THE HOT LIST
WHAT TO WATCH AND STREAM IN LOCKDOWN
TWO’S COMPANY
DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER on major streaming services now
Inbetweeners star Simon Bird makes his directorial debut with this film adaptation of the graphic novel by Joff Winterhart. Daniel (Nick Cave’s son Earl) is a moody teen who’s hopes of spending the summer in Florida are dashed when he’s let down by his reliably unreliable dad. Instead he has to remain at home in the suburbs with his librarian mum Sue (Monica Dolan) and he’s really not happy about it. A sweet coming-of age-comedy with engaging performances from the leads and an impressive supporting cast that includes Rob Brydon, Tasman Greig and Alice Lowe.
BACK TO VIETNAM
DA 5 BLOODS Netflix, from Friday, June 12
Spike Lee’s latest joint is a timely reminder of the role African-Americans have played in US history as the director turns his attentions to the Vietnam War and the largely unrecognised contribution of black service personnel. Four veterans return to South East Asia decades after the conflict to look for the remains of their squadron leader and the gold he helped them hide. A mix of war movie, drama and treasure hunt, the cast includes Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Chadwick Boseman and Jean Reno.
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
SITTING IN LIMBO BBC iPlayer Powerful drama about the effects of the Windrush Scandal written by novelist Stephen S Thompson based on what happened to his brother. Despite having lived in Britain for 50 years, Anthony Bryan (Patrick Robinson) is classified as an illegal immigrant by the Home Office in 2015, unable to work and threatened with deportation. A personal and troubling look at how systemic racism affects individuals.
DEAD FUNNY
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS BBC2, Thursdays at 10pm and on BBC iPlayer
Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement’s vampire comedy returns for a second season, a spin-off from their 2014 film. Kavyan Novak, Natasia Demetriou and Matt Berry are back as the undead bloodsuckers attempting to adapt to life in modern-day Staten Island with the help of their familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillen). In the first episode the hapless housemates have to fight off vampire assassins.
MAN WOULD BE KING
JOE EXOTIC: BEFORE HE WAS KING Quest Red, Saturday, June 13, 11pm
Netflix’s Tiger King, a documentary series about feuding, eccentric characters running wildlife parks in the US, was a monster hit when lockdown started. This programme on documentary channel Quest Red capitalises on the enduring fascination with the man at the centre of Tiger King, Joe Exotic, using archive footage and interviews with police and psychologists to piece together how the death of Exotic’s brother propelled his extravagant, excessive personality when he started to run a zoo.