By David Baldwin

Cora Seaborne (Emmy-winner Claire Danes) is a widower in London circa 1893 who has never been able to make her own decisions, never mind pursue any of her own interests. When she hears of a possible mythical serpent terrorizing a small town in Essex, she moves into a cottage nearby and begins investigating. The more she learns however, the more things become stranger.

THE ESSEX SERPENT, based on the novel by Sarah Perry, is the type of series that opens rather mysteriously, before instantly becoming a grim slowburn that fills every frame it can with intense fog and pale, washed out colour schemes. Cora’s bright red hair and elegant fashion pieces – at least in comparison to the impoverished locals she tries to befriend – are some of the only real colours that pop throughout the first two episodes I viewed of the six-episode mini-series. That is of course, if you do not count the blood from the gruesomely evasive surgery scenes. Those scenes are excruciating in their attention to detail, as is the sumptuous period production design, lighting and costuming. The level of authenticity and tangibility is staggering, blowing away any form of competition in one fell swoop.

Where I worry with this series is with its multiple storylines. The aforementioned graphic surgery scenes have not been very relevant to the larger story just yet, nor has a storyline built around the Socialist beliefs of Cora’s servant Martha (Haley Squires). Both elements just kind of get in the way of Cora’s investigation and her grappling with the abuse she endured at the hands of her late husband. Her burgeoning friendship with the local Vicar Will Ransome (Tom Hiddleston, decidedly less comical than he was in last summer’s Loki series) is another one of the mysterious elements I wish the Series focused and explored more. My curiosity is genuinely peaked by what is quite likely going to come to fruition. That said, with only four episodes to go, I am not extremely confident all of these storylines and the three others I did not mention will come together as cohesively as they should. I will continue watching, but will try my best not to raise my expectations too high.

What I will keep my expectations raised for is the acting, which has been quite enjoyable so far. Danes is just as terrific as always (though she is substantially more reserved here than she was on Homeland), as is Hiddleston, who slips into the skin of that vicar a bit too smoothly. Squires puts in solid work, with Frank Dillane and Jamael Westman stealing scenes as the mysterious surgeons just waiting to factor into the larger story. The Ensemble is great, and help keep THE ESSEX SERPENT moving – even at its most glacial moments. Here is hoping our patience will be rewarded.

The first two episodes of THE ESSEX SERPENT begin streaming on AppleTV+
on Friday, May 13, 2022, with fresh new episodes arriving every Friday.

Lana Condor is back in BOO, BITCH! Check-out some new Stills from the upcoming Netflix Feature.

Synopsis:

Over the course of one night, a high school senior, who’s lived her life safely under the radar, seizes the opportunity to change her narrative and start living an epic life, only to find out the next morning… she’s a motherf*%king ghost.

BOO, BITCH arrives July 8, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

RESIDENT EVIL, the first live-action series, will redefine the legendary horror franchise for Netflix on July 14, 2022 Your first look at the brand-new Teaser from the Series!

Synopsis:

Year 2036 – 14 years after a deadly virus caused a global apocalypse, Jade Wesker fights for survival in a world overrun by the blood-thirsty infected and insane creatures. In this absolute carnage, Jade is haunted by her past in New Raccoon City, by her father’s chilling connections to the Umbrella Corporation but mostly by what happened to her sister, Billie.

CAST: Lance Reddick (he/him); Ella Balinska (she/her); Tamara Smart (she/her); Siena Agudong (she/her); Adeline Rudolph (she/her); Paola Nuñez (she/her); Ahad Raza Mir (he/him); Connor Gossatti (he/him); Turlough Convery (he/him)

(Photo credit: Netflix)

After a successful run in London, BOB MARLEY ONE LOVE EXPERIENCE is making its way to Toronto in advance for the Toronto Caribbean Festival! Like other immersive experiences before it, the exhibit takes place at the Lighthouse Immersive Artspace at 1 Yonge Street, celebrating his positivity and impact on humanity.

