Baby Reindeer is one of those Netflix shows I clicked to watch because it became the most-watched TV show on the streaming platform in the UK soon after its release a few days earlier. And rightly so, because it’s a well-executed biographical drama centred around one man and his stalker.
Written by Richard Gadd; who also stars, along with Jessica Gunning (the stalker) and Nava Mau; the seven-part series has some welcome moments of unexpected humour, but by no means is Baby Reindeer a comedy or in parts, an easy watch.
What we get to see play out is the journey of the type of person who has a far-from-ideal relationship with his stalker – plus the circumstances that can lead to such a predicament.
By the end of this well-paced and acted true story, you will have plenty of interesting societal topics to think about, least of all how the police handle instances of stalking when reported.
One thing that came up for me as I watched is the idea that we can all be taken advantage of in the worst ways if we’re not careful. And especially given the ideal circumstances for the person looking to do the taking. It’s how many people find themselves in cults, after all. Their vulnerabilities shone brightly for the recruiters who knew precisely how to manipulate them.
Watch Baby Reindeer because it’s impressive. You’re guaranteed to have plenty to ponder and discuss afterwards.
The infamous story of Griselda Blanco is one of a ruthless Colombian drug lord of the Medellín Cartel, a woman who, from the 70s to the 2000s was a pioneer and prominent player in the cocaine-based drug trade.
Having watched Cocaine Godmother (2017), a TV miniseries starring Catherine Zeta-Jones as Blanco some years ago, this story isn’t exactly new to me. As such, my main reason for watching Griselda, Netflix’s 6-part re-telling of Blanco’s story is that I’m a fan of Sofia Vergara, and I wanted to see her excel as Blanco.
The first bit of good news is that I was impressed by Vergara’s performance. I only had to look at how she moved as Blanco to know that a new phase had begun. Vergara did a good job of taking the audience through her character’s evolution, which wasn’t always easy to watch, bearing in mind the nature of Blanco’s work.
Griselda (2024), Sofia Vergara, Netflix
The parts of Griselda I enjoyed watching most are those when it was easier to root for her because she was the underdog, a mother, hustler, entrepreneur and a woman doing what she had to do to survive. But then, inevitably, the rude awakening came when Blanco was no longer the underdog, and I remembered British Historian Lord Acton’s famous words: ‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely‘.
What happens after the awakening is still engaging and executed well, even though it was difficult to look at because, I guess, sometimes I selfishly don’t want my protagonists to be that complex. I like to be able to continue liking them. Still, as sensitive as I can be, I wouldn’t change anything. Not that could, anyway, since it’s all based on a true story.
The other good news about Griselda is that the story edit is clever. We get to see Blanco in the present-day of the film and a series of flashbacks. All while we also watch the authorities in their desperate pursuit.
My main issue with the 2017 Cocaine Godmother miniseries was that it didn’t get the production budget Zeta-Jone’s performance deserved. This new version of Blanco’s story can be seen as the answer to my prayers back then.
Griselda (2024), Sofia Vergara, Netflix
Vergara’s Griselda is quite the story of a woman who took her life into her own hands and rose to the very top of her field, regardless of all those who told her she couldn’t, that she didn’t belong and that she was ‘just a housewife’. Such stories always have a special place in my heart. Joy (2015), for example.
Give Griselda a chance if you’re curious, and especially if you haven’t seen Cocaine Godmother.
Additional key cast includes Alberto Guerra, Juliana Aidén Martinez, Martín Rodríguez, Jose Velazquez, Orlando Pineda and Fredy Yate.
My feelings about Oppenheimer are similar to how I felt about Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated American Sniper (2014). By this, I mean that the key performances were fantastic. But, as for the question of whether I like either film as a whole, not really. Oppenheimer is my least favourite of Christopher Nolan’s movies to date.
I can’t say that I strongly dislike Oppenheimer because it does a number of things well. Nevertheless, the film isn’t the best example of Nolan’s capabilities. Especially considering none of his films has ever forced me to reach for my phone because the events on screen were inadequately engaging.
