Screen Queen TV Reviews: Wonka’s Golden Ticket, Youth, the Dennis Cometti doco and Brothers
This week Screen Queen Clare is finding much to relate to with Sharon Horgan’s new show, checking out the brilliant Dennis Cometti doco and scratching her head over Brothers.
Youth
Monday, streaming on HBO Max
I suppose it’s my fault — I had to go and have a life in my twenties and thirties. I had to put off having my first child until the eleventh hour, so that, in obstetrics circles at least, I was well and truly “geriatric” by the time I welcomed my first little bundle.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.As a result, I’m a part of the so-called sandwich generation: a group now approaching midlife, juggling youngish children while simultaneously caring for our rapidly ageing boomer parents.
We’re stuck in the middle, gasping for air as we juggle responsibilities that threaten to send us spiralling — or, at the very least, spiralling towards the nearest glass of savvy B.
Sharon Horgan’s new drama is a love letter to those of us navigating this hormonally haywire next stage of our life, our “second youth”. I’ve never felt more seen in my life.
She plays divorcee Alex, a literary agent who is waving her teen son off to uni, reassessing her life as she stares down her newly empty apartment-for-one.
Who is she now that she’s not just “mum”? Is there room for sex, and love, and new adventures?
Not if life has anything to do with it. Before she can start to tread this new path, life is determined to (and excuse my language here, but I can’t think of a better euphemism) kick her in the tit, chucking every curveball imaginable.
Her Eat Pray Love chapter is beginning to look like a laughable flight of fancy. Those of us treading this path will find it easy to relate to.
As always, Horgan’s writing is pitch perfect, the performances sensational (hellloooo Rupert Friend, I see you), and this will have you hooked from episode one.
Ladies “of a certain age”: you’ve just found your next favourite show.
Brothers
Wednesday, streaming on Apple TV Plus
Ever stared at a side-by-side photo of Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey and thought, “Man, those two could be brothers”? Well, according to urban legend (and, potentially, Matthew’s very own mum), they could be!
This series takes a deep dive into this very notion, and sees Woody and Matthew, real-life besties, play fictionalised versions of themselves. The sitcom sees their two families holed up together at the McConaugheys’ ranch in Texas, exploring their possible familial connection.
This is a bonkers concept — there for it.
American Hostage
Sunday, streaming on Stan
Jon Hamm reprises his role as a 1970s broadcaster embroiled in a hostage drama in this TV adaptation of the award-winning podcast he was involved with. This stranger-than-fiction true story will see your jaw on the floor.
Wonka’s Golden Ticket
Wednesday, streaming on Netflix
This sees 12 pairs of contestants win the golden ticket to enter Wonka’s world. They’ve got to compete in a series of challenges to win a mega prize. Could be amazing, or could be like that hilariously terrible sideshow. Either way, consider me intrigued.
Dennis Cometti: Centimetre Perfect
Wednesday, 8.30pm, Seven
This excellent documentary, which celebrates the life of the revered Seven sports commentator, is genuinely enlightening and a fitting tribute to a true legend. Adored this.
Originally published on The West Australian
