We recommend: The best of new releases
Cunk on Earth: ‘Cunk on Earth’ is a five-part limited series which takes us on a journey of understanding the history and evolution of human civilization—mockumentary style, with the oblivious and ignorant Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) as the presenter. If you’ve been scrolling through reels/YouTube shorts like us, you may have come across Cunk and her weird, quirky and deadpan comedy already. This is not the first time we are seeing Cunk’s character on screen. Previously, she was the presenter for a similar mockumentary series focused on the UK, ‘Cunk on Britain’.
The Guardian describes the show as a hilarious spoof documentary and says “it’s impeccably surreal and occasionally genuinely insightful”. The Hollywood Reporter has high praise for the show and the performance, calling the show a “droll delight”. We’re definitely watching this one. The show is available to stream on Netflix now.
Dear Edward: This show follows the aftermath of a deadly plane crash and is centred around the crash’s sole survivor, a 12-year-old Edward. While Edward grieves the loss of his family, the series also tells the stories of the loved ones of those who didn’t survive the crash—finding a common symbol of their grief in Edward. Starring Connie Britton and Taylor Schilling, the show is based on the best selling novel of the same name by Ann Napolitano.
Collider found the show “imperfect yet ultimately compelling—a quietly ambitious study of grief and connection.” Variety is not impressed at all saying while the show is smart and has interesting characters, it’s unshapely and “bloated beyond recognition at 10 hours”. If you’re looking to have a nice cry out, this one's for you. Dropped on Apple TV+ yesterday.
Class: This is an Indian adaptation of the popular Spanish series ‘Elite’ which was loved around the world. ‘Class’ revolves around three scholarship students who join one of Delhi's posh and elite schools, the Hampton International. Soon after their arrival, things take a turn when a student is murdered. A high school drama with a class lens, the series explores the dynamics of the interactions between the new students and their wealthier counterparts. We found the trailer engaging and thrilling. And frankly, we are just glad for the underlying premise which is new for an Indian teenage drama—anything that’s not ‘Student of the Year’ 🙄.
The Spanish show was dubbed “TV Gold” by The Guardian. Big shoes to fill. The reviews for ‘Class’ are mixed. The Hindu finds it lacking and says the show “only gets only the bare bones of the plot right.” Indian Express dubbed it “luridly entertaining” and “the cinematic equivalent of cheat meal” for dealing with themes of gender, sexuality, class and caste all in a pulpy plot. Season one landed on Netflix yesterday.
The Whale: This film tells the story of Charlie (Brendan Fraser), a reclusive teacher, living with severe obesity who is trying to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter while also dealing with grief and depression after the loss of a loved one. It’s directed by Darren Aronofsky who is known for ‘Black Swan’, ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and ‘Mother!’
The movie and particularly Brendan Fraser have been in the limelight. It’s been considered a comeback performance for Fraser who has received high praise by critics. But the reviews don’t seem to think the movie itself is that good. Rolling Stone says Fraser “deserves an Oscar” but he deserves a “better movie” to match the performance. Washington Post says Fraser’s being “weighed down” by the film—which has also been dubbed fatphobic by some. The film had a limited release last year. It was released in Indian theatres yesterday.
