What to watch this week: From a Royal scandal to an alien invasion

This week’s releases promise a varied bunch, from a film about BBC’s explosive interview with Prince Andrew of the British Royal family to the second season of the hilarious Maya Rudolph-starrer Loot. The list also includes a swoon worthy adaptation of an Italian romance novel by Erin Doom, a new black and white spin on the legendary con artist Tom Ripley, an exciting and nail-biting detective drama starring Colin Farell, and a Korean adaptation of a popular manga by none other than Yeon Sang-ho, whose body of work includes films like Hellbound and Train to Busan. 

Here’s the rundown for this week:

Scoop (English)

With all the buzz surrounding King Charles’ health and the web chatter around Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, the British Royal family has been under the microscope for the better part of the year. Amid the murmurs, Netflix has just released its most recent offering about BBC’s explosive interview with Prince Andrew, an important member of the Royal family, about his relationship with the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. 

This gripping story takes you behind the scenes in the 2010s, revealing the relentless pursuit by the BBC journalists who shattered the walls of the establishment. Witness their courage as they navigate the BBC’s protocols and the Palace’s ironclad defenses to reach a powerful figure with everything to lose. 

Starring: Gillian Anderson, Rufus Sewell, Billie Piper

Where to watch: Netflix

Loot Season 2 (English)

The second season of this hilarious series is upon us as we dive deeper into the life and world of billionaire divorcee Molly Novak as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a hefty $87 billion settlement. 

After reigniting her passion for philanthropy in the last season to reconnect with the real world, we now follow Molly’s journey as an independent woman who is trying to find herself. An enjoyable sitcom with hilarious one-liners, the show also features a diverse cast and important storylines for the secondary characters who not only help Molly along her journey, but also have stories of their own. 

Starring: Maya Rudolph, Joel Kim Booster, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Adam Scott

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Fabbricante di lacrime (Italian)

Based on the bestselling Italian romance novel The Tearsmith by Erin Doom, the teen romance film revolves around two wounded souls brought together by fate. 

Nica, raised within the grim walls of the Grave orphanage, has always heard whispers of the Tearsmith – a mythical being who weaves anxieties and fears into the human soul. Now, at seventeen, a chance at a real family arrives with an adoption offer. A silent bond forms between her and Rigel, a brooding orphan who joins her even as their personalities clash. 

Starring: Simone Baldasseroni, Dana Melanie, Caterina Ferioli

Where to watch: Netflix

Ripley (English)

Academy Award winner Steve Zaillian brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic character Tom Ripley to life in a gripping limited series set in 1960s Italy. 

Fun fact, actor Andrew Scott is the sixth actor to bring to life the character of the charming yet manipulative Tom Ripley on screen, in this eight-episode exploration of deceit and obsession. 

A petty con artist, down-on-his-luck Ripley gets a life-changing offer in the form of a trip to Italy, along with a hefty reward. But this isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chance to reinvent himself.  Zaillian calls Ripley “A petty criminal who feels he deserves better than his meager circumstances.”

Starring: Andrew Scott, Johnny Flynn, Dakota Fanning

Where to watch: Netflix

Sugar (English)

Sugar throws a fresh spin on your stereotypical private detective story. John Sugar, is an American private detective working in sunny LA, and is tasked with uncovering the truth behind Olivia Siegel’s disappearance. 

Olivia, the beloved granddaughter of Hollywood royalty Jonathan Siegel, has vanished without a trace. As Sugar dives into the case, he unearths a tangled web of family secrets, some recent, and some long-forgotten. 

Starring: Colin Farrell, Kirby, Amy Ryan

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Parasyte: The Grey (Korean)

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound), Parasyte: The Grey adapts the popular Japanese manga.

The series begins, right off the bat, with an alien invasion and pictured is a parasite infiltrating a hapless victim, transforming them into a deadly monster. 

As a plague of extraterrestrial larvae infects humanity, a special task force called the Grey fights back to the best of their ability. Meanwhile, one woman struggles for survival, forced to coexist with the parasite that now lives inside her. For fans of extraterrestrial horror, this is a must watch for this weekend.

Starring: Koo Kyo-hwan, Jeon So-nee, Jung Hyun Lee

Where to watch: Netflix