Pick of the week
Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Margo’s English tutor believes she has the potential to attend Harvard. However, this compliment is a ploy to seduce her. When he predictably abandons her with a baby, Margo (Elle Fanning) realizes she is following the path of her mother, Shyanne (Michelle Pfeiffer), who had her after a one-night stand with a customer at Hooters. The story that unfolds is one of resilient female solidarity as Margo, determined to maintain some independence, discovers both a source of income and her creative potential through an OnlyFans account. The script is intelligent, humorous, and unsentimental, with lead performances—particularly Pfeiffer’s—imbued with warmth and charm. Available on Apple TV from Wednesday, 15 April.
The second season of this tense and clever comedy features Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan, focusing on two couples. Ashley and Austin are young, poor, and deeply in love, working at a country club for Joshua and Lindsay, who are older, wealthier, and estranged. When Ashley and Austin secretly record the older couple during a heated argument, conflict ensues, leverage is applied, and a narrative of gaslighting, coercion, and blackmail begins. The story is crafted with precise detail, exploring the characters’ neuroses and the disturbing behaviors they provoke. A darkly enjoyable series. Available on Netflix from Thursday, 16 April.
American Classic
An arrogant urban sophisticate being gently taught by simple provincial folk is a familiar premise but remains emotionally impactful. Kevin Kline stars in this comedy-drama as Richard Bean, a self-important actor forced to return to his hometown after his Broadway career collapses. There, he encounters his ex-girlfriend, Kristen Forrest Bean (Laura Linney), now married to his brother and serving as mayor, as well as a dilapidated local theater that offers a chance for redemption. The film is wholesome and effective. Available on Prime Video now.
At Home With the Furys
Tyson Fury views retirement as a flexible concept rather than a definitive end.
“You’re only retired until you get an offer you can’t refuse,”he says. To coincide with Fury’s fight against Arslan Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this series returns. Viewers can expect familiar scenes, including Fury trying various ways to entertain himself—this time by purchasing a racehorse—and his wife Paris coping with the overwhelming presence he now has in their home life. This portrayal of retirement is far from relaxing, reminiscent of the tone in One Foot in the Grave. Available on Netflix from Sunday, 12 April.
Untold: Jail Blazers
The latest installment in this sports documentary series examines the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team. Once an underperforming franchise, they became subjects of a Moneyball-style experiment in the early 2000s when manager Bob Whitsitt recruited players known as much for their talent as their volatility. The question was whether he could mold this group of misfits into a cohesive team. To some extent, the team’s performance improved dramatically, but as recounted by key figures including Rasheed Wallace, scandals soon overshadowed their success. Available on Netflix from Tuesday, 14 April.
Ronaldinho: The One and Only
Among football icons of the past 30 years, Brazilian Ronaldinho stands out as one of the most charming. Known for his infectious smile and flair for trickery, he made football at the highest level appear fun. However, his off-field life was complex: this series delves into his challenging childhood and legal issues that led to imprisonment in Paraguay. Still, the show frequently returns to spectacular highlight reels that remind viewers why he was so celebrated. Available on Netflix from Thursday, 16 April.
A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough
The renowned British nature broadcaster returns in spirit to the gorillas of Rwanda, whom he famously bonded with in 1978. The documentary features remarkable footage of the group descended from those gorillas. What is especially notable is Attenborough’s emotional reflection on his initial encounter with the apes. The film is both fascinating and moving, capturing the wonder of the experience and the breadth of time Attenborough represents. Available on Netflix from Friday, 17 April.
