Television Highlights
Your essential viewing choice…
The Death of Bunny Munro
Sky & Now
In a nutshell A bleakly tender screen version of Nick Cave’s novel about a hugely troubling father-and-son road trip, showcasing 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 father and son journey toward tragedy, it is as timely – despite the novel's age – as it is illuminating.”
Pick of the rest
Black Swan Exposé
BBC iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence The revealing documentary that rocked Denmark – a mob lawyer turns whistleblower and reveals a devastating trail of corruption.
Reviewer's take “It would be an understatement to say that this documentary resonated with Danish audiences. Half of all Danes watched it when it aired in 2024, and it triggered multiple police probes, as well as a strengthening of legislation around financial crime and gang activity.”
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks
BBC iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence An exploration of the thousands of obscure drawings created by JMW Turner, including commentary from unexpected celebrity voices.
Critical perspective “Can a newcomer now be more inclined to visit a Turner exhibition? Yes. Will established Turner scholars refine their understanding? Yes. Job done.”
Daddy Issues
iPlayer
Quick summary Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey’s Stockport-set father-daughter sitcom finds its footing with a second series that is stuffed with hilarity and joy.
Reviewer's view “It has not only settled in, it has warmed up completely and – to use another mixed metaphor – started at full speed.”
Men of the Manosphere
iPlayer
Summed up in a sentence A frightening, sorrowful examination at the experiences of youthful males who have succumbed to the toxic rhetoric of anti-women online figures.
Critical assessment “A thoughtful, tender, terrifying hour.”
Cinema Picks
If you only watch one, make it …
Frozen Tower
In cinemas now
Briefly stated Marion Cotillard stars as a movie actor starring in a production of The Snow Queen in the director's unwholesome death-wish fairytale.
Reviewer's opinion “It is a mesmeric melodrama, mixing sensuality with a teetering anxiety, balancing on a cliff-edge of disaster.”
Pick of the rest
Wicked: For Good
Now showing
Summed up in a sentence Second chunk of Oz prequel with Cynthia Erivo leading a fine cast in a vibrantly musical finale to the hit musical origin story.
What our reviewer said “The superstar among equals is Cynthia Erivo, bringing her black-belt screen presence to the character of Elphaba, and revealing a new vulnerability and maturity.”
Fiume or Death!
Currently in cinemas
Quick take Morally ambiguous reenactment of vainglorious Italian protofascist D'Annunzio's ragtag takeover of the Croatian port city once called Fiume.
Reviewer's analysis “This intriguing documentary from Croatian film-maker Igor Bezinović is part humorous spectacle and part sobering historical lesson … it is in effect a early fascist version of a classic comedy.”
Survivor Accounts
Now in theaters
Summed up in a sentence Heartbreaking revelation of the Irish church’s brutal Magdalene laundries in which a young human rights lawyer partners with victims and activists in a fight for truth and accountability.
What our reviewer said “The film ends on a triumphant high, a lunch in Dublin for survivors, honoured like celebrities by crowds outside cheering, waving banners, applauding their bravery; it moved me to tears.”
Available online
The Saragossa Manuscript
Streaming on Klassiki from 20 Nov
Brief description Beloved Polish historical comedy from director Wojciech Has, taking place in historical Spain, as an officer careens through farcical encounters and erotic episodes.
Reviewer's perspective “The aspect to appreciate about The Saragossa Manuscript is its absence of cynicism; there is a kind of innocence and even refinement in the storytelling, even as it outrageously swerves off the beaten track of traditional narrative.”
Books Recommendations
Your essential read…
Updike's Correspondence
Summed up in a sentence An intimate insight into a major American writer.
What our reviewer said “There are abiding enmities – Gore Vidal is a thorn Updike never managed to extract from his side – but his affections greatly exceed his animosities.”
Other selections
The Once and Future Riot by Joe Sacco
Quick summary Brilliant visual reportage from the creator of Palestine.
Reviewer's view “Street interviews break up the story, a reminder of the subjective experience of people on the street, in the midst of the action.”
Jeeves Again by various authors
In a nutshell New stories about unique pair Bertie and his valet from famous admirers including Roddy Doyle and Frank Skinner.
Critical assessment “The tales originate from admiration and affection, plus, on the Wodehouse centenary, the keen-eyed appreciation of a commercial opportunity. Jeeves (and Wooster) would approve.”
The Wax Child by Olga Ravn
Summed up in a sentence An intensely poetic tale of historical persecution in Denmark from the writer of The Employees.
Reviewer's opinion “In its finest moments this novel is powerfully atmospheric, lovely, unsettling and raw.”
You may have missed …
Kennedy's Belfast Novel
Summed up in a sentence Set in Northern Ireland, a Catholic teacher and a married older Protestant fall in love during the Troubles in this exceptional first novel, which has now been adapted into an acclaimed TV series.
What our reviewer said “Trespasses is a novel notable for an uncommon attribute: a sense of utter conviction. It is a story told with such compulsive attention to the textures of its world that each page seems significant.”
Music Selections
If you only listen to one, make it …
Ólafsson's Beethoven
Available now
In brief The pianist's interpretation of Beethoven's work is among the finest recordings.
Critical view “Traditionalists may wince, but for those prepared to go along with him, Ólafsson reveals a spiritual dimension on to a new artistic territory.”
Other recommendations
Oneohtrix Point Never: Tranquilizer
Out now
Summed up in a sentence Multifaceted release from electronic artist Daniel Lopatin, made using a collection of millennium-era samples recovered from obscure online sources.
What our reviewer said “Despite its title, Tranquilizer doesn't seem particularly relaxed. Instead, it calms the audience deceptively with the familiarity of its sounds, then surprises you completely.”
De La Soul's Return
Now available
Summed up in a sentence The initial album since the passing of a core member dwells on the afterlife, yet doesn’t forsake their perpetually sunny sound.
What our reviewer said “The album feels warm and rich in vitamin D, a tonic for chillier months
