Sam stars in Netflix’s “Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal.”
photograph: Offering
Scrutinizing the TV shows from the first six months of this year, there are a few series that stand out for the Culture 101 host. Perlina Lau. She picked five shows that made her think, cry, laugh and talk.
Baby Reindeer – Netflix
The show is probably on every TV show list, but it’s a compelling, disturbing and fairly unpredictable story.
Richard Gadd plays Donnie Dunn in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer.
photograph: Provided by: Netflix
The film is supposedly based on a true story (currently under debate), but it’s well-acted, well-crafted and stylized. It stuck with me for a while after I watched it, but I wouldn’t recommend watching it before bed. At the very least, the aftermath, Piers Morgan’s interview and the potential lawsuit were interesting to watch unfold.
A friend like her – 3
This locally produced production shines a spotlight on a part of the country not often seen on screen: Kaikoura. Set in a post-earthquake setting, two best friends and a surrogacy deal gone wrong. It’s full of messy, flawed characters and I love them. It has a fantastic cast, including Morgana O’Reilly and Jarrod Rawiri. I binge watched this one.
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, and Scandal – Netflix
This documentary felt like a guilty pleasure to me, but I was very pleasantly surprised and left wanting to see more.
Watch Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, and Scandal on Netflix.
photograph: Offering
The hack was big news at the time and this documentary shows it to be every bit as outrageous as it sounds. With just three episodes, it doesn’t drag on for too long. The interviews are interesting and varied, showing the mess from different perspectives and constantly leaving you thinking “what would I do?”
One Day – Netflix
I was hesitant before watching this series as I wasn’t a big fan of the 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, but the chemistry and acting between Ambika Mod and Leo Woodhall is fantastic.
Leo Woodall and Ambika Modh star in One Day.
photograph: Offering
Both of them are best friends who meet on the same day every year, and they each hold their own in their own way. If you have read the book or seen the movie, you know that it has some shocking scenes. If you are looking for a movie that will make you cry, this is the one for you.
Root – Season 2 – Apple TV
If there’s one word to describe this show, it’s fun. Maya Rudolph SNL and Bridesmaids) plays the wife of a billionaire who betrays her. Suddenly she’s heartbroken and alone, but also incredibly wealthy. She always looks glamorous and has all the material possessions, yet she’s also weird, insecure, and strangely normal, which is what makes the show so interesting and fun.
