Pick of the week
I Will Find You
Harlan Coben continues to deliver his prolific output with another improbable yet gripping conspiracy thriller. This adaptation of his 2023 novel stars Sam Worthington as David Burroughs, a man serving a life sentence for the murder of his infant son—a crime he insists he did not commit. The story explores the possibility of a vast conspiracy as Burroughs receives a visit from his sister-in-law, Rachel (played by Britt Lower from Severance), a once-prominent investigative journalist. She brings evidence suggesting that his son might still be alive. This revelation compels Burroughs to escape prison and embark on a quest for justice reminiscent of The Fugitive. The series will be available on Netflix starting Thursday, 18 June.
The Boy That Never Was
This somber psychological drama, adapted from Karen Perry’s novel, delves into the traumatic aftermath of tragedy. Colin Morgan and Toni O’Rourke portray Harry and Robin, an Irish couple residing in Tangier who are pursuing uncertain careers in art while caring for their three-year-old son, Dillon. Their lives are shattered when an earthquake destroys their apartment, and Dillon disappears beneath the rubble. The horror intensifies as the couple struggles to accept his presumed death without a body. Back in Ireland, Harry believes he sees Dillon on a railway platform, triggering a decline in his mental health.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
In an era where women’s sports are gaining deserved recognition, cheerleading remains somewhat of an anomaly. Nevertheless, this vibrant reality TV series, filled with sequins, synchronized routines, and interpersonal drama, has become a hit. The current season returns to the auditions, which now attract applicants from as far away as Australia due to the show’s popularity. The increased scrutiny brings additional mental health challenges, with several cheerleaders discussing the pressures of social media. Despite these challenges, the team’s anthem reflects the enduring desire to be a cowgirl.
Sugar
At first glance, Sugar appears to be a conventional noir series featuring Colin Farrell as the titular private investigator haunted by the loss of his sister. However, the first season introduced an unexpected twist—Sugar is actually an alien. This revelation adds a unique dimension to the show and recontextualizes Sugar’s peculiarities. In the second season, Sugar faces permanent exile from his home planet. The narrative gains depth as he investigates a missing persons case in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, empathizing with the outsider experience of immigrant communities in contemporary America. The series premieres on Apple TV on Friday, 19 June.
Polar Park
This distinctive French murder mystery centers on Rousseau, a Parisian crime novelist who visits a small, cold rural town to uncover a family secret. He soon becomes entangled in a chilling cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who incorporates artistic themes into his crimes. The killer’s first victim is a postman whose body is arranged to resemble Vincent Van Gogh, followed by a gruesome homage to Marilyn Monroe. The series explores how far this imaginative perpetrator will go within the realm of creative icons before being apprehended. Polar Park airs on starting Friday, 19 June.
Oasis
This Spanish drama offers a polished and less overtly satirical take on the dysfunctional wealthy genre, potentially filling the void left by shows like The White Lotus. Set in an opulent beachside resort, it follows affluent, attractive, and superficial young people indulging in hedonistic summers. However, beneath the glamorous surface lies something sinister. When police are called to investigate a disappearance, the resort is locked down, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. It becomes apparent that many guests and staff harbor dark secrets. The series will be available on Netflix from Friday, 19 June.
Training It With Joe Wilkinson
Expanded from Joe Wilkinson’s popular YouTube shorts, this series features a simple yet effective format: Joe takes a train journey with a celebrity guest for a few hours. The show offers a light, often revealing alternative to traditional chat shows. Highlights include a trip with Rhian Teasdale of Wet Leg returning to her native Isle of Wight and a journey with fellow Celebrity Traitor Nick Mohammed visiting Liverpool. Notably, there are no replacement bus services disrupting the travel experience. The series premieres on on Friday, 19 June.
