This Week's Unmissable Cultural Highlights
From gripping psychological dramas to Nobel prize-winning literature, this week's cultural landscape offers a rich selection of critically acclaimed works across television, film, books, and music. Guardian critics have sifted through the latest releases to bring you the essential picks that deserve your attention.
Television Standouts: Must-Watch Drama
If you only have time for one television series this week, make it The Beast in Me on Netflix. This taut psychological two-hander features Claire Danes as a rage- and grief-filled author whose life is dramatically changed by the arrival of a multimillionaire, brilliantly portrayed by Matthew Rhys, who is suspected of murdering his wife.
According to Guardian reviewer Lucy Mangan, "Danes and Rhys spark off each other through beautifully written scenes designed to immerse you in the world of two people discovering what it means to find someone who truly sees you and accepts you in your entirety." The chemistry between the leads creates compelling viewing that explores complex emotional terrain.
Other notable television offerings include The Eubanks: Like Father, Like Son on BBC iPlayer, which provides a surprisingly moving documentary following the reunion between Chris Eubank Jr and his father ahead of the former's fight with Conor Benn. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth on Disney+ offers a thorough, forensic two-part documentary that Hannah J Davies describes as "neither exploitative nor cheap … an antidote to the true-crime gravy train."
Cinematic Excellence: From Taiwan to Thrillers
In cinemas now, Left-Handed Girl emerges as the essential film pick of the week. This striking Taiwanese family drama from Sean Baker collaborator Shih-Ching Tsou tells the story of a child who is admonished for using her left hand. Reviewer Tammy Tarng praises how "Tsou pairs the kaleidoscopic fragments of the city with the splinters of imperfect people – poignantly and tenderly showing what it means to be a family in Taiwan."
For those seeking entertainment with more action, The Running Man offers a fun update of Stephen King's future-shock sci-fi satire, with Glen Powell starring in director Edgar Wright's adaptation that goes back to King's original 1982 novel. Peter Bradshaw notes that "Wright accelerates to a sprint for some full-tilt chase sequences" with a pleasing punk aesthetic.
More challenging viewing comes from Predators, documentary-maker David Osit's disturbing film about the televised shaming served up by hit reality paedophile-hunting show To Catch a Predator. Leslie Felperin's review questions the value of such programming, asking "How does the punitive, ritualised humiliation help stop child abuse or change anyone's life for the better?"
Literary Triumphs and Musical Mastery
In the world of books, Vaim by Norwegian Nobel prize winner Jon Fosse, translated by Damion Searls, stands out as the must-read selection. This marks the author's first new work since winning the literature Nobel in 2023. Reviewer Sukhdev Sandhu marvels at "how prose that is so simple pulse with such feeling", describing it as "a strange miracle."
Other notable literary releases include Bread of Angels by Patti Smith, where the poet of punk reflects on her early life and later career, and We did OK, Kid by Anthony Hopkins, in which the Hollywood legend from Port Talbot reflects on his remarkable journey from school "no-hoper" to acting alongside Laurence Olivier within a decade.
The album highlight of the week is Celeste's Woman of Faces, which Alexis Petridis describes as "spectacular" despite being a difficult second album for the chart-topping singer. He notes that "the pace at which they proceed works with Celeste's voice, giving her room to display its nuances, her command of phrasing and enunciation."
For live music enthusiasts, Richard Ashcroft is currently touring, with Dave Simpson reporting that "thirty years later, his arsenal of moves would alert the emergency services in any other environment. But on stage, they are ridiculously compelling." The perma-sunglassed singer leads audiences in cathartic sing-alongs that recall a gigantic Last Night of the Proms.
This week's cultural offerings demonstrate the continuing vitality across artistic disciplines, from Netflix's sophisticated drama to literature's highest achievements and music that pushes creative boundaries.
