaimed “diabolical genius” Richard Dominick, the show abandoned ethics in favor of spectacle, actively provoking its guests and embracing sensationalism at any cost.
Featuring candid interviews with former producers and insiders, the documentary reveals the moral compromises made behind the scenes, exposing the show’s role in ushering in a new era of exploitative television. Even Springer himself later admitted, “I don’t wanna live in a country that watches my show.”
Darkly compelling and deeply unsettling, this documentary is a must-watch for those interested in the mechanics of reality TV’s most infamous spectacle. While it occasionally treads familiar ground, its insights into the industry’s willingness to sacrifice integrity for entertainment make it well worth four stars.
Brian and Maggie Channel 4
★★★★☆
Playing Jimmy Savile may have unlocked something in Steve Coogan, who now seems eager to channel his remarkable impersonation skills into serious drama. In Brian and Maggie, he takes on the role of journalist Brian Walden, preparing for a high-stakes, no-holds-barred interview with Margaret Thatcher, played with steely precision by Harriet Walter.
What follows is a tense and compelling face-off, with Coogan and Walter delivering performances that feel less like imitation and more like complete embodiment. Coogan, best known for his comedic timing, leans into the subtle complexities of Walden’s approach—his probing intellect, his strategic restraint—while Walter captures Thatcher’s calculated resolve with unnerving accuracy.
Though the production leans heavily on its two central performances, the sharp writing and taut direction ensure it never feels static. If anything, the drama’s restraint works in its favor, allowing the tension to simmer beneath every exchanged word. A fascinating, nuanced character study that proves once again that Coogan is a force to be reckoned with in dramatic roles.
Podcasts
British Scandal Julian Assange Wondery & elsewhere
★★★★☆
If you’re after a serious deep dive into WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, this probably isn’t the podcast for you. But if you enjoy irreverent true crime with a comedic twist, Alice Levine and Matt Forde deliver exactly that. Packed with sharp wit, playful banter, and the occasional questionable Aussie accent, this take on Assange’s story leans more toward entertainment than education.
The duo’s chemistry and knack for finding absurdity in the darkest corners of real-life intrigue keep the episodes engaging. This No 51 in the series and it’s one we’ve lauded before because they’re well researched and although you may think you know everything there is to know behind the headline, they provide a fresh perspective.
Eras Bob Marley BBC Sounds
★★★★☆
The Eras: Bob Marley podcast offers a compelling deep dive into the life and legacy of one of music’s most influential figures who would have been turned 80 recently. Blending archival interviews, expert analysis, and rich storytelling, it traces Marley’s evolution from a young musician in Jamaica to a global icon of reggae and resistance.
While the podcast succeeds in capturing the spirit of Marley’s journey, it leans more towards accessible storytelling than exhaustive detail. For hardcore fans, some aspects may feel a bit surface-level, but for those looking for an engaging and well-produced introduction to his life and work, it hits all the right notes.
With insightful commentary, a strong narrative flow, and a soundtrack that immerses listeners in Marley’s world, Eras: Bob Marley is a fitting tribute.
Kill List Wondery
★★★★☆
If you like your true crime with a side of intrigue but don’t want to be totally weighed down by darkness, Kill List is a fascinating and surprisingly accessible listen. Hosted by journalist Carl Miller, the podcast unpacks the bizarre and unsettling world of a fake hitman-for-hire website, where real people actually believed they could order a murder online.
Miller’s investigation is gripping, taking listeners on a journey through the murky corners of the dark web, all while keeping the tone engaging and digestible. There are moments of tension, sure, but also a sense of curiosity and absurdity—because, really, how do people fall for this stuff?
At times, Miller’s narration leans a little too much into his own experience and it would benefit from tighter editing.
Films to watch at Home
Black Box Diaries Storyville BBC
★★★★★
Black Box Diaries is a fearless and harrowing account of journalist Shiori Ito’s fight for justice in a system designed to silence her. After waking to find herself being raped by a powerful and well-connected peer in 2015, Ito quickly learned how little recourse was available to survivors in Japan—where archaic laws, media indifference, and institutional bias stood in the way of accountability.
Rather than accept defeat, Ito documented her struggle, turning it into a searing, unflinching exposé of both personal trauma and systemic failure. The result is Black Box Diaries—a film as devastating as it is necessary. Ito’s courage in confronting a deeply ingrained culture of silence is astonishing. With those close to her struggling to provide support, she opens herself to the raw emotion of seeking justice. The fact that her fight led to real change is nothing short of remarkable.
Raw, urgent, and deeply affecting, this documentary is not just a personal story—it’s a wake-up call. With its powerful storytelling and undeniable impact, don’t be surprised if it takes home an Oscar next month.
Furiosa A Mad Max Saga Sky Cinema
★★★★☆
After crafting the unforgettable one-armed warrior Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller returns to expand her legend—but Furiosa is no mere rehash. Instead, this high-octane prequel digs into the character’s origins, with Anya Taylor-Joy delivering a fierce and unflinching performance as the young Furiosa, torn from her idyllic home in the Green Place and thrust into the brutal wastelands.
The film masterfully blends world-building with pulse-pounding action, introducing Chris Hemsworth as Dementus, a swaggering, unpredictable gang leader who shakes up the power struggle between the Citadel, Gastown, and Bullet Farm. Hemsworth brings an unexpected mix of menace and dark humour to the role, making him a captivating adversary in Furiosa’s journey of survival and vengeance.
