What if the virus was deadlier?
A Russian thriller (on Netflix) and a documentary about an Iranian artist (on Amazon)
Friends,
Today’s top TV pick is an excellent new thriller about how quickly things can spiral down in a deadlier pandemic which, luckily, is fictional.
But first, a movie that easily gets my 10/10. And I’m not the only one in this: it also has a 100% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
OUR TOP MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Fifi Howls from Happiness
New this week on Amazon Prime U.S.
This incredible documentary is about the elusive Iranian artist Bahman Mohassess, whose work has the uniqueness of a Picasso or a Salvador Dalí.
But unlike his European counterparts, most of Mohassess’ work has been destroyed. Some in the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution in Iran but most, interestingly, by the artist himself.
After the revolution, he went into exile. For 40 years his whereabouts remained unknown — until an Iranian filmmaker based in Paris tracked him in a hotel in Rome.
Very early in the film, director Mitra Farahani points out that Mohassess died half an hour after one of their filming sessions.
The urgency of their conversations, the genius of Mohassess and his relationship to his art, and the uniqueness of the untold story of his life, all make this more than just another documentary. It’s a work of immeasurable historic value.
📰 The New York Times: “That Ms. Farahani found Mr. Mohassess and persuaded him to share his story is a terrific coup, even if a great deal of his life's work remains elusive.”
📺 On Amazon Prime; 🍅 rating: 100%
OUR TOP TV SHOW OF THE WEEK
To the Lake
This new Russian thriller show has an immaculate production value that can rival the biggest Hollywood shows.
It’s about a deadlier flu pandemic than the one we’re living through; one that kills anyone who becomes infected. It strikes Moscow first, quickly throwing the city into chaos as criminal gangs take over.
The show follows two families who live in a wealthy Moscow suburb as they try to reach a safe haven. Based on the famous book by Yana Vagner.
📰 Globe and Mail: “It's superbly paced; thrilling, frightening and singularly enthralling. One of the finds of the year.”
📺 on Netflix everywhere; 🍅 rating: 100%
Top picks elsewhere
Season 3 of Killing Eve, the Sandra Oh BBC thriller, is now on Hulu.
Season 7 of the sitcom Black-ish is also new on Hulu this week.
A wonderful 2019 drama called Driveways has been added to Kanopy this week. It was Brian Dennehy’s last role before he passed; he plays a Korean War veteran who becomes the unlikely friend of a shy kid.
Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in The Undoing by Danish master filmmaker Susanne Bier, now on HBO Max. It’s a psychological thriller miniseries.
That’s it for this week, I hope there is something in there for you, and that you like the new format.
The next edition will be the weekly New and Expiring recap. It will be in your inbox on Wednesday.
Until then,
Bilal
If you have any feedback, ideas, or requests, please reply to this e-mail or reach Bilal directly at bilal@agoodmovietowatch.com.
This issue was edited by Salwa Benaissa.
Thank you for the new format, it is excellent. And the suggestions - totally watching To the Lake. And may Bahman Mohassess rest in peace...