HISTORY OF THE HAND (NEON)

As the fourth season unfolds, it’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu about this much-loved 1985 dystopian tragedy adaptation of Margaret Atwood. One has the impression that he needs a full stop, especially since he has long left behind the ambiguous outcome of the Canadian author.

Without it, the lingering perils of Offred / Ofjoseph / June (Elisabeth Moss) risk turning into Prison Break, The fugitive or The walking dead, simply introducing new characters each season to clash, rather than progressing towards ultimate tragedy or triumph.

Fortunately, at the moment, there is still enough dramatic potential bubbling up in the background of this rich storyline (even though Trump was put down, it still resonates and offers a warning to modern-day divided America. ) – and Moss just makes June’s spell compelling. , even as we find her picking up the pieces after sacrificing herself to bring others across the Canadian border.

MARE OF EASTTOWN (NEON)

The first installment of this slow-burning, yet intriguing and teasing seven-episode series takes place over the course of a single day – one that doesn’t start well and gradually gets worse for the jaded small-town detective of Kate Winslet. , Mare Sheehan.

Heroes of Easttown since the night she scored the state championship-winning basket almost exactly 25 years ago, Mare is preparing for a night of memories – and recriminations.

Sharp, cynical, cranky, Winslet makes Mare memorable through moments big and small, whether it’s how she attacks a chicken leg in her car or tries to distract from the newly arrived creative writing lecturer in town. Richard (played by former Winslet Mildred Pierce sparring partner Guy Pearce) with a dismissive “my life is complicated”. She is a flawed “heroine” to compete with Frances McDormand’s Mildred Hayes or Amy Adams’ Camille Preaker – the latter Sharp objects being the show that reminded me the most. Also available on Sky Go.

READ MORE:
* The Equalizer: It’s not Denzel, but Queen Latifah directs Prime’s lighter remake
* Creamery: TVNZ’s post-apocalyptic and anti-maid tale offers dark delicacies
* Vegas: Smart Direction, Awesome Cast Keeps TVNZ’s New Kiwi Drama Boiling
* Mare of Easttown: Kate Winslet shows why she should have done more TV
* Creamerie from TVNZ, Snake from Netflix, them from Amazon among the essentials of April television

THE MOSQUITO COAST (APPLE TV +)

As with the award-winning 1981 novel of the same name by Paul Theroux and the undervalued and memorable 1986 film starring the incredible trio of Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and River Phoenix, this is Allie Fox’s story. and the descent of his family into the heart. from the darkness of Central America.

But while the central premise is basically intact, the threat of nuclear war is no longer the backdrop, and seven episodes allow creators Neil Cross and Rupert Wyatt to expand their scope and backstory of the Fox family. Familiar to Kiwis, Cross is a longtime Wellington resident and Wyatt led the first infused Weta. Planet of the Apes film, the pair combine in the opening episode to deliver a thrilling drama that features fabulous performances and hints to just enough shrouded mystery to keep the viewer hooked.

SECRET BRIDESMAIDS CASE (TVNZ ONDEMAND)

Jack ryan‘s Abbie Cornish, Super Girl ‘s Katie McGrath, Once upon a timeGeorgina Haig and NeighborsAnnie Jones join forces for this six-part thriller (based on the hugely popular 1999 Elizabeth Coleman play) about a bride whose perfect marriage turns deadly after one of her nuptials unwittingly invites a malicious stranger into their wedding. life.

“Female relationships seem real and well drawn,” wrote Age ‘s Karl Quinn. “The performances are, for the most part, good. The settings – particularly the Mornington Peninsula Wine Estate, whose post-vintage fall vines are used for a shimmering golden effect – are truly appealing.

SON OF SAM (NETFLIX)

Subtitle A descent into darkness, this four-part documentary series takes a look at journalist Maury Terry’s lifelong obsession with Sam’s son, the name given to serial killer David Berkowitz, who shot and killed several people in New York City between 1976 and 1977. Terry is more convinced that than acting alone, Berkowitz was part of a satanic cult.

“Should put a new perspective on one of the most notorious serial killer cases of all time,” wrote Decision-maker ‘s Joel Keller.

STARSTRUCK (TVNZ ONDEMAND)

Offering the same candid, self-effacing style that has been the hallmark of Rose Matafeo’s stand-up shows, it’s a comedic delight filled with squeaks and charm. Some kind of exchange Notting hill, set around Hackney, it targets modern relationships and mores, more than the nature of fame and its impact on the other half. This really allows Matafeo to play on his physical and verbal gymnastic strengths, with his Jessie struggling to navigate the budding “relationship” with Tom (Nikesh Patel), as well as with former partners, co-workers and his roommate.

Director Karen Maine, who previously directed Jenny Slate and Strange thingsNatalia Dyer vehicles Obvious child and Yes God Yes, here seems to marry well with Matafeo, playing hard times to their full comedic potential, but also making sure the story never drags on.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

Awarded at the Oscars Moonlight Director Barry Jenkins’ debut TV series tells the heart-wrenching tale of a woman’s incredible discovery of a legendary Underground Railroad during her attempt to break free from slavery in the Deep South. Based on the Pulitzer-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, the 10-part series stars Joel Edgerton, Peter Mullan, Lily Rabe and newcomer Thuso Mbedu.

“[This] extraordinary adaptation … is mind-boggling and heartbreaking. Don’t look at him excessively, ”wrote The GuardianIt’s Lucy Mangan.

YOUNG ROCK (SKY GO)

A kind of The good years-meets-Everyone hates Chris, this American sitcom will delight fans and the happiest to watch everything Dwayne Johnson is up to.

At the same time, a look at the formative years of the promising American footballer turned wrestler turned world movie star is also a brilliant, if potentially frightening, look at Johnson’s next potential role – politician.

In the end, under the laughter, Young Rock is truly a love letter to Johnson’s late father, Rocky. For once, despite the absence of the presence of its former film partner Kevin, this is a series with a lot of heart.