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Welcome to the Gold Ticket, your VIP guide to the best of award-worthy pop culture for the weekend ahead, curated by the Gold Derby team of experts. (March 28 – March 30)
The main stream: The Studio
In a departure from traditional cinema, The Studio offers an intriguing glimpse into the inner workings of a struggling film studio. Produced by Seth Rogen and frequent collaborator Evan Goldberg, alongside Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez, the series follows Matt Remick (played by Rogen). Positioned at the head of the studio after a significant leadership shake-up, Remick, a passionate cinephile, navigates the complexities of filmmaking where the pursuit of artistic integrity often clashes with financial pressures and personal egos. The initial two episodes of this humorous and insightful ten-part series are currently available on Apple TV+.
The cast features a blend of talent, including Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara, Emmy nominee Kathryn Hahn, and Ike Barinholtz, with Bryan Cranston making guest appearances. Alongside these actors, well-known Hollywood directors and stars like Martin Scorsese and Zac Efron make guest appearances, adding to the show’s comedic and dramatic allure. While a passion for cinema enhances the viewing experience, The Studio is designed to entertain a broad audience, making it a noteworthy contender in this weekend’s viewing lineup.
The best of rest, TV edition
Mid-Century Modern: This latest multi-camera comedy from Hulu revisits classic themes as it showcases three older gay friends finding solace in their friendship amidst personal changes in Palm Springs. Created by the team behind Will & Grace, this series features star performances from Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham, as they navigate their lives after the passing of the fourth member of their group. The first episode introduces their lives, while the late Linda Lavin also features in a poignant role. With James Burrows directing all ten episodes, now available on Hulu, this show is a tribute to both friendship and loss.
The Pitt: The dramatic tension in this medical series escalates as the repercussions from a tragic mass shooting demand a swift response in the emergency room. This week’s episode, “7:00 P.M.,” portrays the arrival of more victims at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, further testing the resilience of an exhausted medical team. The gripping narrative is available for streaming on Max.
Reacher: Fans of this action-packed drama will find the Season 3 finale to be a thrilling crescendo as the conflict between Alan Ritchson’s Reacher and Olivier Richters’ Paulie reaches its peak. The eagerly anticipated episode, titled “Unfinished Business,” unfolds at a party hosted by a key character and is now available on Prime Video.
Moonlighting with Mufasa
Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins, is a visually stunning prequel that is currently streaming on Disney+. This CGI animated feature explores the origin of the titular lion king and introduces a younger Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, succeeding the iconic James Earl Jones. The narrative delves into Mufasa’s complex relationship with his adoptive brother, Taka, whose jealousy eventually leads to a rift. Although it may not be hailed as high art, Jenkins’ artistic fingerprints are visible throughout, particularly in the vivid color palette and immersive visuals characteristic of his previous works.
Additionally, audiences can catch an exclusive clip from the “Songs of the Savanna” featurette, showcasing a conversation between Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda about the song “I Always Wanted a Brother.”
The best of the rest, movie edition
Queer: In this adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ work, Daniel Craig portrays an American living in 1950s Mexico City, drawn into a passionate relationship with a younger man, portrayed by Drew Starkey, who resists labeling his sexuality. This beautifully crafted film captures themes of desire and emotional dependency, maintaining the stylistic essence of director Luca Guadagnino. Available to stream on Max, Queer may not have reached commercial success, but its artistry makes it worth a viewing.
Bring Them Down: This revenge thriller narrates the story of two Irish shepherds, played by Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, entangled in a bitter feud over sheep. While centered around rural life, the film delves into deeper themes of generational conflict and interpersonal strife. Directed by Christopher Andrews, whose previous work received accolades, this psychological film is available for streaming on Mubi and various VOD platforms.
Holland: In the past year, Nicole Kidman has had a prolific output, and her latest performance is in this offbeat thriller set in a picturesque Michigan town. As a seemingly perfect suburban housewife, Kidman’s character faces a personal crisis as she suspects her eye doctor husband is unfaithful. The film, which bears the hallmarks of her frequent roles, invites viewers to question the reality of its protagonist’s perspective. While critiques suggest it is not one of her standout performances, fans of films exploring darker narratives beneath quaint exteriors may find it intriguing on Amazon Prime Video.
The Rule of Jenny Pen: John Lithgow teams up with Geoffrey Rush in this psychological thriller that marks a significant shift from their typical roles. Lithgow plays a resident in a nursing home who engages in unsettling behavior with a memory care doll, Jenny Pen, while Rush’s character attempts to intervene amidst the chaos. This film joins elements of horror and drama, showcasing a battle of wills, and is currently available for streaming on Shudder.
The Life List: This film positions itself as a contemporary take on life-affirming themes akin to The Bucket List. Starring Sofia Carson as a young woman navigating grief following her mother’s passing, the story unfolds as she attempts to honor her mother’s wishes by checking off items from a life list created in her youth. With its heartfelt exploration of lost opportunities, it represents a relatable narrative for many and is available on Netflix.
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