One hour into the movie, I took a nap. Ten minutes after that, things became exciting again. Sadly, the rest of the movie continued in this fashion of dipping in and out of being engaging and tedious until towards the end.
Of course, a three-hour feature film is too long. And even though I may have been a little tired that day, that fact doesn’t negate the need for better pacing and a tighter edit. There also wasn’t enough variety for me, visually speaking. The black-and-white scenes where Oppenheimer and his associates get interrogated, though those scenes had some engaging peaks, it felt repetitive and tedious in parts.
I guessed that Nolan’s latest film wouldn’t be as thrilling asInception (2010), The Dark Knight (2008) orInterstellar (2014). After all, the film is limited by the fact that it’s a biography. And therefore, it can only focus on events that happened. Additionally, it’s a story about one of the darkest events in recent human history, meaning that fun is unlikely to be a word to describe the viewing experience. Even so, I thought I’d be engaged at least 90% of the time, as per the usual Nolan film experience.
A notable highlight of Oppenheimer is how, through stunning visuals, the sometimes jarringly loud sound and Murphy’s faultless portrayal, Nolan gives us glimpses into the inner workings of a genius mind, one haunted by a parasitic idea, dare I say.
I also appreciate that Oppenheimer had me thinking about the reality that humans will likely be responsible for whichever end-of-the-world scenario we find ourselves in. Largely thanks to the double-edged sword that is our compulsion to innovate.
The majority of memorable moments in Oppenheimer are thanks to brilliant performances and scenes with great dialogue. For example, all the scenes between Cillian Murphy and Matt Damon’s character, Casey Affleck’s brief but highly unsettling time on screen and each time that Emily Blunt and Murphy’s characters appear together. There’s also Robert Downey Jr.’s latter scenes and, last but not least, the perfection of the final scene.
I wish that I fully enjoyed the story edit along with the award-nomination-worthy performances. I suppose I’ll get over it at some point.
Have you seen Oppenheimer yet? If not, based on the whisperings you’ve heard so far, do you still think it’s big-screen worthy? If you’ve already seen it, where does it land in your list of favourites, a list that includes Inception and Tenet ?
American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer‘s Christopher Nolan directed biography has a brand new trailer, and like all Nolan trailers, it does not disappoint.
Interesting and moving are the words for how it’s going to be to watch this while knowing what’s happening in the world right now. Yet, with such a magnificent Filmmaking team lead by Nolan, and starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh and Rami Malek, I say bring it on.
Bring on the audiovisual feast that is a Christopher Nolan film. I’m ready for my traditional pause for silent reflection at the end. Reflection on how grateful I am for film and its position as the perfect amalgamation of all the arts.
Robert Downey Jr., Gary Oldman, James Remar, Casey Affleck, Jack Quaid, David Krumholtz, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett and Kenneth Branagh also star.
Queen Charlotte – A Briderton Story, Corey Mylchreest, Netflix
Fans of the Bridgerton universe have been impatiently waiting for season three of Netflix’s popular regency era period drama.
So far, each season has focused on the dramatic love story of one of the eight Bridgerton siblings, starting with Daphne, followed by her big brother Anthony. Each season has taken place against a colourful backdrop with sumptuous costume design and excellent adaptations of popular modern music to fit the period, to name just two highlights.
For those who didn’t already know, 2023 isn’t the year we get to watch Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s love story unfold. That’s on the agenda for 2024. Instead, 2023 is the year of Queen Charlotte, the most powerful, and certainly one of the most fun to watch characters of the Bridgerton stories.
Queen Charlotte – A Briderton Story, Arsema Thomas (Young Lady Agatha Danbury), Netflix
Starring India Amarteifio, Golda Rosheuvel, Corey Mylchreest and Arsema Thomas; Queen Charlotte – A Briderton Story, which had its London premiere on April 21st 2023, in Leicester Square, is a six-episode prequel about the rise and love life of the young Queen. I had the pleasure of attending said premiere and watching the first episode of the new series. The good news is that much of what fans love about the first two seasons seems to be present in this prequel. Specifically, the intriguing love story, the often fun/funny dialogue and the memorable, well-styled musical score/soundtrack. Not to forget the colourful, stunningly designed world in which all these elements live.
