From Carrie to Olivia Dean: Highlights of the Week in Acclaimed Performances | Culture

Here’s a summary of the recent media recommendations:

TV

If You Only Watch One, Make It:

• Damilola: The Untold Story
  • Platform: BBC iPlayer
  • Summary: John Boyega shares his experience the night his childhood friend Damilola Taylor was murdered.
  • Review: “Swerves true-crime clichés for more stylized and disquieting recreations.” – Lucy Mangan

Pick of the Rest:

• Carrie

  • Platform: Prime Video
  • Summary: A smart remake of the classic horror film based on Stephen King’s debut.
  • Review: “Intelligent and witty, explores the good and ill in a teenage heart.” – Lucy Mangan

• Bel

  • Platform: BBC iPlayer
  • Summary: A documentary about singer-songwriter Beldina Odenyo, who tragically took her life in 2021.
  • Review: “A sensitively drawn portrait of a visionary artist haunted by trauma.” – Lucy Mangan

• Pierre

  • Platform: Channel 4
  • Summary: David Harewood stars in a significant noir crime series for Black British drama.
  • Review: “Largely due to Harewood’s performance.” – Ellen E Jones

Film

If You Only Watch One, Make It:

• The Social Reckoning
  • Release: In cinemas now
  • Summary: A thriller about whistleblower Frances Haugen and the impacts of social media, featuring Jeremy Strong.
  • Review: “Mikey Madison sympathetically portrays Haugen, who challenges the status quo.” – Peter Bradshaw

Pick of the Rest:

• The Lost Children of Tuam

  • Release: In cinemas now
  • Summary: A retelling of Ireland’s historical tragedy with Monica Dolan leading.
  • Review: “Hard to look away from its serious subject matter.” – Cath Clarke

• 24 Hour Party People

  • Release: In cinemas now
  • Summary: A film about the post-punk music scene in Manchester.
  • Review: “The narrative rolls onward with financial collapse in the backdrop.” – Peter Bradshaw

• The Craft

  • Release: In cinemas now
  • Summary: 30th-anniversary rerelease of the cult classic high school witch horror.
  • Review: “Compares to Heathers or Mean Girls, infused with supernatural elements.” – Peter Bradshaw

Books

If You Only Read One, Make It:

• Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State by Michael Lewis
  • Summary: Chronicles those who opposed the destructive actions of figures like Elon Musk.

Pick of the Rest:

• Partita by Barbara Kingsolver

  • Summary: A continuation of themes from Demon Copperhead, focusing on an artist’s compromises.

• Sleeping Beauties by David Byrne

  • Summary: Explores forgotten inventions, merging science and art.

• The Queerest of Folk by Russell T Davies

  • Summary: A reflection on his impactful career and a call for optimism in the arts.

Albums

If You Only Listen to One, Make It:

• Troye Sivan: She’s the Best
  • Summary: A blend of pop genres with unique collaborations.
  • Review: “Deserves more recognition in the pop scene.” – Alexis Petridis

Pick of the Rest:

• Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves: Dedicated to You
• Jess Williamson: A Mile South of Heaven
• Susan Tomes: Women and the Piano

On Tour

• Olivia Dean
  • Summary: Touring with a theatrical big-band show focusing on love.
  • Review: “A fun and affirming performance.” – Brodie Lancaster

Feel free to ask for any specific recommendations or further details on any of these titles!