Screen Queen TV reviews: The Vampire Lestat, Lanterns, Zog, Portrait Artist Of The Year and The Logies
This week our resident Screen Queen Clare Rigden is getting hot under the collar for Lestat, peeping the DC series Lanterns, gearing up for this year’s Logie awards and watching the sweet kids’ feature, Zog.
The Vampire Lestat
Friday, streaming on SBS on Demand
Has anyone caught the trailer for that new Olivia Coleman movie, Wicker? It’s all about a spinster woman in “ye olde England” (Coleman) who magics up a husband for herself … made out of wicker.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Yes, you read that right: Coleman’s fantasy man is made entirely out of basket material — and he’s got all the ladies in the village (plus me) positively swooning.
The film, which stars Alexander Skarsgard in full wicker regalia, has been described as “a vulgar, horny and an unexpectedly heartwarming fable” — and if that hasn’t piqued your interest, I don’t know what will!
But it’s not the only unashamedly racey thing hitting screens right now: this Anne Rice book adaptation, a follow-on of sorts from the Interview With The Vampire series (based on Rice’s 1985 novel), is also horny as heck.
It sees Aussie actor Sam Reid reprise his role as uber-vampire, Lestat. The story picks up where Interview left off, and sees Lestat narrating this time, in his newest incarnation: vampiric rock god.
He positively oozes sex appeal, and like the trailer for Wicker, a peep at this will surely get pulses racing.
If you’ve read the book, you’ll have an idea what to expect, but this adaptation is set in the present day — it’s deliciously meta, deliciously camp, and Reid is deliciously great as Lestat (he performed a one-night-only concert in New York in his rockstar character for the show’s launch, and what a sight to behold!).
Gird your loins and take a peep — trust me, you’ll be satisfied. Now if you need me, I’ll be taking a cold shower. . .
TV Week Logie Awards 2026
Sunday, 7pm, Seven and 7Plus
Once again, I’ll be celebrating Aussie TV’s glittering night Of nights . . . from my desk in the office.
I know — the glamour of it all!
I’m live-blogging this year’s event for PerthNow, and I’m keen to see how the internet’s favourite little brother, Robert Irwin (who is also nominated for the Gold Logie), fares as host.
He’s taking over from Sam Pang, who will always have my heart, but I am Irwin-curious, so will be reserving judgement. I will miss Sam’s snark, but I’m travelling hopefully.
Zog
Saturday, 6.25pm, ABC Kids
I’ve never met a Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler book I didn’t love — I feel similarly about their TV adaptations. This one sees Zog, Doctor Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout The Great getting their moment in the sun. Love this for them!
Portrait Artist Of The Year
Sunday, 7.30pm, ABC
This eight-part competition series returns, with Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor at the helm once more. Fifty-four artists will paint three high-profile sitters — Dannii Minogue, John Safran and Matt Preston — for a chance for their art to hang in the National Portrait Gallery. Easels at the ready!
Lanterns
Monday, screening on HBO Plus
There’s been stacks of positive buzz surrounding this DC Studios spin-off series, which sees Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre play two intergalactic cops dispatched to Earth to investigate a grizzly murder in America’s heartland. Can’t wait for this one.
Originally published on The West Australian
