What to watch this week: From psychological thrillers to a musical drama

Craving a cinematic escape this week? Whether you’re yearning for the raw emotions of a musical biopic or a whimsical journey into a plastic and fantastic land, there’s something for everyone. From Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro to Margot Robbie’s live-action take on the iconic plastic doll, get ready to dive into diverse worlds, captivating stories, and performances that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your favorite snacks, curl up on the couch, and explore our top OTT recommendations for this week:

Maestro (English)

Maestro, a poignant biographical musical drama, paints a vibrant portrait of the tempestuous love story between American composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. The film, directed and co-written by Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper, who also delivers a powerhouse performance as Bernstein, delves into the couple’s passionate, if complex, relationship that spanned over three decades.

From the dazzling halls of Carnegie Hall to the intimacy of their private moments, Maestro offers a nuanced portrayal of passion, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. 

Where to watch: Netflix

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Michael Urie

Barbie (English)

Great set design decked in pastel and a flair for satire collide in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, the first live-action take on the iconic Mattel doll. 

Forget saccharine fairy tales. Stereotypical Barbie, confused with intrusive thoughts of death and cellulite, escapes the utopian Plasticine paradise of Barbie Land, a vibrant bubble of eternal sunshine and perfectly coiffed dolls, in a hilarious and poignant tumble into the messy and unpredictable Real World. 

Margot Robbie sparkles as Stereotypical Barbie, eventually turning into a vibrant antithesis to her perfectly symmetrical Plasticine peers. Thrust into the real world alongside the cluelessly charming Ken, she grapples with a kaleidoscope of emotions beyond programmed smiles. Navigating a world that doesn’t always conform to her perfectly pink expectations, Barbie’s journey becomes one of self-discovery.

Where to watch: JioCinema

Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell

Saltburn (English)

Helmed by Emerald Fennell, who stunned audiences with the dark satire of Promising Young Woman, employs her masterful manipulation of tension to keep you guessing until the very end.

This is a film that lingers somewhere between a psychological thriller and a character study. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of an English coastal manor, the story follows Oliver Quick, a scholarship student at Oxford, and his unexpected friendship with Felix Catton, the charismatic son of a wealthy family.

Oliver, drawn to Felix’s seemingly carefree world, navigates the social intricacies of his elite circle. An invitation to spend the summer at the Catton family estate, Saltburn, opens doors to a life he only dreamed of. Yet, beneath the veneer of lavish parties and carefree indulgence, a sense of unease creeps in. Secrets simmer as relationships shift, leaving Oliver questioning his place in this sun-drenched world.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, Carey Mulligan

Like Flowers in Sand (Korean)

The newest k-drama in town, this series delves into the gritty world of ssireum, a dynamic Korean wrestling tradition played on sand rings. At its heart is Kim Baek Doo, a once-prodigious ssireum athlete teetering on the edge of retirement. The prestigious Jangsa title, the ultimate ssireum honor, remains elusive, leaving him disillusioned and contemplating a different path.

But fate throws a curveball when his childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung reappears, not as a spectator but as his team’s new management leader. Armed with determination and a fiery spirit, she’s tasked with reigniting Baek Doo’s passion and guiding him towards the coveted Jangsa title.

Where to watch: Netflix

Starring: Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Ju Myoung, Yoon Jong Seok, Kim Bo Ra, Lee Jae Joon, Lee Joo Seung

Alhamour H.A. (Arabic)

Imagine The Wolf of Wall Street meets Parasite, but set in the opulent world of Saudi high society. That’s Alhamour H.A., a true story that follows the meteoric rise (and spoiler: dizzying fall) of Hamed, a charismatic security guard with a nose for opportunity (and a penchant for questionable schemes).

Hamed dreams of escaping his modest existence and tasting the finer things in life. His solution? Convincing Riyadh’s elite that he’s a high-flying investment guru, spinning a web of lies and lavish promises that catapult him to dizzying heights. But as the money rolls in and champagne corks pop, the cracks in Hamed’s facade begin to show. Will his ambition consume him, or can he outsmart the very system he gamed?

Where to watch: Netflix

Starring: Khaled Yeslam, Fahad Alqahtani, Ali Al Sharif