Your time is valuable, so each week, we’ll fill you in on what’s most popular among streaming TV and movies.
Multiple times per week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts and ratings) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable. The world underestimated Kristen Stewart back in her Twilight era, and she’s showing us all with that Oscar nomination and, even more importantly, a gutsy attitude that pushed her to accept this project in the first place. Likewise, director Pablo Larraín took the same approach here as he did while helming Natalie Portman’s turn as Jackie O. The intention here isn’t to be a carbon copy of the subject matter. Rather, it’s to be faithful to the spirit of Princess Di’s secret anguish, and Stewart nails this project (including that hand-washing scene, which still freaks me out). Will Smith isn’t in this reboot, but he executive produces, so he’s definitely onboard from the creative aspect. The good news is that this show feels committed to proving its worth and its different objectives from the original. So goodbye, Carlton Dance, and hello darker vibes but ultimately warmth-affirming actions. Amid a sea of revivals and resurrections, all reboots face an uphill battle, but we’ll see if this one can mine nostalgia just right and be an exception to the derivative rule. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet of ignoring the snootiest critics and enjoying this guilty pleasure of dark comedy, hop onboard and prepare for a completely bonkers finale. You’ve undoubtedly heard of at least a few of this show’s inspirations, but this satirical turn both celebrates and damns the whole genre, including all of the pluses and minuses.