About:
 
A unique multi-room exhibit that brings together original art, music, and immersive, experiential rooms, BOB MARLEY ONE LOVE EXPERIENCE showcases previously unseen Marley photographs and memorabilia while taking audiences on a journey through his lifestyle, passions, influences, and enduring legacy.  Moving through six distinct spaces in the exhibit, visitors will venture through the One Love Forest, visit the Soul Shakedown Studio, and delve into a multi-sensory celebration of one of the world’s most beloved and unifying musical and cultural figures in this unique exhibition. 
 
Tickets for the limited 6-week engagement go on sale Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:00am. The exhibit will open to the public on July 1^st, running through to August 14^th. More info here.

By far my favourite Movie of ’22 thus far. I saw CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH at Sundance where it won the Audience Award and haven’t forgotten about it one bit. Here’s the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

Fresh out of college and without a clear life path going forward, 22-year-old Andrew is stuck back at home with his family in New Jersey. But if there’s one thing that belongs on his nonexistent résumé, it’s how to get a party started, which lands him the perfect job of motivational dancing at the bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. When Andrew befriends a local mom, Domino, and her daughter, Lola, he finally discovers a future he wants—even if it might not be his own. Cooper Raiff writes, directs, and stars alongside Dakota Johnson, Brad Garrett, Leslie Mann, and newcomers Vanessa Burghardt and Evan Assante in this tale of unconventional love that brims with emotional honesty. 

“Cha Cha Real Smooth” premieres Friday, June 17, 2022 on Apple TV+.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

The 2022 Toronto Jewish Film Festival is back and now in its 30th edition! This year, the Festival will showcase 70 titles from 16 countries. Films will screen in person from June 9-15, 2022 at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Innis Town Hall, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk and Leah Posluns Theatre, with more films available through the TJFF Virtual Cinema in Ontario from June 16–June 26, 2022. Additional in-person screenings include two free Archival Series screenings and the closing film on June 26, 2022. Box office opens May 12, 2022.

Opening Film
PLAN A, dirs. Doron Paz and Yoav Paz (Germany/Israel)
Based on Dina Porat’s book Vengeance and Retribution are Mine, a group of Holocaust survivors seek revenge and plan to kill millions of Germans by poisoning Nuremberg’s water supply. Stars Michael Aloni (Shtisel), Syliva Hoeks (Bladerunner 2049) and August Diehl (Hidden Life).
Guests in attendance: Directors Doron Paz and Yoav Paz

*Micki Moore Award Winner (Best Narrative Feature by a Female Director)
CINEMA SABAYA, dir. Orit Fouks Rotem (Israel)
Jewish, Arab, secular, and devout women in an introductory filmmaking course share their personal video footage with their classmates. In so doing, they are not only confronted with the stark differences in their circumstances, but also elements of connection. 

*David A. Stein Award Winner (Best Documentary)
Centrepiece Film – Documentary
FOUR WINTERS: A STORY OF JEWISH PARTISAN RESISTANCE AND BRAVERY, dir. Julia Mintz (United States)
Four Winters celebrates the 25,000 Jewish partisans who escaped into the forests of Eastern Europe to resist the Nazis, carrying out deadly acts of sabotage, staging ambushes and waging clandestine warfare. Featuring interviews with five of the last surviving partisans, two of whom (Faye Schulman and Sara Ginaite) raised families in Toronto.
Guest in attendance: Director Julia Mintz

Centrepiece Film – Narrative
LET IT BE MORNING (Vayehi Boker), dir. Eran Kolirin (Israel)
Winner of seven Israeli Academy Awards, Let It Be Morning highlights the absurdities of everyday life for Israeli Arabs. Kolirin’s (The Band’s Visit) film is based on Sayed Kashua’s novel about a family that gets trapped by a military blockade in a tiny Arab village in Israel.

Closing Film
NEIGHBOURS (Nachbarn), dir. Mano Khalil, (Switzerland/France)
Winner of the Grand Prize at the Mons International Film Festival, the semi-autobiographical story by director Mano Khalil highlights the plight of the Kurdish people through the eyes of a sensitive child. 
Guest in attendance: Director Mano Khalil

More on the complete programming line and tickets here.

