ADOLESCENCE (Netflix): One of the most talked about and shocking shows of the year is a must-watch, just so you can see how bad it really is. The situation, not the show, this series might be one of the best in years. The ever versatile Stephen Graham, coming home, and top man Ashley Walters, give absolutely incredible performances that should garner all awards in this bold British psychological crime drama concerning the murder of a young schoolgirl. The drama is so profound, so palpable, that you'll forget that most of these engrossing episodes are filmed in the terrific technique of the one-shot of a continuous take. The suspect, played by Owen Cooper, makes this young man a next generation star. Whilst his mother, Christine Tremarc ('The Leaving Of Liverpool') and Erin Doherty's ('The Crown') forensic psychologist move you more. This is a critical and compelling look at safety in schools and the madness of the manosphere that is unflinching in its take on everything. It will rock you to your emotional core. No wonder, Brad Pitt's Plan B production team are in talks with the streaming service Netflix for a second season. 5/5.
CELINE DION: I AM (Amazon Prime): The 'I Am' Celine Dion documentary on Amazon Prime is heartbreaking, but the icon's resolve is absolutely undeniable. It's not just her voice that is powerful. Directed by Academy Award winner Irene Taylor, this Prime movie looks at the life and recent troubled times of the 'Titanic' singer. Following the loss of her husband, Celine was set to embark on an epic Las Vegas residency like all the legends do. Yet, she had to cancel the tour at the last minute. What was revealed was that the 'It's All Coming Back To Me', 'Because You Loved Me' and 'Think Twice' singer was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. A nerve damaging disease that is so rare that only one in a million people get it. This hasn't stopped the one in a million talent, though, who documents her return. This film will break you and then lift you all the way back up again as tears are shed. Celine even knows how to have fun, like her Jimmy Fallon impression of SIA, or calling Ryan Reynolds' 'Deadpool', "Spider-Man" in her 'Ashes' video. Yet when it comes to her dedication to her craft and her determination to outlast everything else, her heart will go on. 4/5
SARAH SILVERMAN-A SPECK OF DUST (Netflix): Classic comedian Sarah Silverman also had a rare, life-threatening disease she recovered from. A throat disorder called epiglottis. Last week, Silverman, who has been doing the rounds on Netflix's 'Everybody's Live With John Mulaney', released her new Netflix special 'PostMortem', concerning her candid talking through, grieving process of losing her parents. Yet, her last Netflix special, almost a decade ago in 2017, talks about the time we almost lost her. Another absolute, frank and therapeutic no-holes barred tell-all refuses to search for sympathy. Instead, it moves you more in mysterious ways, like the second coming that this self-proclaimed, "godless" woman celebrates. Using humour to deal with trauma, there's no better way. Ashes to ashes, specks to dust. 4/5
NETFLIX TUDUM 2025 (Netflix): If you want to see more of the new stuff that's coming soon on Netflix, then look no further than the 'Tudum' (Arnold Schwarzenegger voice) show that plays like the streaming service's version of comic con for all you 'Continue Watching' geeks. Hosted by Sofia Carson (of Netflix's very own 'Carry-On' and the forthcoming 'My Oxford Year'), live from the Los Angeles Lakers' former home of the Kia Forum, this show has the scoop on all the new series. Bringing out all the stars to Hollywood to preview sequels to 'Knives Out' (cheers for Jeremey Renner may just ring tears) and 'Happy Gilmore 2', not to mention new films, like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's 'The Rip' (great Cookie Monster bit), and Guillermo Del Toro's remake of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' starring an outstanding Oscar Isaac. And that's before we get to Netflix's big-three previewing the final seasons of 'Squid Game', 'Stranger Things', and the fall's second season of 'Wednesday', featuring a monster performance from its new born star, Lady Gaga. Click your fingers like abracadabra to that. 4/5
ONE DAY AT DISNEY (SHORTS) (Disney +): Stages may be set, but behind the scenes is where the real magic happens, and the 'One Day At Disney' shorts, released in 2019, before the pandemic, highlights all of Disney's essential workers. It's a human, heartfelt look at all those unsung heroes who are finally getting their spotlight for making your dreams come true. From animators, to character designers and storyboard artists. Recording engineers. Animal keepers. Seamstresses. You'll see casting directors, table reads, recording engineers experimenting with how they capture sound and even a one-of-a-kind organist who plays it again. All the cast and crew, from feature films and T.V. series, to the people of the park itself, working to make your day at Disney the best of your life. These are the real stars you wish upon. 4/5. TIM DAVID HARVEY
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