What To Watch This Week 2.12.24
WEDNESDAY
The Only Girl In The Orchestra, Netflix
Orin O'Brien's story was strangely omitted from Maestro, the biopic about conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, the man who hired her. But now, the first female player in the New York Philharmonic is finally getting her due in a new documentary. Directed by her niece, Molly O'Brien, the 87-year-old reflects on her life and career, sharing her philosophy that life is best lived as a second fiddle. Though she never sought the limelight, Orin made headlines in 1966 when she became the Philharmonic’s double bassist. One newspaper even noted she was "as curvy as the double bass she plays." Ultimately, it's a story of extraordinary talent and the pioneering women who paved the way for those who came after.
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Churchill At War, Netflix
Whatever your take on Winston Churchill, his legacy has endured long after his death in 1965 – the first state funeral for a non-royal in the 20th century. This four-part documentary delves into how Churchill turned the tide in WWII and how his early experiences shaped him into the man for the job. The story is brought to life with restored, colourised footage, stirring speeches from the legendary orator and insights from experts, including former prime minister Boris Johnson.
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THURSDAY
Black Doves, Netflix
If you’re one of those who counts Die Hard as a Christmas film, you’ll love this festive, bullet-fuelled spy thriller. Set in London over the holidays, this six-part series stars Keira Knightley (Atonement, Love Actually) and Ben Whishaw (This Is Going to Hurt). In a departure from her usual period roles, Knightley plays Helen, a sharp-witted wife, mother and kick-ass undercover spy. For a decade, she’s been feeding secrets from her politician husband to the shadowy Black Doves – until her secret lover is killed and she’s left scrambling for answers. Her mysterious boss Reed (Sarah Lancashire, Happy Valley) calls in smooth assassin Sam (Whishaw) to protect her. Together, with great comedy and fight sequences, they unravel a conspiracy that links London’s murky underworld to an impending political crisis.
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FRIDAY
Rumours
Much like 2021’s black comedy Don’t Look Up, Rumours delivers on-the-nose satire about political incompetence, with a touch of the bizarre. Set at the annual G7 summit, the world’s wealthiest leaders attempt to craft a statement on a global crisis – only to get hopelessly lost in the woods. This sharp-witted film turns the so-called adults in charge into bumbling children, spinning a simple premise into a riotous, intelligent romp. Directed by experimental filmmaker Guy Maddin, it has a star-studded cast, including Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander and Charles Dance.
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Mary, Netflix
Director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia) puts a fresh spin on the timeless nativity story – this time, from Jesus' mum's perspective. The biblical epic becomes a coming-of-age tale for young Mary, who, after her miraculous conception, is shunned and forced into hiding. Anthony Hopkins stars as the Machiavellian King Herod, hell-bent on killing baby Jesus. With faith and courage, Mary and Joseph go on the run to protect their newborn child.
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Nightbitch
Adapted from Rachel Yoder’s wild, feral novel, Nightbitch is directed by Marielle Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?). As the title suggests, the film is as captivatingly odd as it sounds. Amy Adams stars in this dark comedy-horror as a once-promising artist who, now a disillusioned stay-at-home mum, struggles with a crisis of identity. Caught between the chaos of motherhood and isolation from other mums, she begins to embrace her animal instincts – transforming into a dog by night. It’s equal parts relatable and bizarre.
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SATURDAY
A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter, Netflix
Capitalising on a mega successful year, pint-sized popstar Sabrina Carpenter will drop a variety festive special on Netflix on 6th December. Carpenter will be hosting and dueting with huge names like Chappell Roan, Tyla, Shania Twain and Kali Uchis, plus, there’ll be special appearances from Cara Delevigne, Quinta Brunson and Jillian Bell.
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