7 episodes
Mary & George (season 1) is a British historical drama miniseries based on Benjamin Woolley’s non-fiction book, “The King’s Assassin”. The show explores the complex relationship between James VI and I and George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. The plot centers around Mary Villiers, who has big plans for her second son, George Villiers. Despite George’s initial reluctance and rebellious nature, Mary is determined to shape him into a gentleman worthy of the royal court. She sends him to France to learn the ways of the court, hoping he will return as an eligible bachelor. The series delves into the scandalous and strategic maneuvers Mary and George undertake to gain power and influence at the court of King James I. Their journey is filled with intrigue, manipulation, and ambition as they navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics. As George rises through the ranks, his charm and ambition catch the eye of King James, who becomes infatuated with him. This relationship leads to George’s rapid ascent in power, causing jealousy and tension among the other courtiers. Meanwhile, Mary continues to pull the strings behind the scenes, ensuring her son’s success and securing her own influence at court. The series paints a vivid picture of the cutthroat world of 17th-century English politics, where loyalty is scarce, and betrayal is commonplace. With stellar performances and a gripping storyline, Mary & George (season 1) captivates viewers with its portrayal of ambition, power, and the lengths to which one family will go to achieve their goals. (more…)
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (2023) is a reimagined version of the controversial 1979 film directed by Tinto Brass. This new iteration, overseen by Thomas Negovan, aims to present a more coherent narrative while retaining the graphic and explicit elements of the original. The film follows the rise and fall of the infamous Roman Emperor Caligula, portrayed by Malcolm McDowell. The story begins with Caligula’s ascent to power after the murder of his adoptive grandfather, Emperor Tiberius. With the help of his sister Drusilla and his wife Caesonia, Caligula begins to dismantle the Roman Empire from within. The film depicts his descent into madness, marked by decadence, depravity, and absolute power. As Caligula declares himself a god, the resistance against his tyranny finally takes shape. The Ultimate Cut features restored and enhanced visuals, with over 90 hours of original material scanned in 4K and updated with the latest VFX technology. The screenplay, based on Gore Vidal’s original script, offers a fresh perspective on the historical events, focusing on the dramatic essence of Rome’s most notorious emperor. The film dives deep into Caligula’s psyche, exploring his transformation from a promising ruler to a tyrant consumed by his vices and delusions of grandeur. Alongside McDowell, the film stars Helen Mirren as Caesonia and Peter O’Toole as Tiberius. The enhanced visuals and refined narrative aim to deliver an intense, immersive experience that captures the decadence and chaos of ancient Rome. (more…)
Reagan (2024) is a biographical film directed by Sean McNamara, based on the book “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism” by Paul Kengor. The film chronicles the life of Ronald Reagan, from his humble small-town beginnings to his rise as a Hollywood actor and ultimately, his tenure as the 40th President of the United States. The story is narrated by Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes intertwined with Reagan’s when Reagan first catches the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood. The film explores Reagan’s journey of overcoming the odds, highlighting his indomitable spirit and the support of his wife, Nancy Reagan, who stood by him throughout his career. Through the eyes of Petrovich, the audience gains a unique perspective on Reagan’s influence on the global stage and his instrumental role in the eventual fall of communism. The film depicts pivotal moments in Reagan’s life and presidency, including his battle with an assassination attempt, the strategic arms reduction talks, and his iconic “Tear Down This Wall” speech. With a focus on his personal and political struggles, the movie paints a comprehensive portrait of Reagan’s legacy. Stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and powerful performances combine to offer an engaging and inspirational viewing experience. Reagan (2024) promises to provide an insightful look into the life of one of America’s most influential presidents, capturing the essence of his journey from Hollywood to the White House. (more…)
2 episodes
Max Liebermann, a medical student and protegé of Sigmund Freud, helps Detective Rheinhardt in the investigation of a series of disturbing murders around 1900s Vienna. (more…)
12 episodes
Elizabeth Thatcher, a young schoolteacher from a wealthy Eastern family, migrates from the big city to teach school in a small coal mining town in the west. (more…)
8 episodes
Set in 1348 during the Black Death, the deadliest pandemic in human history, explores the timely themes of class systems, power struggles, and survival in a time of pandemic. (more…)
7 episodes
Near the end of the Vietnam War, a plant who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community where he continues to secretly spy and report back to the Viet Cong. (more…)
8 episodes
Explores the story of one of the greatest gambles of Franklin's career. At age 70, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies and French informers while engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778. (more…)
8 episodes
A Russian aristocrat is spared from death and placed on house arrest while the Bolshevik Revolution plays out before him. (more…)
4 episodes
During the dissolution of the monasteries in the Tudor era, Matthew Shardlake is sent by Thomas Cromwell to investigate the death of a commissioner in a remote town of Scarnsea. (more…)
