Jordan Parker
It looks like streamers are in full force releasing content to help folks beat the early May heat. The amount of new shows and movies raise the bar, and it should make for an interesting month for film and tv aficionados. Here are some of our highlights:
May 2 – A Man In Full – Netflix
Jeff Daniels is one of few actors who can sell me on a project just by his presence in it.
The Newsroom was one of my favourite shows of all time, and from Dumb & Dumber to indie The Lookout, he is always fantastic. And so, new mini-series A Man In Full has gripped my immediate attention.
It follows an Atlanta real estate mogul facing financial devastation, and his fight to remain relevant against his enemies.
From the creators of Big Little Lies and co-starring Diane Ladd, Bill Camp and Lucy Liu, this is can’t-miss for me.
May 2 — The Idea Of You – Amazon Prime Video
I’m all for schmaltzy romance, and this one could end up a new guilty pleasure.
Featuring a central character inspired by Harry Styles, this flick is about August Moon, lead singer of a popular boy band, and his romance with the older single mother Solene.
Co-written and directed by Michael Showalter (who brought us the incomparable The Big Sick), it’s one I’m really looking forward to. With “IT” guy Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway, it’s hard not to feel good about this one.
May 3 – Unfrosted – Netflix
If Matt Damon and Ben Affleck can make a movie about basketball shoes Oscar-worthy, I have faith Unfrosted can do the same for sweet breakfast food.
Set in 1960s Michigan, it follows the fight between Kellogg’s and Post to create a breakfast cake that could revolutionize the most important meal of the day.
Co-written. starring and directed by the legendary Jerry Seinfeld, it will no doubt feature his signature wit and verve. But with Christian Slater, Jim Gaffigan, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer and Hugh Grant, it’s also a surefire star-studded affair.
May 8: Under The Bridge – Disney+
I will argue until the end of time that Lily Gladstone was robbed of an Oscar this year. Perhaps her work in mini-series Under the Bridge will bring a consolation Emmy.
It follows the death of a 14-year-old girl who went to meet her friends, but never returned home. Seven girls and a boy are accused of murder in the case.
Gladstone stars with Archie Panjabi, Riley Keough and a host of young actors to watch.
Created by Quinn Shepherd, this one will prove to be a difficult watch.
May 8: Dark Matter – Apple
Starring two of the most under-appreciated actors in the business, sci-fi show Dark Matter could be a breakout hit they need.
Based on the incredible novel, it follows a man abducted into an alternate version of his life. As he sees all the other ways his life could have turned out, he attempts to get back to his family.
Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly are two undeniable, incredible talents. I hope they get to showcase that here. Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, and a host of other rising stars join them.
I’m not a huge sci-fi person, but this one looks well worth checking out.
May 10 – Eileen — CRAVE
I went into this film with no expectations, and it left me absolutely floored.
Eileen is a young woman who can’t seem to escape the trappings of her depressing, difficult life. She lives with her father – an alcoholic with deep mental health issues – and works at a women’s prison.
She finds comfort and solace in new co-worker Rebecca, but things soon take an unexpected turn.
Thomasin McKenzie is stunning, and Anne Hathaway gave one of the most underrated performances of the year. It’s a psychological thriller that will leave you breathless.
May 10: The Chi: Season 6B– CRAVE
This has been one of my favourite shows for a long time, and it’s almost criminal that in its sixth season, barely anyone I know watches.
Lena Waithe – writer of Queen & Slim and Master Of None – created this intense, raw look at Chicago residents and a crime that ties them all together. Part coming-of-age tale and part-crime-drama, it can’t be summed up easily.
It’s an ensemble piece with numerous incredible performances, and probably the most intricately-plotted show on HBO since The Wire.
May 16: Bridgerton: Season 3 – Netflix
With the elegance of Downton Abbey and the drama of Grey’s Anatomy, the creator of the former comes aboard the Victorian era with Bridgerton.
Shonda Rhimes is responsible for shows including Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, and she brought her formidable talents to Netflix for this one.
It follows the siblings of the Bridgerton family and their search to find status, advance their station, and fall in love in London’s high society.
With great plotting and a wonderful ensemble, Bridgerton continues to surprise.
May 17: Saw X – CRAVE
It isn’t a stretch to saw the Saw franchise lost its appeal for me at least a decade ago.
And yet, this new prequel manages to shock, surprise and keep me completely entertained. I’m still in awe of how much I liked it.
It follows future Jigsaw killer John Kramer, who travels to Mexico for an experimental procedure to cure his cancer. But when he realizes he’s been scammed, the games really begin.
Franchise mainstays Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith give great turns here, and it’s a whole lot better-plotted than the last seven entries.
May 20 — The Iron Claw – Prime Video
Canadian writer-director Sean Durkin has had an impressive career, but The Iron Claw is by far his best yet.
It tells the true story of the wrestling Von Erich brothers, who are pushed by their father to be the best in the sport. Though they dominated through the 1980s, their lives were also overcome by family tragedies.
The cast is impressive – Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany and Stanley Simons all give incredible performances.
This landed in my top five of 2023, and I hate wrestling. This one has real heart.
May 31: Jim Henson Idea Man – Disney+
I am an absolute Muppets fanatic, so the prospect of this documentary sends me over-the-moon.
The creativity of Jim Henson was bar none, and I’m so excited to see interviews, footage and work from him that I haven’t been able to enjoy before.
Ron Howard is directing, and to have someone of that kind of Oscar pedigree just assures fans this will be done right, and done well.
Other Releases To Watch For:
May 1: Acapulco: Season 3 – Apple+
May 2 – Hacks: Season 3 — CRAVE
May 3: Welcome To Wrexham: Season 3 – Disney+
May 4: Night Swim – Amazon Prime Video
May 4 – Katt Williams: Woke Folk — Netflix
May 8: Let It Be – Disney+
May 9 – Bodkin: Season 1 – Netflix
May 9 – Pretty Little Liars: Summer School — CRAVE
May 10: Fast Charlie – Paramount+
May 10: Expend4bles – CRAVE
May 10: Migration – Amazon Prime Video
May 13: Crash – Disney+
May 16: Outer Range: Season 2 – Amazon Prime Video
May 17: The Big Cigar – Apple+
May 17: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Season 9 — Crave
May 22: Trying: Season 4 – Apple+
May 23: Evil: Season 4 – Paramount+
May 24: The Beach Boys – Disney+
May 24 – Atlas – Netflix
May 24 – Shoresy: Season 3 — CRAVE
May 30 – Eric – Netflix
May 30: Pyramid Game — Paramount
May 31 – Theatre Camp – CRAVE
