Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ looks like Oscar bait

Also worth seeing: ‘The Shrink Next Door’ on Apple TV+

With the holiday film season poking its head around the corner, this week sees a best picture Oscar contender maneuvering its way into theaters.

And in case you happen to need another bingeable series to watch, there’s “The Shrink Next Door” with Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, arriving this Friday on Apple TV+. Other worthwhile titles include “Mayor Pete” and “Beans.”

Here’s our roundup.

“BELFAST” >> As both writer and director, Kenneth Branagh gets nostalgic and sentimental but not soppy for his stirring semi-autobiographical account of growing up during the Troubles in the capital of Northern Ireland. Anchored around three beguiling performances — Jude Hill as the young Buddy, Caitriona Balfe as his Ma and Jamie Dornan as his Pa — Branagh’s remembrance of living during those violent times in the 1960s boasts a lovely soundtrack and stunning black-and-white cinematography. One of its pleasures is how Branagh fills it with quick visual cues to Branagh’s future career, including flashes of a Thor comic book and the jacket of an Agatha Christie novel. Above all else, “Belfast” expresses Branagh’s heartfelt appreciation for community and family, notably the love of two charismatic parents who manage to help everyone weather these best and worst of times. “Belfast” might be an idealized remembrance of days past, but it is rich in humor, heart, soul and, at times, haunted imagery. Branagh presents Judi Dench, portraying Buddy’s Granny, with the opportunity to appear in the film’s most profound and magnificent scene, and it’s a beauty. So is a sensuous dance between Buddy’s parents.

DETAILS >> ★★★ out of 4; in theaters Friday.

“THE SHRINK NEXT DOOR” >> In need of an addictive new limited series? Look no further than this Apple TV+ original. Based on a podcast and inspired by actual events, the compelling eight-episode series releases three of its chapters Friday, and we’re hooked already. Paul Rudd has tremendous fun playing against type as charismatic Dr. Isaac Herschkopf, a celebrity-seeking New York psychiatrist using unorthodox methods to treat his patients and benefit himself. Enter Marty Markowitz (Will Ferrell), a wealthy but insecure businessman suffering from lousy judgment of character and panic attacks. On the behest of his sister (Kathryn Hahn), he reluctantly visits Dr. Ike and soon he’s on a new path to self-destruction. The three main characters and actors couldn’t be more fascinating to behold while the writing and directing is snappy, shrewd and filled with wry little details that later have a big impact.

DETAILS >> ★★★; available Friday.

“MAYOR PETE” >> Award-winning San Francisco documentary-maker Jesse Moss wisely avoids idolizing his subject while he and his crew shadow one of the 2020 presidential campaign’s unlikeliest contenders, Pete Buttigieg, a South Bend, Indiana, mayor, who is also a gay married veteran. Given that Buttigieg isn’t comfortable with being emotive, it’s a tough assignment to get to the person behind the civil servant. But Moss does catch glimpses of what the new U.S. Secretary of Transportation is like, particularly when he encounters intimate exchanges between Mayor Pete and his husband, Chasten. Moss’ flyon-the-wall approach takes us to unexpected destinations as well, from racial strife in Buttigieg’s hometown and on to his own illuminating and startling account of having been closeted. It’s eye-opening. DETAILS >> ★★★; available Friday on Amazon Prime.

“BEANS” >> In this uncompromising coming-of-age drama based on real events, a young girl (Kiawentiio) gets caught in the middle of a volatile 1990 standoff between Indigenous people and Quebec governmental agencies that are at odds over plans to build on sacred grounds. While director and co-writer Tracey Deer’s account of the 78day standoff (real footage is used) provides illuminating historical context, “Beans” pays as much attention to creating a complex, vibrant portrait of a feisty 12-yearold Mohawk girl, and the realities she encounters. It makes for ideal viewing during Native American Heritage Month. But parents should be made aware it deals frankly with a variety of issues.

DETAILS >> ★★★; playing in select theaters and available on various streaming platforms.