Your Weekend: Best Film & TV, New and what you should have seen in 2024 Arcane, With Love: Meghan, Mufasa, Black Doves, The Piano Lesson and more
2024 has delivered a wealth of must-see TV shows, films, and documentaries. If you missed some of these in the hustle and bustle of the year, here’s a roundup of essential viewing — from gripping dramas to dark comedies and high-octane thrillers. Check out these unmissable titles that are sure to keep you glued to the screen.
1. Mufasa: The Lion King (Film) in cinema now released 20 December 2024
Lead Actor(s): Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Scar) Director: Barry Jenkins What It’s About: A prequel to Disney’s The Lion King (2019), this animated film explores the origin story of Mufasa, from his humble beginnings to his rise as the king of the Pride Lands. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film adds emotional depth and visual beauty to the classic tale, delving into the legacy of Mufasa and the complex relationship between him and his brother Scar.
Why Watch: With Jenkins at the helm, Mufasa takes the familiar Lion King narrative and enriches it with new layers of emotional resonance and stunning animation. It’s a fresh take on a beloved story, offering a deeper connection to the characters.
2. The Piano Lesson (Film) on Netflix now
Lead Actor(s): Samuel L. Jackson (Doaker Charles), John David Washington (Boy Willie), Danielle Brooks (Berniece)
Director: Malcolm Washington What It’s About: Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Piano Lesson tells the story of a family divided over the fate of a prized family heirloom — a piano imbued with deep personal and historical significance. The central conflict between siblings and their respective views on the piano’s legacy brings to light powerful themes of heritage, memory, and identity.
Why Watch: Washington’s direction and the stellar performances from Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington elevate this poignant drama. The film brilliantly captures the essence of August Wilson’s stage play, with deep emotional and cultural relevance. Read review here
Lead Actor: Lenny Henry Director: Various Directors What It’s About: Sir Lenny Henry brings us this insightfully amusing take on the art of creating comedy gold, as he takes a trip down memory lane with comedy legends to see how they, and their heroes, made their mark
Why Watch: For long-time fans of Lenny Henry and newcomers alike, this comedy special offers both laughs and insights. His unique wit and wisdom make it an essential watch for anyone interested in British comedy and cultural history.
NEW: WITH LOVE, MEGHAN, a new series, launches on Netflix on 15th January
This inspiring series, produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old. Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.
Guests include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters, with additional acclaimed chefs and special friends.
Key Credits:
Series Launch Date: 15th January
Episodes: 8 x 33 minute
ProductionCompanies: Archewell Productions; The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television
4. Arcane: Season 2 (Animation/Drama)
Lead Voice Actor(s): Hailee Steinfeld (Vi), Ella Purnell (Jinx), Ellen Thomas (Ambessa) (Kevin Alejandro (Echo) Director: Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord What It’s About: The world of League of Legends comes to life again in Arcane Season 2, continuing the gripping story of two sisters, Vi and Jinx, caught between the wealthy city of Piltover and the impoverished undercity of Zaun. As tensions rise, new alliances are formed, and old wounds resurface.
Why Watch: Stunning animation, a gripping plot, and complex character arcs make Arcane a standout. This season delivers even more emotional depth and action, making it a must-watch for fans of epic storytelling and beautifully crafted animation.
5. Wicked (Musical/Film)
Lead Actor(s): Ariana Grande (Glinda), Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) Director: Jon M. Chu What It’s About: The beloved Broadway musical Wicked makes its way to the big screen, telling the untold story of the witches of Oz, Glinda and Elphaba. The film explores their unlikely friendship and the events that led to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
Why Watch: Jon M. Chu’s direction promises to bring Wicked to life with dazzling visuals, epic musical numbers, and standout performances from Grande and Erivo. Whether you’re a fan of the stage musical or new to the story, this adaptation is bound to captivate. In UK cinemas now!!
6. Black Doves (Spy Thriller
Omari plays Michael, the long-term partner of Ben Whishaw’s character Sam
Lead Actor(s): Keira Knightley (Cleo Ashford), Ben Whishaw (Max) Omari Douglas Director: Joe Barton What It’s About: This six-episode spy thriller follows Cleo Ashford (Keira Knightley) and Max (Ben Whishaw), an assassin and a spy who are thrown together on a high-stakes mission. The series blends action-packed scenes with sharp British wit, featuring everything from knife fights to plenty of holiday (or anti-holiday) cheer, as the duo confronts a dangerous web of global conspiracy.
