What to watch this week: From a classic romcom to a spy adventure

This week’s releases will take you on an international tour, starting in Australia with the newest rom com in town, Anyone But You, where Shakespearean hijinks will tickle your funny bone. The city of Madrid will present you with a harrowing incident of the past, in the miniseries See You in Another Life, while The Sympathizer will transport you to Saigon in the 1970s, right in the middle of the Vietnam war. Prepare yourself for your second trip to Arrakis, as Dune returns to your screens with its sequel that promises to be bigger and better, and then come back to your home planet to explore all that you haven’t yet, with Our Living World.

Here’s the rundown for this week:

Anyone But You (English)

This romantic comedy holds the record for being the highest grossing Shakespeare adaptation of all time, so the film is bound to remind you of some of the classic romcom tropes of the 90s. 

Bea and Ben have had an amazing first date but both fall prey to a misunderstanding and swear to loathe each other for all eternity. They see each other again when they are invited to a wedding in Australia, and come to a mutually beneficial arrangement for which they must pretend to be a couple. Hijinks ensue as the banter between Bea and Ben crosses all levels of Shakespearean propriety, and they realise there is more to their story. 

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Darren Barnet, Charlee Fraser, Alexandra Shipp

Where to watch: Netflix

See You in Another Life (Spanish)

This miniseries sheds light on the tragic 2004 Madrid train bombings. Based on Manuel Jabois’ book, the series follows 16-year old Baby and retired miner Emilio Trashorras, whose actions lead to the transportation of explosives used in the attacks, killing people.

The show explores the events leading up to the bombings, considered by many as the worst terrorist attack in Europe at the time. 

It delves into the complexities of the situation without placing undue focus on the perpetrators.

Starring: Roberto Gutiérrez, Pol López, Tamara Casellas

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

The Sympathizer (English/Vietnamese)

This dark comedy historical spy drama is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. 

The protagonist, a complex half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy, originally embedded within South Vietnam’s army as a North Vietnamese operative, flees to America with the war’s end, finding himself amidst a refugee community. 

But his past isn’t far behind. He’s forced to continue his espionage for the Viet Cong, navigating a precarious double life.

Starring: Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan

Where to watch: HBO Max/JioCinema

Dune: Part Two (English)

Welcome back to Arrakis, the desert planet that holds all the power (and spice) in the galactic empire. 

Denis Villeneuve returns to weave the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s epic saga in the latest installation of the hit franchise where Paul Atreides, the prophesied leader, joins forces with the Fremen people of Arrakis. In the unforgiving desert, Fremen’s rebellion against their colonizers, the ruthless House Harkonnen raises hell for the Emperor himself. Amidst war, ambition, and destiny, Paul grapples with his lineage and embarks on a transformative journey that could reshape the fate of galaxies. 

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Our Living World (English)

This docuseries is a must-watch for all the fans of Planet Earth, and the planet in general. 

Emmy Award-winning creators behind “Our Great National Parks” return with the awe-inspiring series, narrated by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett. The series takes a captivated audience through a global odyssey, uncovering the intricate web of nature that sustains life on Earth. Breathtaking shots of the diverse ecosystems that exist on the planet, within which live countless creatures, make this series a truly worthwhile watch. 

Starring: Cate Blanchett

Where to watch: Netflix