EVERY GOOD narrative requires conflict. Our recommendations this week have plenty of it, from clashes in country clubs to strife in suburbia and small-town rivalries.
In some cases the conflict is solved with a frank conversation; in others the feud culminates in a fight. Our list also reveals one box-office hit to avoid: the appalling film features a battle better suited to video-game consoles than the silver screen.
‘Beef’ (on Netflix)The second season of this deliciously vituperative anthology revolves around an elite country club. One night the beleaguered general manager, Josh (Oscar Isaac), heads home and has a frenzied argument with his wife. Their screaming and shoving is witnessed, and filmed, by a pair of young employees, who take the opportunity to blackmail their boss.
‘The ’Burbs’ (on Sky One, NOW and Peacock)In this series, as in so many others, the pleasant suburbs harbour dark secrets. Like the film from 1989 on which it is based, ‘The ’Burbs’ skilfully blends comedy and horror, as neighbours band together to snoop on a newcomer who has moved into a dilapidated house.
‘Normal’ (in cinemas in America and from May 15th in Britain)There is nothing normal about the fictional town of Normal, Minnesota. Ulysses (Bob Odenkirk, above) quickly learns that when he becomes the interim sheriff. After a few days on the job, the local bank is robbed and his deputies open fire on him instead of the thieves.
‘Henry David Thoreau’ (on PBS)This three-part documentary from Ken Burns argues that the American naturalist is relevant today. In an era when many are searching for meaning, often in nature, Thoreau’s life and writing can offer succour.
And what not to watch:‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ (in cinemas worldwide)Released on April 1st, this video-game-inspired film is already the year’s highest-grossing movie in the West. It is also a gross misuse of your time.
