TV Shows and Films to get you through this time and beyond

As the pandemic goes on into 2021, I thought I would begin to share with you a list of decent shows on the home entertainment front which we have watched and enjoyed from March 2020.

These shows have certainly managed to take our minds off things for a little while. I’ve always been an avid watcher of films and series anyway so, with this spare time on my hands, it has enabled me to watch more – suppose we have got to take the positives.

Hopefully, you haven’t watched all my choices in today’s post and there are some new shows you may like the sound of. I’ve tried to give you the plot and my review without giving the game away. Hopefully, there aren’t any spoilers! If you have any suggestions let me know in the comments – I would love to hear them!

The Serpent – TV Series- BBC (I-Player 2020)

Plot 

Based on the true story of how Charles Sobhraj preyed on young backpackers along South-East Asia’s hippie trail. This is a twisting, turning story of a murderer, thief, and seductive master of disguise, who has hidden darkness.

Review  

I highly recommend this mini-series. It is completely riveting viewing, and fast-paced. Great performances from Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman. We were on the edge of our seats, a must-watch. I was also reminded of the great fashion of the ’70s, demonstrated by Jenna Coleman, which made me want to wear some high waisted flares and a fitted paisley shirt!  Also, a friend of my brothers who now lives in Australia skyped recently when he saw this series advertised saying when he was young and on the hippy trail himself staying in Thailand, he met Charles Sobhraj.  He said his nick name was “the Frenchman”.  He said there was rumours that he was “dodgy” as we say in the north of England.  A shady character and to steer clear. 

The Queens Gambit TV Mini-Series (2020) (Netflix)


 Plot 

Orphaned at the tender age of nine, prodigious introvert Beth Harmon discovers and masters the game of chess in 1960s USA. But child stardom comes at a price.

Review 

I enjoyed the “Queen’s Gambit”. Great performance from Anya Taylor-Joy, who is one to watch for the future. Who knew that such a story could be built around playing chess? This is a story of determination, friendship, self-discovery, struggle, and triumph. This was top-notch in every respect, especially the costume design.

Just Mercy – Film available on Amazon Prime Video

Plot 

This film is based on an actual real-life case which is detailed in a book by Bryan Stevenson who is a world-renowned civil rights defence attorney. The book was published in 2014. Bryan took on Walter McMillian’s case in 1988 to challenge his wrongful conviction and death sentence.

Review

I have not read the book, so am unable to compare the two. I found this film to have such important messages which sadly are relevant today. The acting was phenomenal (Michael B Jordan, Jamie Foxx).  The story was told so diligently, I have so much respect for the incredible individuals working at the Equal Justice Initiative. It is a hard-hitting film but worth the watch.

Unforgotten TV Series – ITV (ITV the hub)

Plot 

This is a gripping cold-case drama as detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan investigate unsolved murders. Sifting through clues, they battle to reveal long-held secrets and bring justice to victims’ families.

Review 

Three series have been released so far. I found this to have a great cast.  The writing is excellent, and a great crime drama, the plot is riveting. Each episode builds on the previous one. The chronology of events and the characters make sense. Notwithstanding dramatic license, the people seem real, seeing into their personal strengths and weaknesses we can all recognize and relate to them. I cannot wait for the 4th series to be released in a few weeks.

The Undoing – TV Series (Amaon Prime video)

 

Plot

A modern twist to a classical “whodunnit” tale, when the life of a wealthy New York therapist turns upside down after she and her family get involved with a murder case.

Review

This was a must-see when I first saw it advertised, there seemed to be a lot of hype round it and I’m a fan of Hugh G since watching “A very English scandal”, more to him than a Rom-Com.  At the beginning of the series, it had potential with good side characters – then it became full of cliches, inane expressions, especially by Nicole Kidman who seemed incapable of showing facial expressions – there were close-ups of eyes and twitching mouths and other odd camera angles …. I found the story line to be nothing special.

Thank you for reading my post.  I hope you have enjoyed it and found it helpful.  If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Please note this post may contain affiliate links – if you  click through to the website, there is no extra cost to you.

Best wishes to you and keep safe.

Alison

xx

 

20 Comments

  1. I am adding all of these to my watch list – except The Queen’s Gambit since we already watched it. And loved it!

    • That’s great – I loved the “Queen’s Gambit” too. Total quality.

    • It is an excellent series to watch and every aspect is well delivered. I loved the writing, cinematography and costumes. Definitely worth a watch.

  2. This is a fun list of shows, Alison! I loved The Queen’s Gambit, but have not watched any of the others you shared. And I have been looking for something new to start. I will have to check out some of these! Also, I really love your cozy winter outfit. What a great coat! Thanks for sharing and linking with me!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  3. Hi Allison!
    I am an avid watcher of series too! I loved The Queen’s Gambit and UNforgotten was excellent. Thank you for the recommendations! I want to see if I can see, The Serpent, as it sounds interesting and I love BBC!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • I think I’ve watched every series worth watching. We’ve just finished watching “Your Honor”, which I loved too. x

  4. I loved The Queen’s Gambit! (And I didn’t expect to!) So good. Just Mercy was also great. I think I’ll check out The Serpent. Sounds very good!

    Also, I love that coat! So pretty!

    • Thank you so much. I didn’t expect to like the Queens Gambit either, has
      made me want to learn how to play chess. We’ve watched so much during
      this situation, great when you find something great. Enjoy the rest of
      your week.

    • It’s a very good series. One which we didn’t think we’d enjoy. Hope you like it.

  5. /

    Great list Alison. Have heard good things about The Serpent. Thanks for linking up.

    • There’s some great series on offer, it’s finding the right choice as everyone is different.

  6. /

    I absolutely loved The Queen’s Gambit – it was worth watching just to see what amazing clothes she was wearing! I haven’t watched any of the others, although I reckon I’d love the ITV series. I do love a good crime drama like that!
    Suzy x

    • It was an amazing series, isn’t it great when it is produced so well. I loved everything about it. If you like seventies fashion – The serpent had amazing seventies outfits. It’s inspired me to buy some flares.x

  7. Thanks for the recs! I loved The Queen’s Gambit. Visiting you from the thursday favorite things link up.

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