Pick of the week
The Dropout
On the back of her health technology company (the fittingly villainous-sounding Theranos) Elizabeth Holmes became America’s youngest self-made female billionaire. But her so-called innovations were a dangerous scam, and Holmes now faces prison. This tale feels increasingly emblematic of modern American life: Holmes seemed to embody progress, prosperity and innovation, but her business was built on sand and her story culminated in deception and humiliation. Starring Amanda Seyfried as a smart, brittle and terrifyingly ambitious Holmes, this drama feels like a nuanced and at times even sympathetic rendering of a grim late-capitalist fable.
Disney+, from Thursday 3 March
***
Killing Eve
Oddly, given that it’s presented as an espionage thriller, plot isn’t really the big point of Killing Eve. It’s more about the electrifying chemistry between Eve (Sandra Oh) and Villanelle (Jodie Comer) – and the success of this final season hinges on a satisfying resolution of their relationship. Eve is now in private security – albeit with a sideline suggesting her interest in the Twelve hasn’t abated – and Villanelle has, comically, found herself in a religious community. The show has drifted since its startling first season, but there’s still enough class and charisma to hope for a good send-off.
BBC iPlayer, from Monday 28 February
***
The Guardians of Justice
Ninjas! Laser attacks! Demonic squid! This hyperactive and berserk new animation series from Castlevania’s Adi Shankar is equal parts superhero narrative and love letter to 90s US pop culture. Featuring whatever format might appeal at any given moment – styles include stop-motion, claymation, pixel art and many more – Shankar tells the story of an alien superhero called Marvelous Man, who has maintained peace on Earth for several decades, before a grim secret throws the world into chaos and all-out war looms.
Netflix, from Tuesday 1 March
***
Savage Rhythm
There’s rags-to-riches/riches-to-rags street dance action in this never knowingly understated Spanish-language drama. Starring Paulina Dávila and Greeicy Rendón, it is set in the contrasting worlds of two Colombian dancers, both looking to get ahead in a dangerously competitive world and both with personal demons. It’s ripe, frequently melodramatic fare but the themes – ambition, temptation, class – are universal and there are lashings of sex, infectious music and improbable dance moves galore.
Netflix, from Wednesday 2 March
***
Joe vs Carole
Are you ready for Tiger King: The Drama? Some people might argue that, given we already have two documentary series’ worth of this story, Joe vs Carole is superfluous. They might also contend that Tiger King was inextricably linked to a moment in time – visceral escapism during the disorientation of early lockdown. But Exotic v Baskin isn’t a thread TV-makers show any signs of wanting to stop pulling. For the purposes of this overheated melodrama, Kate McKinnon plays Carole and John Cameron Mitchell is Joe.
Peacock on Sky/Now, from Friday 4 March
***
The Boys Presents: Diabolical
Another superhero universe spreads its wings: DC comic adaptation The Boys gets an animated spin-off. This eight-part series is in the tradition of The Animatrix – a short series set in the universe of The Matrix but not directly connected to its narrative. Instead, these stories stand alone – and there are some big-name creators involved, with writing from Seth Rogen, Awkwafina, Eliot and Ilana Glazer and Andy Samberg. Expect a range of styles – from Looney Tunes homage to graphic novel-esque heroics – and an engaging sense of fun.
Amazon Prime Video, from Friday March 4
***
Pieces of Her
How well do you actually know the people you love? This enigmatic drama, based on Karin Slaughter’s 2018 novel, stars Toni Collette as Laura Oliver, a middle-aged woman who might not have told her daughter Andy (Bella Heathcote) quite everything about her life. The catalyst is a potential shooting spree in a cafe that is slickly terminated by Laura. But where did she learn those ninja skills? And why has the incident prompted her to insist Andy move out of the house they share? An intriguing tale that surrenders its secrets carefully and gradually.
Netflix, from Friday 4 March