Why Watch: Black Doves delivers both action and humor with a captivating story, beautifully played by Knightley and Whishaw. Created by Joe Barton (Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project), this is a fun, tense, and stylish series for fans of espionage thrillers and dark comedy. Available on Netflix.
7. The Diplomat (Political Thriller) ( Best for Bingeing)
Lead Actor(s): Keri Russell (Kate Wyler), Rufus Sewell (Stuart Heyford), Ali Ahn (Evelyn) David Gyasi (Dennison)
Creator: Debora Cahn What It’s About: The Diplomat is an American political thriller television series created by Debora Cahn, premiering on Netflix on April 20, 2023. The series centers on Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), a career diplomat who unexpectedly becomes the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. As a diplomatic crisis brews, Kate is thrust into the spotlight, balancing the delicate intricacies of international diplomacy with the personal drama surrounding her marriage to her complicated and charismatic husband, Stuart (Rufus Sewell)
The series explores themes of power, loyalty, and the weight of political responsibility as Kate navigates the murky waters of global affairs and personal relationships.
Why Watch: A sharp and fast-paced political thriller, The Diplomat offers a compelling mix of high-stakes global politics and personal tension. Keri Russell’s portrayal of a strong yet vulnerable ambassador is a standout, and Rufus Sewell’s complex performance as her husband adds another layer of intrigue. With expert writing by Debora Cahn (The West Wing, Grey’s Anatomy), the series is a must-watch for fans of political dramas. Available on Netflix.
Cross is a complex, twisted, pulse-pounding thriller based upon the characters from James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series.
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, in order to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers.
8. Squid Game: Season 2 (Drama/Thriller)
Lead Actor(s): Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun), Wi Ha-joon (Hwang Jun-ho) Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk What It’s About: The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game continues the brutal and thrilling survival game where contestants risk their lives for a chance to win a life-changing sum of money. With new games, new alliances, and a deeper look at the mysterious forces behind the competition, Season 2 promises to elevate the stakes even higher.
Why Watch: Squid Game captivated audiences with its chilling premise and social commentary on inequality, and the second season continues this trend with even more heart-pounding moments. The performances, direction, and narrative twists make it one of the most compelling shows to watch in 2024. Available on Netflix.
9. Beyoncé: Super Bowl Performance (Documentary/Performance)
Lead Actor: Beyoncé Director: Various Directors What It’s About: #Beyoncé: Super Bowl Performance is a Netflix documentary that takes an intimate look at the global icon’s iconic Super Bowl halftime performance. The special showcases her meticulous preparation, behind-the-scenes moments, and the high-stakes nature of performing in front of millions at the biggest sporting event in the world. Beyoncé’s performance, featuring a blend of her greatest hits, breathtaking visuals, and unmatched stage presence, became one of the most talked-about Super Bowl performances in history.
Why Watch: Beyoncé is a cultural phenomenon, it provides a rare glimpse into her creative process and the making of one of her most unforgettable shows. Available on Netflix.
Honorable Mentions:
The Gold (Crime/Drama): A thrilling series about the infamous British gold bullion heist.
The Day of the Jackal: Lashana Lynch joins Eddie Redmayne in this ultimate battle of wits and skill – Watch on Sky Atlantic
House of the Dragon: Season 2 (Fantasy/Drama): The epic Game of Thrones prequel continues with more dragon-filled drama.
The Night Agent (Thriller): A fast-paced action series about a low-level FBI agent caught in an international conspiracy.
The Serial Killer’s Wife Channel 5 (Stream free on My5)
Beth’s husband Tom, a village doctor, is arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer. His wife investigates with his best friend and more evidence emerges, forcing her to question if she really knows the man she married.
Angela Griffin as DI Aline Edgeworth
These titles are some of the most talked-about content in 2024 — from spy thrillers to emotional family dramas, high-energy animation, epic musicals, and unforgettable performances. If you haven’t yet watched these, you’re missing out on some of the most exciting storytelling of the year.
What to be included in our monthly show listings get in touch. editor @ alt – africa. com.
