Crime 101 to Small Prophets: The Week in Rave Reviews
A stylish high-stakes armed robbery thriller featuring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, alongside a gentle supernatural comedy from Mackenzie Crook, headline this week's top culture picks. Based on the Guardian's best-rated reviews, here is a comprehensive look at the standout offerings across television, film, books, and albums.
Television Highlights
If you only watch one show this week, make it Small Prophets on BBC iPlayer. Mackenzie Crook follows up his acclaimed series Detectorists with a superb slice of supernatural-inflected gentle comedy. The story revolves around a man's attempts to uncover the mystery behind his girlfriend's disappearance seven years ago. Reviewer Jack Seale describes it as "a pure, pure pleasure," highlighting its charm and emotional depth.
For those seeking more, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix offers a frenetic and witty murder-mystery caper from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee. Featuring a sensational performance by Saoirse-Monica Jackson, this series combines verve, acuity, and havoc with immaculate plotting, as noted by Lucy Mangan.
Don't miss Waiting for the Out on BBC iPlayer, a brilliant drama by Dennis Kelly about a teacher in prison. It blends exquisite lightness with overwhelming heaviness, offering a gripping and moving study in vulnerability and acceptance, according to Phil Harrison.
Film Picks
In cinemas now, Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth in a Michael-Mann-ish tale of a master thief tracked by an honest LA cop, adapted from a Don Winslow novella. Director Bart Layton delivers an enjoyable and stylish high-stakes armed robbery film, with Hemsworth portraying a highly controlled, super-cool character seeking "walkaway money" from one last job, as praised by Peter Bradshaw.
Other notable films include It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley, a documentary by Amy Berg exploring the early life and untimely death of the 90s singer-songwriter, with insights from his mother and girlfriends. Bradshaw notes Buckley's superb vocal range and delicacy, inspired by legends like Nina Simone and Judy Garland.
The President's Cake tells the revealing story of nine-year-old Lamia, forced to bake a cake for Saddam Hussein's birthday, meeting vivid characters while shopping for sanctioned ingredients. This film features a great animal performance from her pet cockerel, Hindi, adding unpredictability to the narrative.
Little Amelie, based on a novella by Amélie Nothomb, is an animation about a young girl waking from a vegetative state and bonding with others after her grandmother's intervention. The charming mix of European and Japanese animation styles culminates in a lovely final sequence, as highlighted by Bradshaw.
Streaming now, Eternity on Apple TV stars Elizabeth Olsen in a high-concept love triangle comedy where she must choose who to spend eternity with, co-starring Miles Teller and directed by David Freyne. Benjamin Lee praises Freyne's light touch and the film's emotional swings.
Book Recommendations
If you only read one book this week, make it Gordon Brown by James Macintyre, a timely reassessment of the last Labour prime minister. Reviewer Jonathan Freedland emphasizes Brown's immense record of accomplishment, calling him one of the towering figures of recent British history.
Other picks include Super Nintendo by Keza MacDonald, a joyful take on the benign digital giant, arguing that Nintendo's "toymaker philosophy" counters technology's baleful role. Your Life Without Me by James Meek offers a compelling portrait of an English family in flux, centered on a plot to blow up St Paul's Cathedral. Good People by Patmeena Sabit is an addictive novel about an Afghan American community turning detective after a teenager's drowning, exploring gossip and societal divisions.
Don't overlook To Rest Our Minds and Bodies by Harriet Armstrong, a blackly comic debut longlisted for the Dylan Thomas prize, providing an astute and funny examination of first love with unbearable intensity.
Album Selections
For music lovers, Hemlocke Springs: The Apple Tree Under the Sea is a must-listen. On her self-released debut, championed by Chappell Roan, the singer-songwriter doubles down on wonky charm that went viral on TikTok, with an assured approach praised by Alexis Petridis.
Other albums include Ensemble Intercontemporain: Unsuk Chin, featuring intricate orchestral works performed with skill and panache. Converge: Love Is Not Enough showcases metalcore veterans with fresh and furious rage on their 10th album. Joshua Chuquimia Crampton: Anata offers a scrappy sonic meditation inspired by Andean tradition, with woozy melodies and warmth.
On tour, Florence + the Machine is captivating UK audiences with folk-horror dramatics and a billowing voice that transfixes crowds, as seen in sold-out shows supporting their sixth album Everybody Scream.
