This week's cultural landscape is brimming with critically acclaimed offerings, from addictive dramas to innovative films and compelling books. Based on the Guardian's top-rated reviews, here are the standout picks across television, cinema, literature, and music.
Television Highlights
If You Only Watch One, Make It Vladimir on Netflix
Rachel Weisz delivers an unfailingly brilliant performance in Vladimir, a perfect adaptation of a blackly comic 2022 novel. She portrays a college professor who becomes obsessed with a younger colleague, played by Leo Woodall. Lucy Mangan praises it as "proper television for proper grownups," highlighting its rare quality and mature storytelling.
Pick of the Rest
DTF St Louis on Sky Atlantic & Now: This deliciously dark dating app drama stars David Harbour alongside Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini. Its themes of infidelity feel uncomfortably familiar, especially after Harbour's real-life fallout with Lily Allen. Mangan notes viewers might "DTFinish the whole thing in a single watch" due to its gripping narrative.
Hostage on BBC iPlayer: A three-part docuseries about British war correspondent John Cantlie, who was kidnapped by IS and is believed to have died in an airstrike. Jack Seale describes it as jaw-dropping, noting it avoids a reverent tribute, instead offering a raw and compelling look at his story.
Under Salt Marsh on Sky Atlantic & Now: Starring Rafe Spall, this series investigates a small boy's death with psychological astuteness, constantly subverting expectations. Lucy Mangan commends its delicate evocation of grief and the impact of landscape on its characters.
Film Highlights
If You Only Watch One, Make It The Bride! In Cinemas Now
Maggie Gyllenhaal's darkly comic reimagining of the 1935 film features Jessie Buckley as a frizzy-haired, black-tongued wife to Christian Bale's lonely creature. Peter Bradshaw calls it a rackety, violent black comedy with twists of Rocky Horror and homages to Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, praising Buckley's standout performance.
Pick of the Rest
Hoppers in Cinemas Now: A sprightly Pixar flick about a teen who learns to talk to animals and tries to save them from an evil developer. Bradshaw notes it riffs amusingly on films like Avatar, Inception, The Lion King, and Dr Dolittle, while subtly addressing environmental protection themes.
Soul to Soul in Cinemas Now: A restored documentary capturing a historic independence day show in Ghana in 1971, with electrifying performances from Tina Turner and Wilson Pickett. Bradshaw highlights its significance in the American Black consciousness debate of the time.
Sound of Falling in Cinemas Now: A powerfully unsettling German film told in four timeframes, exploring national guilt and yearning. Bradshaw compares it to a ghost story, with a clammy unease and ambient disquiet in every shot.
Hard Boiled in Cinemas Now: John Woo's 1992 cop thriller starring Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung, featuring an outrageous hospital shootout. Bradshaw praises the wildly impressive stunts and unique gunplay, though notes its brutality contrasts with balletic descriptions.
Books Highlights
If You Only Read One, Make It The Last Kings of Hollywood by Paul Fischer
This book details how Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola transformed American film-making. Peter Bradshaw describes it as a readable, closely researched account with the enthusiasm of a true fan, offering insights into Hollywood's top table.
Pick of the Rest
Daffodil Days by Helen Bain: A novel exploring Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes's marriage through the eyes of those around them. Melissa Harrison praises its immersive quality, feeling like time travel with vivid depictions of Plath's life.
The Quantity Theory of Morality by Will Self: A state-of-the-nation satire targeting the metropolitan elite, covering topics from trans rights to the Gaza conflict. Nina Allan notes Self's skill avoids preachiness while delivering sharp commentary.
Tales of the Suburbs by John Grindrod: Stories of queer life in unlikely places, blending research with original interviews. Rebecca Nicholson commends its intelligent and sensitive collection, highlighting Grindrod's connection to the subject.
A Family Matter by Claire Lynch: A debut novel about homophobia in 1980s provincial Britain, winner of the Gold Nero award. Joanna Cannon praises its powerful storytelling and smart observations on human behavior.
Albums Highlights
If You Only Listen to One, Make It Waterbaby: Memory Be a Blade Out Now
The Stockholm musician's debut album offers a fascinating character study with a light, pretty sound that belies emotional depth. Ben Beaumont-Thomas highlights its evocative rendering of romantic breakup and self-understanding.
Pick of the Rest
Lise Davidsen and James Baillieu: Live at the Met Out Now: Recorded in New York in 2023, this album features the soprano singing Strauss, Wagner, and Grieg with thrilling effect. Erica Jeal praises Davidsen's fresh, gleaming soprano and controlled performance.
Simo Cell and Abdullah Miniawy: Dying Is the Internet Out Now: A collaboration pairing soaring musicality with frenetic electronics to examine the AI age. Ammar Kalia calls it a masterclass in breaking apart electronic production rigidity.
Dave on Tour: Showcasing his chart-topping album The Boy Who Played the Harp, Dave switches between heavy beats, rock-show grandeur, and introspection. Claire Biddles marvels at his ease in moving between playfulness and gravitas during performances.
This week's cultural picks offer a diverse range of high-quality entertainment, from thought-provoking dramas to innovative films and insightful books. Based on Guardian reviews, these selections promise engaging experiences for audiences seeking the best in contemporary culture.
