TV
If you only watch one, make it…
Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time
Disney+/National Geographic; available now
In a nutshell: A gripping and heartbreaking look back at the 2005 disaster that devastated New Orleans.
Our reviewer says: “This series is a devastatingly precise illustration of systemic failure, political impotence, and media distortion.” – Phil Harrison
Read the full review
More to explore: ‘There’s New Orleans before and after’: revisiting Hurricane Katrina in a new docuseries
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Pick of the rest
Destination X
BBC iPlayer; available now
In a nutshell: A bizarre reality competition where contestants are driven around Europe in a blacked-out coach and must guess their location to win money.
Our reviewer says: “Destination X doesn’t grip like The Traitors or warm the heart like Race Across the World, but it’s a fun ride.” – Lucy Mangan
Read the full review
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Kamikaze: An Untold History
BBC iPlayer; available now
In a nutshell: A powerful documentary about Japan’s WWII kamikaze missions, which claimed thousands of lives—both Japanese and American.
Our reviewer says: “Clear answers are scarce, but as we see photos of young men whose lives were spent preparing for death, we must ask: why?” – Jack Seale
Read the full review
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You may have missed…
Gaza: Doctors Under Attack
Channel 4; available now
In a nutshell: A controversial documentary—originally rejected by the BBC—investigating claims that Israel’s military has systematically targeted Palestinian medics.
Our reviewer says: “This is unforgettable television that demands attention. Forget why it was delayed—now that it’s here, we must not look away.” – Stuart Heritage
Read the full review
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Film
If you only watch one, make it…
Bring Her Back
In cinemas now
In a nutshell: The Philippou brothers cement their horror mastery with this chilling tale of an orphan trying to save his stepsister from a sinister Sally Hawkins.
Our reviewer says: “A horror that preys on our deepest fears—abuse, vulnerability, and the twisted loyalty survivors feel toward their tormentors.” – Peter Bradshaw
Read the full review
More to explore: ‘It’s very risky’: the Philippou brothers on horror films, back yard wrestling, and turning down Hollywood
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Pick of the rest
The Naked Gun
In cinemas now
In a nutshell: A hilarious reboot of the classic spoof, with Liam Neeson as the son of Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin, alongside Pamela Anderson.
Our reviewer says: “A vehicle for outrageous gags, including brilliant riffs on Buffy and Sex and the City—plus a jaw-dropping OJ Simpson callback.” – Peter Bradshaw
Read the full review
More to explore: The return of the spoof: can comedy’s silliest subgenre make a comeback?
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Oslo Stories Trilogy: Dreams
In cinemas now
In a nutshell: The third installment in Norwegian novelist… (text cuts off)Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text while keeping the original meaning intact:
Film Spotlight
Norwegian writer-director Dag Johan Haugerud tells the story of a 17-year-old whose memoir about her crush on a teacher sends shockwaves through three generations.
Our reviewer says: “I can picture two types of American remakes—one leaning into quirky indie comedy, the other focusing on intense family drama. But neither would capture this film’s effortless charm.” —Peter Bradshaw
[Read the full review](#)
Now in Theaters
2000 Meters to Andriivka
A heartbreaking follow-up to 20 Days in Mariupol, this documentary follows photojournalist Mstyslav Chernov as he joins Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade during a brutal counteroffensive.
Our reviewer says: “The soldiers battle fiercely for every meter, aiming to reclaim the devastated village of Andriivka. Their mission: to plant a Ukrainian flag on any remaining structure, a defiant symbol of unbroken spirit.” —Peter Bradshaw
[Read the full review](#)
Further reading: [“The soldiers want you to see what they’re going through”](#)
Now Streaming
Last Swim
Deba Hekmat delivers a nuanced performance as a British-Iranian teen whose A-level results day takes unexpected turns.
Our reviewer says: “Director Sasha Nathwani captures the restless energy of youth as the characters race across London—first in a clunky ’80s car, then on bikes, then by train.” —Peter Bradshaw
[Read the full review](#)
Books
If You Only Read One…
Authority: Essays on Being Right by Andrea Long Chu
A collection of sharp, provocative critiques.