(Photo credit: TJFF)

The 2022 JUNO Awards celebrations officially have begun in Toronto and kicking things off tonight at Massey Hall was the JUNOS Songwriters’ Circle. The event held annually brings together Canada’s top Singer/Songwriters in an intimate roundtable, delivering the stories and anecdotes behind some of their most acclaimed material. After a two-year hiatus, the event known as “The Jewel of the JUNOs” is finally back!

Split into two groups, the two-hour live broadcast featured a who’s-who of this year’s nominees as we celebrate the best in Canadian Music. While CBC personality Tom Power was to host the night originally, he had fallen ill with Covid-19 and Talia Schlanger stepped-in to moderate.

Group One: Allison Russell, Devon Portielje and Conner Molander from Half Moon Run, Serena Ryder and TOBi.

Group Two: Charlotte Day Wilson, Metric and Mustafa.

Missed it? You can watch the stream here:

Some snaps from the event:

Stay tuned as we’ll being covering the JUNOs this weekend with more sightings and snaps!

The JUNOs air Sunday, May 15, 2022 on CBC at 8 PM ET.

(Photo/video credit: CBC/Mr. Will Wong)

HELPSTERS is a Daytime Emmy-winning Kids Series and season three is coming soon on Apple TV+, with a star-studded Cast of Special Guests!

The third season features appearances by Bradley Cooper (!!!), James Monroe Iglehart, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Christian Borle, Adrienne Warren, André De Shields, Judy Gold, Jordan Carlos, Shakina Nayfack, Yasha Jackson, Krysta Rodriguez, Michael Cruz Kayne, Glo Tavarez, Jerah Milligan, Alex Song-Xia, Jo Firestone and Tessa Claire Hersh, and music from Grammy Award nominee Japanese Breakfast, Teddy Swims, Blanco Brown and Claud.

Synopsis:

“Helpsters” is a live-action pre-school series from the makers of “Sesame Street,” featuring Cody and the Helpsters, a team of vibrant monsters who love to solve problems. Whether it’s planning a day at the beach, inventing a new machine, or learning how to line-dance, the Helpsters can figure anything out — because everything starts with a plan.

Season Three of HELPSTERS arrives May 27, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

PHYSICAL is an under-appreciated gem, and we’re so thrilled that Season Two isn’t too far away. Here’s a first look, plus the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

Season two finds our hero Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) having successfully launched her first fitness video only to encounter some new and bigger obstacles on her path. She is torn between loyalty to her husband (Rory Scovel) and the values he represents, and a dangerous attraction to someone else. And since she’s no longer the only game in town, she finds herself having to outrun some fierce new competitors on the road to building a full-fledged fitness empire. 

In addition to Byrne, “Physical” stars Rory Scovel, Dierdre Friel, Della Saba, Lou Taylor Pucci and Paul Sparks. Joining the all-star ensemble cast for season two is Critics Choice Award-winner Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”) in the new role of “Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Green,” a charismatic fitness instructor, weight-loss guru, and pioneer of the late-night infomercial. 

PHYSICAL Season Two arrives Friday, June 3, 2022 on Apple TV+.

(Photo credit: Apple TV+)

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is coming soon to Canada! This is the 25th season of the beloved Series!

Synopsis:

The stakes are higher than ever for Ash, Goh and Chloe as they advance toward their goals! As the Pokémon World Coronation Series tournament heats up, intensive training is in store for Ash, Pikachu and their Pokémon friends. Meanwhile, Goh embarks on a series of challenging trial missions to become a member of Project Mew. And as Chloe and Eevee learn about the different evolutionary paths that Eevee can take, will they be able to come to a decision about its future? Get ready for nonstop action, familiar faces from journeys past and more Pokémon discoveries to be made!

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is premiering on Saturday, May 28 at 12 p.m. ET on TELETOON and STACKTV.

(Photo/video credit: Corus)