Visually, the film is as stunning as ever, with epic desert landscapes and the kind of visceral, fuel-injected action Miller excels at. While it may not hit quite as hard as Fury Road, Furiosa is still a thrilling and worthy addition to the Mad Max saga—an intense, immersive ride that proves the wasteland is far from empty.
If you are a fan of Mad Max as I have been from the very start over 45 years ago, this is a great edition.
Cinema
A Real Pain
★★★★★
Kieran Culkin is at his absolute best in Jesse Eisenberg’s witty and heartfelt road movie, a film that blends sharp humour with deep emotional resonance. Following two cousins on a journey through Poland to honour their late grandmother, this odd-couple two-hander is a rare gem—elegantly written, rich in character, and effortlessly engaging.
Culkin is nothing short of phenomenal as Benji, a fast-talking, weed-smoking livewire whose restless energy masks a deep well of melancholy. Channelling the spirit of Hamlet’s Yorick, he prods, teases, and challenges the world around him, trying to stir emotion from those who seem indifferent. The film’s pithy, resonant dialogue recalls the best of Hollywood’s golden age, proving that smart, character-driven storytelling is still very much alive.
With stellar performances, a beautifully observed script, and just the right mix of humour and pathos, Eisenberg delivers a film that is both deeply moving and wildly entertaining. Definitely a film that I was thinking about days later.
Anora
★★★★★
Anora is a captivating blend of comedy and drama that offers a modern twist on the classic Cinderella story. Directed by Sean Baker, the film follows Anora Mikheeva (portrayed by Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn who impulsively marries Vanya Zakharov (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance faces challenges as cultural differences and family expectations come into play.
Madison delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and nuance to her character. The film’s narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of love, identity, and societal norms. Bake seamlessly blends humour with poignant moments.
Anora has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and emerging as a frontrunner in the current awards season.
Its success is a testament to its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances.
A Complete Unknown
★★★★☆
That Bob Dylan was both a musical genius and, at times, a colossal arsehole is not something A Complete Unknown shies away from. James Mangold’s film captures Dylan’s brilliance, his contradictions, and the moment he changed music forever. Adapted from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric!, this isn’t your typical biopic—it’s an origin story, zeroing in on the seismic shift when the folk icon plugged in and went rock’n’roll.
Mangold sidesteps the well-worn cradle-to-grave formula, instead immersing us in a defining chapter of Dylan’s career, where artistic ambition clashes with fan expectations and personal relationships. Timothée Chalamet (as Dylan) delivers a performance that captures the singer’s enigmatic nature—both his magnetic genius and his often callous detachment. It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role.
Visually striking and musically electric, the film makes Dylan matter even to those who wouldn’t consider themselves die-hard fans. While it occasionally leans into mythmaking, A Complete Unknown is a bold, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining take on a pivotal moment in rock history.
Books
The Secret Hours Mick Herron
★★★★★
Mick Herron delivers yet another masterclass in espionage fiction with The Secret Hours, a gripping, sharp-witted thriller that proves why he’s one of the best in the genre. While not a direct Slough House novel, this standalone work is steeped in the same world of bureaucratic betrayals, fading spies, and shadowy government machinations.
The novel kicks off with a seemingly mundane government inquiry into past intelligence operations—a routine investigation that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As secrets unravel and long-buried missions come back to haunt the present, Herron expertly weaves together a story full of biting humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and his signature brand of cynicism about the intelligence world.
What makes The Secret Hours truly shine is Herron’s ability to blend tension, character depth, and dark comedy. His spies are flawed, cynical, and all-too-human, making the stakes feel both real and deeply personal. Fans of Slow Horses will find plenty to love here, while newcomers will be drawn into the murky, morally ambiguous world Herron crafts so brilliantly. It’s a book that starts slowly and then raises the tempo.
The Lion Women of Tehran
★★★★★
Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehran is a profound and evocative novel that delves into the enduring power of female friendship against the backdrop of Iran’s tumultuous history. The narrative follows Ellie and Homa, two girls from contrasting social backgrounds, whose bond begins in 1950s Tehran and evolves over three transformative decades. Their journey together encapsulates the challenges and triumphs of womanhood amidst societal upheaval.
Kamali’s storytelling is both lyrical and immersive, painting a vivid picture of Tehran’s vibrant culture and the complexities of its political landscape. The characters are richly developed, making their personal struggles and growth deeply resonant. The novel masterfully intertwines themes of love, betrayal, resilience, and the fight for women’s rights, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of friendship and identity.
The Lion Women of Tehran is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, and a celebration of enduring friendship. Absolutely loved this book and subsequently read another of hers just as good The Stationery Shop of Tehran.
The Bad Girl Mario Vargas Llosa
★★★★☆
The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa is a richly layered novel that explores obsession, desire, and the complexities of love through the lens of an unconventional, lifelong romance. Inspired by Madame Bovary, the book follows Ricardo Somocurcio, a mild-mannered Peruvian who spends decades chasing the enigmatic and unpredictable Lily, a woman who constantly reinvents herself and remains just out of reach.
Vargas Llosa’s writing is elegant and immersive, capturing both the grandeur and the melancholy of Ricardo’s relentless devotion. The novel moves across time and continents—Paris, London, Tokyo—mirroring Lily’s ever-changing identity, while Ricardo remains the steadfast, often naive, lover. Their dynamic is both frustrating and fascinating, making for an emotional rollercoaster of a read.
I’m a big fan of Vargas Llosa and if you enjoy his style The Feast of the Goat is one of my favourites.
If you agree or disagree with any of our selections, do please let us know or submit some of your own.
You need to sign up or be logged in to leave a comment.