From Ludwig to Ariana Grande: the week in rave reviews

This week’s reviews cover a range of entertainment, from the charmingly old-fashioned detective work of ‘Ludwig’ on the BBC to the energetic performances of pop star Ariana Grande in London. ‘Ludwig’ stars David Mitchell as a detective trying to solve the mystery of his missing brother. The show is praised for its clever writing, wordplay, and its focus on the small, awkward moments of social interaction, making it a 'cosy crime' drama.

Another BBC show, ‘Buried With Michael Sheen’, features the actor investigating the environmental scandal of ‘forever chemicals’ dumped in Welsh quarries. The documentary is noted for uncovering surprising stories and characters. For those interested in aviation safety, Netflix offers ‘Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing’, a documentary that examines the ongoing safety issues at Boeing, particularly after the death of a whistleblower. The film reportedly includes a very disturbing reconstruction of a mid-flight incident.

In drama, ‘Little Bird’ on Sky Atlantic tells the true story of Indigenous children taken from their families in Canada. The series has been highly awarded in Canada for its emotional and tender portrayal of this difficult subject. Apple TV+ presents ‘Star City’, a spin-off from ‘For All Mankind’, exploring an alternate history where the Soviet Union won the space race. It offers a fascinating look at a different historical path for space exploration.

The film world offers a variety of genres. ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ stars Gillian Anderson in a queer horror film that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. A more light-hearted option is ‘Stop! That! Train!’, a comedy featuring RuPaul and a drag queen cast, described as a zany and fast-paced caper. Studio Ghibli’s classic animation ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ is also highlighted, praised as a gentle coming-of-age story that touches on female sexuality.

Further film recommendations include ‘Coyote Vs Acme’, a revived Looney Tunes movie where Wile E Coyote takes on a more legal role. For a coming-of-age story focusing on female friendships and adolescence, ‘Over/Under’ is a newly available digital release, commended for its naturalistic performances. In literature, Rachel Cusk’s novel ‘Life of M’ is reviewed, focusing on the impact of fame. Charlotte Higgins’ ‘Ukrainian Lessons’ explores how art survives amidst conflict, based on her experiences in Ukraine.

Other books generating buzz include Robert Harris’s historical novel ‘Agrippa’, set in ancient Rome with themes of betrayal and rivalry. ‘The Ego Trip’ by Kimon de Greef is described as a strange but enjoyable look at a psychedelic toad guru, seen as a parable for economic issues. Alexei Sayle’s memoir, ‘How I’ve Tried to Change the World’, reflects on his life in protest, while M John Harrison’s ‘The End of Everything’ offers a dark, near-future vision.

Finally, in music, the album ‘Punching the Clown’ by Lambchop is noted for its intimate yet unsettling sound. The Gaia Wilmer Large Ensemble’s ‘Parabólico’ reimagines the music of Brazilian artist Gilberto Gil, praised for its depth and renewal of old works. The review round-up concludes with Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour in London, described as a strong arena show that leaves a lasting impression.