Human drama to the fore James Croot
Stylish character study
Patricia Highsmith’s novels have time and again proved to be the inspiration for great cinema. From Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train in the 1950s to Anthony Mingella’s The Talented Mr Ripley in the 90s, Highsmith’s highminded psychological thrillers have thrilled, enthralled and appalled movie goers in equal measure. A semi-autobiographical romance, Carol is the tale of Manhattan ‘‘shopgirl’’ Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), whose life is turned upside down after she locks eyes with the older, more refined Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) across a crowded Christmas sales floor. Gorgeously shot and beautifully acted, Todd Haynes’ drama is a slow-burning character study.
Saturday, 8.30pm, Rialto
Brokenwood is back
As the popular Kiwi murdermystery series The Brokenwood Mysteries returns for a third season, The Frog and Cheetah’s publican, Ray Neilson, has branched into tourism with his ‘Lord of the Ringz Tours’ tailored to non-English speaking tourists. But when Ray’s wife Debbie is found dead under a giant foam spider in a supposed film location of Mirklewood, things get ‘‘mirky’’. Especially when Debbie’s cause of death is revealed to be from NZ’s only native venomous spider – the katipo.
Sunday, 8.30pm, Prime
The Synths return
The second-season of the sci-fitinged drama Humans begins with Niska still at large and in possession of the consciousness code. The rest of her synth family are each trying to find their place in the world, while Joe and Laura attempt to mend their marriage.
Monday, 8.30pm, TV3
Pope is no dope
Starring Jude Law, The Young Pope is a 10-part drama about Lenny Belardo, aka Pius XIII, the first American Pope in history. Young and charming, his election might seem the result of a simple and effective media strategy by the College of Cardinals. But, appearances can be deceptive. ‘‘Boasts extraordinary visuals, fascinating Vatican machinations – and Diane Keaton in a wimple,’’ wrote The Guardian‘ s Peter Bradshaw.
Monday, 9.30pm, SoHo
Can Moore top Trump?
The show Ohio Republicans tried to shut down. Made in just a matter of days, Michael Moore in TrumpLand sees the Oscarwinning documentarian offering up a daring and hilarious one-man show, deep in the heart of Republican Party presidential nominee Donald J Trump territory. ‘‘Earns points for ultratimeliness and its admirable attempt to raise the level of discourse in this deeply polarising election,’’ wrote The Hollywood Reporter‘ s Frank Scheck.
Tuesday, 9.30pm, TVNZ1