David Mitchell's quirky puzzle-maker returns in the second series of Ludwig, aiming to solve the mystery of his missing detective brother. The low-stakes murder mystery continues to charm with its cosy capers and wordplay.
Ludwig Series Two Review
Our reviewer Sarah Dempster said: "Ludwig is as sharp as it is cuddly, its bobbly pullover concealing a script that revels in wordplay and the infinite micro-horrors of social awkwardness." The series is available now on BBC.
Other TV Picks
Buried With Michael Sheen, available on BBC, sees the actor investigate "forever chemicals" dumped in Welsh quarries in the mid-20th century. Jack Seale noted: "It proves to be a story that keeps throwing up moments and characters for which a scriptwriter would congratulate themselves."
Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing on Netflix examines the ongoing Boeing aviation safety scandal after the death of a whistleblower. Ellen E Jones said: "This isn't a horror film, but you'll struggle to find many movie scenes more nightmarish than Freefall's reconstruction of the January 2024 incident when a door plug blew out mid-flight and several passenger oxygen masks malfunctioned."
Little Bird on Sky Atlantic/Now is an evocative period drama based on the true story of Indigenous children forcibly taken from their families by the Canadian government. Patrick Smith said: "Little Bird is an impressive and heartfelt work, tender and moving. It cleaned up at the Canadian Screen awards, winning 13 gongs. For it to be ignored globally would be a crime."
Star City on Apple TV explores an alternate reality where the USSR won the space race, as a spin-off to For All Mankind. Lucy Mangan said it offers "space history fans a deep dive into the 'what if?' possibilities surrounding the intoxicating fundamental premise" and something equally fascinating for a broader audience.
Film Highlights
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma stars Gillian Anderson in a queer slasher where a young indie film-maker tracks her down for a remake of a beloved horror. Peter Bradshaw said director Jane Schoenbrun "unveils a very enjoyable display of transformative ecstasy and submissive rapture, treating us to a bizarre pop-cultural black mass of fiercely believed-in trash and kink."
Stop! That! Train! features RuPaul in a zany comedy with a drag queen cast. Owen Myers said: "It's a 90-minute madcap riot that deserves a spot in drag comedy herstory alongside White Chicks and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, stuffed full of mostly welcome celebrity cameos and sharp innuendoes."
Kiki's Delivery Service, Studio Ghibli's 1989 coming-of-age story by Hayao Miyazaki, is a "lovable and sunny fantasy" that broaches female sexuality, according to Steve Rose. Coyote Vs Acme, after being shelved, returns with Wile E Coyote redrawn as the Erin Brockovich of the cartoon world, with Peter Bradshaw noting "the pure fanatical oddity makes this watchable."
Over/Under, available on digital platforms from Monday 24 August, is a coming-of-age story of female best friends set across five summers. Leslie Felperin said: "The actors' astonishing naturalism and ease in front of the camera make this an exemplary coming-of-age story."
Books and Albums
Life of M by Rachel Cusk, reviewed by Clare Clark, is a teasing novel about a writer with a film star friend whose career echoes Natalie Portman's. Cusk "writes with crisp acuity about the frictionless existence of the celebrity, the corrosive effect of fame on family relationships," Clark said.
Ukrainian Lessons by Charlotte Higgins, reviewed by James Meek, explores how art endures amid extreme violence. Higgins said her time in Ukraine "unanchored" her: "It altered and enlarged the way I saw things, as if I had been given different eyes."
Agrippa by Robert Harris, reviewed by Sam Leith, depicts bloodshed and rivalry in ancient Rome. Leith said: "Everyone is betraying everyone else, raising armies, marrying each other's children, forming and breaking alliances. It's hectic."
The Ego Trip by Kimon de Greef, reviewed by Oliver Bullough, tells the bizarre story of a psychedelic toad guru. Bullough said: "I challenge any reader not to see this highly enjoyable book as a parable for so much that's wrong with the current economy."
How I've Tried to Change the World by Alexei Sayle, reviewed by Andy Beckett, sees the leftwing comedian remember his life in protest. Sayle "richly conveys the mix of enthusiasm and doubt which anyone who goes on demos will recognise," Beckett said.
The End of Everything by M John Harrison, reviewed by Michel Faber, imagines mysterious aliens in a decayed future England. Faber said: "It shows us a society that has long since forgotten Trump, social media and Middle Eastern genocides, and yet it burrows deep into our psyches to expose the terrifying insecurity of life right now."
Lambchop's Punching the Clown, album 17, continues Kurt Wagner's push towards new sounds. Alexis Petridis said: "It's an album that lures the listener in with the warmth and intimacy of its sound, but ultimately leaves you unsettled." Gaia Wilmer Large Ensemble's Parabólico transforms songs of Gilberto Gil, with Ammar Kalia praising the "Ship of Theseus-style project" that celebrates "the remarkable depth that remains to be explored and renewed in these decades-old works."
Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine tour continues its London residency at The O2 until 1 September. Kate Solomon called it "a robust arena show that ultimately wants us to see one thing and experience another."