One of the first things you notice while watching the trailer for Queen Charlotte – A Briderton Story is what a great job the casting director has done. Especially regarding the young versions of Queen Charlotte and Lady Agatha Danbury. As for how much I enjoyed episode one overall, I can say that I liked it most towards the end, after the wedding. I can also say that the way episode one concludes had my mind conjuring up the Netflix site as I saw myself immediately clicking the ‘Next Episode’ button, something all fans will have to patiently wait for until May 4th 2023.
Queen Charlotte – A Briderton Story, Golda Rosheuvel, Netflix
As for the elements of episode one that had me least enthused, personally, the shots of the wedding seemed too long. The story edit needed to do a little more to keep me fully locked in because the pace left me wanting in places. Also, there wasn’t quite enough going on for me to think, ‘My, my, this is super.’ That is, of course, until after the wedding. Hence my mind conjuring up said ‘Next Episode’ button.
Overall, there is simply too much promise for me not to watch the remaining five episodes on May 4th. Particularly since since there are few things I love more than to watch any woman claim her power.
Christopher Nolan’s latest film stars Cillian Murphy, Rami Malek, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh.
Biography/historical drama Oppenheimer is the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Specifically the part he played in the development of the atomic bomb.
My all-time favourite movie trailer happens to be for a Christopher Nolan Film. As such, it’s unsurprising that the long-awaited full trailer for his latest work also has me excited to the point I was moved to yelp joyfully as it played.
All my joyful yelping and excitement aside, brilliant and certainly chilling are two words that seem fitting regarding the energy and dialogue present in this trailer. And since Murphy is an actor who always delivers in his performances; if the transformation in his eyes is anything to go by, I can hardly wait to be moved in all the ways I’m bound to be.
Of course, there’s also the stunning cinematography courtesy of Hoyte van Hoytema, who most recently worked on Nope (2022),Tenet (2020) and, Dunkirk (2017).
Robert Downey Jr., Gary Oldman, James Remar, Casey Affleck, Jack Quaid, David Krumholtz, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett and Kenneth Branagh also star
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton and Minnie Driver are the stars of new biographical drama, Chevalier. A Stephen Williams-directed story about the illegitimate son of a slave and a plantation owner who rises to unexpected heights in French society as a composer.
The composer is Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
At least two audible yelps of excitement escaped my lips as I watched this trailer. And the reasons are as follows. I am a bigger fan of Kelvin Harrison Jr. than I realised. Particularly after his work in Waves (2019). Secondly, this clever trailer edit grabbed my attention, refused to let go, and I’m not mad about it. Thirdly, hello, compelling true story about an underdog making all his doubters choke almost violently on their words. (admittedly, one of my favourite things in any story). There’s also the charismatic Samara Weaving.
And last but in no way least, the music, of course, the music. I can’t wait to see all the performances. Especially the musical face-off that happens at 0:35 seconds into the trailer.
Marton Csokas, Sian Clifford, Alec Newman, Alex Fitzalan, Ronke Adekoluejo, Jessica Boone, Jim High, Ben Bradshaw and Sam Barlien also star.
Often when movies are described as a slow burn, my heart sinks a little because it can mean that the pace is lacking in the most unsatisfying way. Luckily, it just so happens that The Good Nurse, the latest biography/crime/drama from Danish director Tobias Lindholm is the kind of slow burn you want people to mean when they describe a movie as such.
Smartly shot, well-edited and acted, Lindholm’s movie is based on a true story about an infamous caregiver who is linked to the deaths of hundreds of hospital patients.
Oscar winners Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne both deliver notable performances. Additional highlights include the camera work, how dramatic and quieter moments are captured, plus the pairing of Noah Emmerich and Nnamdi Asomugha in their specific roles.
Watch The Good Nurse for a welcome reminder of how highly engaging a film described as a slow burn can be.
The Movie My Life 