Our reviewer says: “Chu skewers Bret Easton Ellis’s 2019 essay collection, calling it ‘deeply needless’ and noting how the American Psycho author now mirrors his own infamous creation.” —Houman Barekat
[Read the full review](#)
More Great Reads
Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell
A juicy, no-holds-barred look at the actress and wellness mogul.
Our reviewer says: “One revelation: Paltrow is so frugal she had Goop’s food editors cook for her.” —Emma Brockes
[Read the full review](#)
Further reading: [“Self-belief and sex eggs: 10 things we learned about Gwyneth Paltrow”](#)
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
A precocious 10-year-old navigates a dystopian, post-democracy America.
Our reviewer says: “Shteyngart blends dark humor, coming-of-age adventure, and spy thriller into a poignant ode to resilience.” —Xan Brooks
[Read the full review](#)
The Fathers by John Niven
Two middle-aged Glaswegians from opposite worlds form an unlikely bond.
Our reviewer says: “A gritty, satirical melodrama—perfect for readers who like their beach reads with an edge.” —James Smart
[Read the full review](#)
Further reading: [“John Niven: ‘My comfort read? Alan Clark’s diaries’”](#)
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
An elderly man in northern Sweden faces his final days with his loyal dog.
Our reviewer says: “As Bo nears death, he struggles to keep his dog close and break free of stoicism to express his love.” —Patrick Gale
[Read the full review](#)
You May Have Missed
The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits
A middle-aged man reevaluates his life as his children leave home.
Our reviewer says: “A thoughtful meditation on change and aging.” —Marcel Theroux
[Read the full review](#)Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text while keeping the original meaning intact:
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A road trip to figure out his future—and whether to leave his marriage.
What our reviewer said: “The novel’s relaxed yet precise writing is a joy, as is the gradual unfolding of Tom’s thoughts as we journey with him.”
[Read the full review]
### Albums
If you only listen to one, make it…
The New Eves: The New Eve Is Rising (Out now)
Summed up in a sentence: The Brighton quartet’s debut blends Velvets-style drone rock, folk, anarcho-punk, and hippy whimsy.
What our reviewer said: “The album feels live, with a band favoring raw energy over technical perfection—complete with the thrilling risk of things falling apart. The white-knuckle shift in rhythm on ‘Circles,’ counted in with such urgency, suggests it hasn’t always gone smoothly before.” —Alexis Petridis
[Read the full review]
### Pick of the rest
AraabMuzik: Electronic Dream 2 (Out now)
Summed up in a sentence: This sequel keeps the original’s mix of dread and debauchery but feels overshadowed by bolder recent takes on the sound.
What our reviewer said: “While sequels are tempting—rappers do it, and nostalgia rules pop—an innovator like AraabMuzik might be better off moving forward.” —Shaad D’Souza
[Read the full review]
DJ K: Radio Libertadora! (Out now)
Summed up in a sentence: Kaique Vieira’s latest “bruxaria” album is even louder and bolder than his 2023 debut, injecting São Paulo funk with revolutionary spirit.
What our reviewer said: “Vieira masterfully balances chaotic elements without losing clarity. Some may find it too noisy, but surrender to the energy, and there’s freedom in the chaos—an invitation to lose yourself in the noise.” —Ammar Kalia
[Read the full review]
Chromatic Renaissance (Out now)
Summed up in a sentence: Exaudi, led by James Weeks, delivers a captivating exploration of late 16th-century choral works.
What our reviewer said: “The intricate vocal lines, performed with flawless precision by Exaudi’s seven singers, grow more fascinating with each listen.” —Andrew Clements
[Read the full review]
### You may have missed…
Justin Timberlake: Everything I Thought It Was (Out now)
Summed up in a sentence: After controversies, the pop-R&B star returns to basics—and bedroom anthems.
What our reviewer said: “With no chance of controlling the narrative, Timberlake’s only option is to deliver undeniable hits—and for nearly half this overlong album, he comes close.” —Laura Snapes
[Read the full review]
Further reading: Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis
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