With Rufus Sewell attached to this topical drama as one of the most detested men in the news of the day, that being Prince Andrew, I was interested to observe his depiction. It must be difficult playing a person of such renown, but he is somewhat successful here. Based on true events, the story details the behind-the-scenes race to secure the infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. It does somewhat focus on the journalists, and not those affected by his actions, but it is well-acted with Gillian Anderson and Billie Piper as the women after the scoop of their career, battling as to who gets the kudos. “An hour of television can change everything.”

Netflix has a number of programmes revealing the plight of the Nordic countries during WWII, of which I have scant knowledge. I love the understated, but powerful, performance of Henrik Dorsin as overlooked Swedish bureaucrat Gösta Engzell, who rescued thousands during WWII through his own ingenuity and compassion, turning supposedly neutral Sweden into a moral force. Engzell risked his career by matching the Nazis at their own game, even citing that Hitler was 1/16th Jewish, which caused a look of bewilderment from a young German soldier. Engzell left a lasting humanitarian legacy, which has been largely unknown outside of Sweden. An inspiring account from WWII of how one person, galvanising others, can make a difference.

This is an emotional thriller from Spain, where Mara, a distraught widowed mother, searches for her missing daughter. The situation intensifies with a raging forest fire surrounding the participants. As panic begins to set in as the flames approach, Mara and her brother-in-law begin to lose control of the situation, accusing anyone who has been near Lide before she disappeared. Their desperate actions become confronting as their decisions lead them down a path they would never have envisaged. One should never underestimate a mother’s love for her child. It is a riveting plot but could have done with a cut here and there.

An amazing, opulent historical drama, with gorgeous costumes and stunning set designs. I was unaware of the presence of Sultans and the Muslem religion in India back in the 1500s. Although, the film has been criticised for its portrayal of some of those involved. Set in medieval Rajasthan, Queen Padmavati is married to a noble king, and they live in a prosperous fortress with their subjects until an ambitious Sultan hears of Padmavati’s beauty and forms an obsessive love for the Queen of Mewar, igniting a battle of greed and betrayal. Controversy surrounded the making of the film with sets vandalised, the director and lead actress threatened, delaying the film’s release. Through all the mayhem, there is still singing, dancing and colourful attire.

When a mate asked if I’d watched this Spanish film and I responded in the negative, he insisted we watch it and then was highly amused at my facial expressions as I couldn’t quite believe I was seeing what unfolded on Netflix! I’m surprised it didn’t have an R rating attached. You should NOT watch this film if you are in any way easily offended as it is a confronting portrayal of the marginalised in our society. Director Eduardo Casanova’s debut feature is one where people share numerous deformities but still have a desire to find someone who accepts them as they are. An enormous challenge in our shallow world. Is it a good film? As disturbing as it is, it perhaps highlights issues that are ignored. Visually, I love the pink and purple tinge that lingers throughout. There is resolution in the final frames.

Depeche Mode are not to everyone’s taste. A rock ‘n’ roll guitarist mate watched this with me and after one song in he says, “Nah, nah, nah. This guy’s just pretentiously flouncing around the stage.” Suffice to say, I ended up watching it alone. It is an intimate 90-minute concert film capturing the Memento Mori tour in Mexico City, exploring the band’s and audience’s affinity with the music. There are vignettes throughout depicting themes of life and death in Mexican culture. If you are a devotee of Depeche Mode this is definitely a must see.

With the US men and women’s ice hockey teams winning Gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, this is an interesting look at coach Herb Brooks’ efforts to unite college players from Boston, Minnesota, and other areas to compete against the professional Soviet team. As an avid Stanley Cup viewer, this gave me an insight into how ice hockey was established way back in 1980. The US was in an era of cultural, political and economic tension and winning Gold, especial over the Russians, was seen as hope for the future. The archival footage is always a joy to behold. Another time, another place. As I have a daughter resident in NYC, I’m obligated to be a Rangers’ fan, and in particular Mika Zibanejad, but it’s with some trepidation as they frequently disappoint, but that’s all part of the game.

If you have watched the series The Queen’s Gambit, this will give you an idea of the difficulties women faced in breaking through the barrier of this male dominated pastime. This engaging documentary tells of Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár who challenges champion Garry Kasparov and her controlling father over 15 years, breaking gender barriers to become the greatest female player ever and one of history’s finest. It features personal footage, interviews and historical footage. An inspiring young woman who achieves the impossible.

This confronting documentary has provoked significant controversy, primarily due to its polarising technical choices and perceived sensationalism. I was unfamiliar with the details of this case. Unseen footage and unheard insider accounts reveal the harrowing and divisive case of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse convicted of fatally harming infants. The police bodycam footage of Letby’s arrests and interrogations are revealing and provides a rare look at her behaviour and the initial police process. The use of AI during the interview sequences was unnecessary and lacked depth.

And now for something completely frivolous, although there is an emotional side towards the finale. Is this one of Robert De Niro’s best? Well, no, it’s not, but I do enjoy seeing him in his ordinary dad role, and he does it well. Here he stars as Frank Goode, a widower who realises his only connection to his family was through his wife. He decides on an impromptu road trip to reunite with each of his grown children, who appear to have been keeping the reality of their lives from Frank. The original Italian version Stanno tutti bene in 1990 is said to be darker and more cynical in its interpretation. There’s a talented ensemble cast attached and an original song from Paul McCartney, “I Want to Come Home.”