We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Thank You For Coming: This is the latest female-led film with Bhumi Pednekar as Kanika Kapoor—who is a single woman in her 30s looking for the perfect romantic partner with whom she can finally experience sexual pleasure or the big O. The sex-positive comedy also stars social media influencers like Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila and Shibani Bedi as well as Shehnaaz Gill and Karan Kundrra.
Reviews are okay. Masahable is impressed by “its handling of themes like marital pressure, societal criticism, and sexual shame and independence.” Scroll points out that the “script is adept at taking swings at selfish men” but “why doesn’t a 32-year-old modern woman appreciate the value of self-help?” Our take: We are eagerly waiting to watch a film about the female pleasure told without shame attached to the topic. You can catch the movie in theatres.
The Exorcist: Believer: Good news for horror fans! The sequel to the genre defining horror film The Exorcist is here. Making a comeback after 50 years under director David Gordon Green who helmed another iconic franchise Halloween trilogy, in this sequel two girls get possessed instead of one. The trailer has the rest of the plot. Fans of the original will be happy with Ellen Burstyn’s return.
Reviews are the best. US Today thinks it “does a decent job living up to a legendary predecessor” but says it “is nowhere near as profoundly scary as William Friedkin’s genre-defining chiller.” BBC Culture calls it a “cheesy rip off”. Our take: What is an October without a classic horror film reboot? We think fans will definitely want to watch this one to pay homage to the original. The movie hit the theatres yesterday.
Khufiya: This is Vishal Bhardwaj’s second spy-thriller release within the span of a week. But unlike ‘Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley’ which was a series based on Agatha Christie, this film is based on the novel ‘Escape To Nowhere’ by Amar Bhushan—the former chief of RAW. In the film adaptation, Tabu plays an agent named Krishna Mehra who is investigating a traitor (Ali Fazal) for the murder of her girlfriend. Wamiqa Gabbi who played Charlie also has a big role in the film.
The reviews are okay. The Quint says “Khufiya is a world of ‘what if’s and ‘maybe’s and that’s how it leaves you feeling”. The Hindu writes, “He beguiles with the mood and melody but fails to sustain the spell till the end.” Our take: We love Tabu and Vishal Bhardwaj collaborations and are looking forward to this one. The film dropped on Netflix on October 5.
Fair Play: Looking for an intense workplace thriller? This one ought to tick all the boxes—a steamy romance between a couple working at New York’s hedge fund firm turns sour as Emily gets promoted and Luke’s jealousy drives their engagement to a brink. In the lead roles are Phoebe Dynevor—whom you may know from ‘Bridgerton’ and Alden Ehrenreich—who has played the younger version of Han Solo and a small role in ‘Oppenheimer’.
Reviews are great. Associated Press says: “The movie is brilliant and breezy at first but sputters just as its catching fire.” Independent UK gives a reality check: “It’s ultimately a very ugly film. That’s not its failure, but its intention.” Our take: We like the actors and the plot and will be rooting for Emily all the way. The film is streaming on Netflix.
Beckham: David Beckham’s one of the most popular football players in the history of the sport. He is loved by fans all over the world. His story of being a London-born kid to becoming an international celebrity, while marrying an equally popular star Victoria a.k.a Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, is filled with drama. ‘Beckham’ is a four-part documentary series that tells you the story of Beckham that you haven’t heard. You’ll hear from the people at the centre of his life, and look at all the behind-the-scenes.
The reviews are good. The Guardian says that the docuseries is a “fun, gossipy watch full of blunt, entertaining interviews”. Vogue is also impressed and says you “come for the football, stay for the soap-opera-level drama—or vice versa”. Our take: We are fans of football, and to watch the dramatic story of one of the most popular stars of football will be worthwhile. You can catch the series on Netflix.
Everything Now: Everything Now is a charming teen dramedy—about Mia who after a lengthy recovery from anorexia, is ready to get her life back—only to discover her friends are way ahead of her. The story has some serious emotional issues underpinning the adventures of a teen just wanting to do teen stuff.
The reviews are good for this. Decider says the protagonist does a great job of showing Mia’s struggles with not only her eating disorder but even her disorientation of being in treatment during a critical time for any teenager. Our take: We love a good teen dramedy with a dose of emotional complexity. You can watch the series on Netflix.
Here’s a new chapter…
Loki Season 2: The most anticipated season 2 of arguably one of the most beloved Marvel characters is here. Tom Hiddleston as the God of Mischief Loki and Owen Wilson as Mobius join forces to control the branching timelines and chaos following the events in the previous season. We are most excited for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ actor Ke Huy Quan's cameo as Ouroboros! The first episode dropped on Disney+ Hotstar yesterday.
Lupin Part 3: The final series for this coveted, twisty, Parisian heist show is here! It follows an intense emotional arc that sees a Black man break apart the intergenerational trauma that could engulf his own son’s—the protagonist’s—life. The protagonist is played by Omar Sy whose camera presence is absolutely captivating. The Guardian reviews this season to be a taut and thrilling affair and definitely binge-worthy. You can stream the season on Netflix.
Mumbai Diaries Season 2: Directed by Nikkhil Advani and Nikhil Gonsalves and starring Mohit Raina and Konkana Sen Sharma, this is a medical thriller set in the Emergency ward of Mumbai’s government hospital and explores the human psyche during disasters. The first season was inspired by the 26/11 terrorist attack. This one recreates the trauma and chaos of the 2008 Mumbai floods. You can check out the new season on Amazon Prime.
Spy x Family Season 2: This is one of the best anime from last year. In season 2, there is more at stake for Loid Forger as he juggles his dual life—as a family man and a spy—while taking care of his adopted daughter Anya who is telepathic, his fake wife Yor who is an assassin and their dog Bond who can see the future. BTW, Loid is oblivious to their abilities which makes for a hilariously good show. The new season dropped on Netflix.
