Top 10 Must-Watch Movies/TV Shows of the Month
From the surprisingly tender to the ominously funny, these movies and TV shows are keeping viewers hooked this month.
Set at a progressive, supposedly post-racial Ivy League-esque college, this show is a powerful examination of everyday slights and microaggressions against students of color. It’s a must-watch for everyone, not just the politically conscious.
The Rose Season 2
A group of friends get infiltrated by a creepy app called Red Rose that begins spreading among them and issuing sinister demands with severe consequences. The cast is led by John Turturro, who most people know from movies like Barton Fink and O Brother, Where Art Thou?
There is no word yet on whether a second season will be made, but it’s worth watching.
Schitt’s Creek Season 6
The Rose family faces poverty after losing their entire fortune in this comedy that has found a massive audience thanks to Netflix. Dan Levy’s series is a master of character arc, showing that the flaws that these folks retain (self-absorption is one) don’t stop them from shining.
It’s a heartfelt finale that leaves the family closer than ever. And a perfect capstone for this Emmy-winning series.
Black Mirror Season 2
A modern reworking of The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror’s episodes tap into our techno-paranoia. Whether it’s blackmail, corrupt entertainment or infidelity, each episode presents us with the possibility of technology turning against us.
Amongst all of Black Mirror’s twisted plots, it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, if you have to choose one episode, go with “Be Right Back,” a fable about the pain of loss and how we can still hold onto loved ones even after death.
Manifest Season 4
After Manifest was canceled by NBC, fans started an online petition to get the series saved. Fortunately, Netflix picked up the show for a fourth season.
In the series finale, 828ers learn that they will be judged by a divine power and those who do wrong implode. Michaela turns down Jared’s proposal, putting an end to the show’s love triangle for good.
Painkiller Season 1
Each episode of Netflix’s Painkiller starts with a video of an actual person who has lost someone to the opioid epidemic. This stinging reminder serves its purpose but also proves how much this miniseries relies on dramatisations and heightened emotional sequences.
Its important story – following victims and a prosecution of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma – benefits from stellar performances from Uzo Aduba, Matthew Broderick, Taylor Kitsch and Dina Shihabi. But it lacks the gut-wrenching impact of Hulu’s limited series Dopesick.
God’s Creatures Season 1
Aileen, the mother in this Irish drama from co-directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer (The Fits), is overjoyed to see her prodigal son Brian (Paul Mescal of Normal People) return to their tiny seaside village after years in Australia. But her delight soon turns to alarm when one of her friends accuses him of raping her.
A forceful performance from Emily Watson anchors this downbeat small-town drama, which delves into the fractured bonds of a close-knit community.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Season 1
American Crime Story delivers a compelling and diverse perspective on important cases in America. While it can get slow and take some creative license, this season is worth the watch.
The season stars Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace in his Miami Beach mansion, but the story of spree killer Andrew Cunanan takes center stage. It’s a gripping tragedy that will force you to keep thinking about the dark ends many of its characters will meet.
The Hate U Give Season 1
The film adaptation of Angie Thomas’ 2017 YA bestseller is powerful and important. Its story of 16-year-old Starr Carter balancing her neighborhood life and Williamson Prep is a crucial one.
It shows how difficult it is to stand up against racism (even among “friends”). I think everyone should watch it. It’s eye-opening and raw. And it features an amazing performance from Amandla Stenberg.
The Last King of Scotland Season 1
When Scottish doctor Nicholas Garrigan arrives in Uganda after a coup puts General Idi Amin into power, he finds himself enthralled by the charismatic dictator. Forest Whitaker’s performance as Amin is nothing short of masterful, depicting the unhinged leader as both mesmerizing and terrifying.
Foden’s novel focuses on the complex nature of identity, particularly how it can be manipulated by powerful dictators like Amin. Garrigan has serious issues with his own national identity, and this is a big part of why he falls prey to Amin’s manipulations.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2
If you’ve been waiting for a new season of this crime show, you’re in luck. The heist thriller returns with an even more dangerous scheme and an epic war of grudges.
Impeccably acted and written — with Moss turning in her best work yet — this season of the Hulu series is hard to watch, but it’s vital. Stories of oppression are easy to tell, but stories of freedom are much harder.