This week served up a powerful one-two punch of British culture, delivering both a gut-wrenching return to a beloved documentary series and the sparkling debut of a major music star on the big screen. Our critics have dissected the lot, separating the sublime from the merely satisfactory.
Educating Yorkshire: A Raw & Triumphant Return to Thornhill
A decade on from its groundbreaking first season, Educating Yorkshire makes a visceral and profoundly moving return to Channel 4. The series picks up the story of Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, a school navigating a landscape forever altered by the pandemic's long shadow.
The review hails the show not as nostalgic comfort viewing, but as an urgent, vital portrait of modern Britain. It captures the immense pressure on today's teachers, who act as educators, social workers, and mental health first responders all at once. The magic of the original remains—the focus on the hilarious, heartbreaking, and resilient students—but the context is undeniably tougher, making their triumphs all the more powerful.
Honey Don't: Lily Allen Shines in a Charming Rom-Com
Meanwhile, in cinemas, pop icon Lily Allen proves her star power extends far beyond the recording studio in the delightful new British rom-com, Honey Don't.
Allen plays a jaded pop star who, in a bid to escape her controlling manager and a personal scandal, goes on the run. She finds unlikely refuge—and romance—with the unassuming manager of a Blackpool ballroom dancing club, played with warmth by Joseph Gilgun.
The film is praised as a witty, big-hearted, and refreshingly British take on the genre. Allen's performance is described as a natural, comedic triumph, effortlessly carrying the film. While the plot may follow a familiar rhythm, its charm, stellar soundtrack, and the chemistry of its leads make it a pure joy to watch.
The Verdict on the Rest of the Week's Culture
Beyond these two heavy hitters, the critical roundup also delivers verdicts on:
- New streaming dramas vying for your attention.
- Provocative documentaries challenging the status quo.
- The latest must-listen albums and exhibition openings.
Whether you're looking for your next box-set obsession, a cinematic escape, or a thought-provoking read, this week's reviews have you covered with the definitive guide to what's truly worth your time.
