The Luminaries

● DRAMA /

Anna and Emery share a passionate reunion tonight, but a mysterious event threatens to tear them apart once again in this penultimate episode, while also alerting others in Hokitika to their cosmic connection. Although it’s visually stunning, this period drama can be maddeningly difficult to follow at times, but we’ve enjoyed watching Eve Hewson and Himesh Patel portray star-crossed lovers. Anna is still desperate to clear her name and we move closer to finding out who was really behind the murder of Crosbie Wells when we get a glimpse of his final hours tonight… ★★★★ SMA

See interview, page 16

● FILM /

A riotous homage to The Great Escape, this terrific stop-motion animation follows a brood of chickens out to avoid their roasted fate. And when cocky rooster Rocky (voiced by Mel Gibson) accidentally lands in their coop, the hens have a daring plan to free themselves from their evil owners. With a wonderfully sharp and snappy script, and voice talent that also includes Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Miranda Richardson and Imelda Staunton, it’s easy to see why this is such a winner. ★★★★ NP