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| It Was Just An Accident |
The latest Oscar nominee to be rolled out onto the streaming platform is Jafar Panahi’s anti-authoritarian drama, which is shot through with dark absurdism. The accident in question is a car hitting a dog, which leads a man (Ebrahim Aziz) to have to make an unexpected garage stop. There, the sound of the man’s prosthetic limb triggers Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri), who thinks he is a man from his past, setting in motion a bid for justice that involves a disparate group of former Iranian prisoners and their differing opinions on how to treat their former captor. A little more stagey than some of Panahi's work this is nevertheless a gripping thriller that speaks up for the oppressed and traumatised while asking what true justice really looks like.
Mistress Dispeller, 10pm, BBC4, Tuesday, March 10
Elizabeth Lo’s fascinating documentary dives into the world of Chinese “mistress dispellers”, who are secretly hired by wives to split husbands from their mistresses. What makes this film so compelling is that Lo has access to all three parties involved as we see dispeller Wang Zhenxi’s holistic approach in action. While it sounds brutal on paper, Zhenxi works as a sort of covert couple's counsellor and additionally helps the mistress to consider what she really wants. A compelling dive into a modern marriage and an unusual solution to problems.
Cold War, 1.30am, Film4, Tuesday
Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski followed up on his Oscar-winning Ida with this beautifully crafted tale of doomed romance. Though the film lost out in its own Oscar race to the equally exquisitely shot Roma, it would have been just as worthy a winner. Inspired by his own parents' relationship, Pawlikowski charts the relationship between music director Wiktor (Tomasz Kot) and free-spirited singer Zula (Joanna Kulig, outstanding) as they find themselves on different sides of the Iron Curtain. Shot with such immersive verve you feel as though you could melt into the Sixties, this is a masterpiece in a minor key.
No Other Land, 2.15am, Film4, Tuesday, March 10
Jennie Kermode writes: Gaza has now been under siege for two-and-a-half years and life in the West Bank, the other remaining Palestinian territory, is looking increasingly precarious; but what was life like before, under Israeli occupation? This Oscar-winning Palestinian/Israeli co-production gives viewers a flavour of that experience by zooming in on the centuries old rural community of Masafer Yatta, which Israel has been determined to remove so that it can use the area as a military training ground. Harrowing from the start, it shows people forced from their homes with barely time to grab a few possessions before the rest is bulldozed. Children search for pets in the ruins. As the villagers take refuge in a cave, the film challenges viewers to continue to recognise them as civilisational equals. We see them rebuild only to be threatened with destruction again, and we see what happens to those who try to prevent that. Meanwhile, there is discussion around identity, tradition and what it is that gives life value. Centred on the friendship between a local man and an Israeli journalist, the film gives voice to those seeking a better way to co-exist.
The Father, 11.20pm, Film4, Wednesday, March 11
One of the most heartbreaking fictional explorations of Alzheimer's you're likely to see transports us into the headspace, and confusion, of Anthony Hopkins' Anthony. Time and space no longer operate in the same manner for him and his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman). First it's just a watch Anthony can't find but nothing seems to fit together quite right, particularly not his conversations with Anne, which often seem to contradict themselves. Florian Zeller – who wrote the role specifically for Hopkins – immerses us completely in Anthony's confusion, while the actor has never been better, shifting mood on a dime as his character's confusion mounts. Gripping and quietly devastating.
Girl, 11pm, BBC2, Friday, March 13
Girl tells the story of the relationship between refugee single mum Grace (French star Déborah Lukumuena, in her English language debut) and her 11-year-old daughter Ama (Le’Shantey Bonsu) as it starts to subtly shift when the youngster nears puberty. Despite dealing with trauma and being set in a working class milieu, Onashile avoids the usual gritty harshness associated with that in favour of a warmer, more poetic approach. This is a lyrical debut full of colour and with great use of light, which hinges on two emotionally vibrant central performances. The choral-driven score from Ré Olunuga adds to the sense of hopefulness. Onashile told us: “What was really important for me to try to express was how great beauty can sit next to trauma and how the two can coexist.”
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, 9.15pm, BBC2, Saturday, March 14
Bruce David Klein zeroes in on key moments in Liza Minnelli's career, featuring interviews with the star about her life and the impact of her mother Judy’s death on her as well as a near-exhaustive amount of archive footage, some of which has never been seen before. A chorus of her friends and fellow actors offer additional insight. Sliced into segments with quotes reflecting what's to come, this is a celebration of the star's resilience, influence and her downright dedication to her craft that also reflects on her vulnerability. Packed with gems of information and anecdotes, you'll come out the other side razzled and dazzled.
The short selection is taking a break but will return next week.
