Lena Cruz
I love murder mysteries and this one certainly delivered! The plot and acting are on point.
It scares me when I watch this, but I am hooked. The authoritarian world the show is depicting is not so far away and far-fetched if we really observe what is happening in the world right now.
I refused to have TV for many years, so I did miss out on a lot of shows. And this was on my list to watch. So many good actors in it and it’s a dramedy, which I love.
Another one that I’ve been meaning to watch. It didn’t disappoint. The plot went to places I didn’t expect, and it was touching in subtle ways.
Aina Dumlao
A beautifully complex film about who we really are, told in a grounded and poignant way – a juxtaposition Korean filmmakers seem to be masters of. And I love how this film explores what it means to really, truly love someone.
This is a gritty, hyper-realistic, coming-of-age film told majestically by director Andrea Arnold and brought to life by its fantastic lead actress Katie Jarvis (and Michael Fassbender). Fish Tank will take you on a young woman’s journey as she fights to break free of both the place she grew up in as well as herself. It’s a difficult watch, be warned, and if you do watch it (I really hope you do!), you’ll walk away with a feeling of hope, and more empathy in your heart than you had before you saw it.
I love diving into shows without watching trailers or reading the synopsis. I’m a surprise-junkie that way. That’s why “shocked” would be underselling my reaction to watching Creamerie. The wit, the dark humour, the genre-bending premise, the multitude of messages seamlessly woven into the story… it was all absolutely mesmerising. And the fact that this series is oozing of diversity and (ahem) female power in front of and behind the camera… Oh, my Goddess, indeed!
Stream free On Demand
Creamerie
series • comedy
MA15+
series • comedy
MA15+
Full disclosure: I may be a bit biased choosing this film. I adore writer/director Vonne Patiag and I’m Filipino, too. But neither of these facts diminish my genuine affection for this film. I love it when stories with deep messages are told in a heartfelt and magical way… a feat Tom Girl absolutely achieved.
This film masterfully depicts a snapshot of time in America – both its harsh realities and glimpses of humanity. Aside from iconic music by Ennio Morricone, what I love most about Once Upon A Time In The West is director Sergio Leone’s deft hand at tension and surprising you with the thing you’d least expect. He’s a fearless filmmaker, unafraid to take his time, building tension organically… with heart-stopping results. A must-see, but have patience, it’s a slow burn!
Heather Mitchell
Insight gives you exactly that – amazing insights into people’s lives and their extraordinary stories. The honesty and bravery of its guests and the articulate and compassionate comments by the host and audiences make it very special viewing. It amazes me how willing people are to share their very personal experiences and predominantly with the aim to help others.
Stream free On Demand
Insight
series • Current Affairs
series • Current Affairs
I’ve seen both versions of The Killing and I love this Danish series. It’s compelling drama. The characters are brilliantly drawn and wrestle with overwhelming complications and tragedies. The loose and textural shooting style gives it an immediacy and performances are equally free yet detailed.
I couldn’t stop watching this and consumed all eight seasons very quickly. Set within the French judicial system its twisting storylines and contradictory characters make it exciting viewing. The first season was shot in 2005 and like a spiral I got completely caught up in it.
Gillian Anderson is fantastic as DSI Stella Gibson in this UK crime series set in Ireland. It’s a tense slow-burn psychological thriller which follows her character solving the crimes, tapping into the political troubles of Ireland and violence toward women.
Michelle Vergara Moore
I find that Adam Liaw has such a personable and genuine nature – he is a true joy to watch and engage with on his new SBS Original Series, The Cook Up with Adam Liaw. And boy, he’s an amazing chef! OK, I’m definitely crushing on Adam now, haha… uh, where were we? Each episode, Adam is joined by two special guests and they all cook and chat together about the food, life, tips, inspirations, whatever comes up at the time. It’s all very reminiscent of just hanging out with a frothy in the kitchen at a mate’s place while they cook dinner. Highlights are the ‘$20 Family Meals’ and ‘Apple’ episodes. Adam truly stole my foodie soul when he dished up his Filipino Four-Ingredient Flan (Leche Flan in Tagalog).
Stream free On Demand
Family Dinner
episode • The Cook Up with Adam Liaw • cooking • 26m
G
episode • The Cook Up with Adam Liaw • cooking • 26m
G
During Covid-lockdown in New York City last year, the hubby and I could not stop watching the based-on-a-true- story TV show, The Act. I will DEFINITELY be re-watching it on SBS On Demand. It’s an addictively binge-worthy eight-part American true crime drama series starring Patricia Arquette and Joey King. Arquette plays Dee Dee Blanchard who was accused of abusing her daughter, Gypsy Rose (King), by fabricating that her daughter had a myriad of diseases as a direct consequence of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. I’m a little addicted to a good true crime drama and this show is a pearler! Arquette is great in this, however Joey King steals the show with a simply phenomenal, heart-wrenching portrayal of the tragic Gypsy Rose. And what happened to Gypsy Rose is TRULY TRAGIC. Arquette won the Best Supporting Actress Emmy for her performance and King was nominated for an Emmy for Best Actress for this, and rightly so.
I’ve crushed on New Zealand star, Jemaine Clement, ever since listening to his and Bret McKenzie’s Flight of the Conchords songs, then watching their gut-laugh-inducing subsequent HBO series. Clement and Taika Waititi created Wellington Paranormal together and it’s a New Zealand-made ‘mockumentary comedy horror’ series, that showcases that brilliantly understated Kiwi wit/humour/pathos, teamed with a bizarro X-Files/Shaun of the Dead-type element, to hilarious effect.
Susie Porter
The real telling of a home-grown story about a local issue that had been ignored for too long. Beautifully told. I was moved to tears!!
Stream free On Demand
Deep Water: The Real Story
program • crime • 2016
MA15+
program • crime • 2016
MA15+
Men and their mowers. David Lynch breaks out of his usually creepy mould to bring us his most touching and moving film.
Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine at their best telling the real-life story of Carrie Fischer at her worst. Funny and moving.
The Unusual Suspects is now streaming at (also available with , , , , and subtitles).
Stream free On Demand
The Unusual Suspects
