Culture | What we’re watching and reading this April

Joaquin Phoenix won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck. Desperately pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, he finds people laughing at him for all the wrong reasons and is driven down a destructive path. This film has had plenty of praise but wasn’t without some controversy, as it tackles subjects such as mental health and bullying. Joker is a near-perfect take on an iconic villain and boasts an outstanding lead performance from Joaquin Phoenix. It’s visually impressive and has one of the best haunting musical scores to a film that I’ve heard in a long time. Joker is also a tribute to films like Taxi Driver and The King of comedy – make sure you look out for Robert De Niro as talk show host Murray Franklin.  

Charlize Theron plays a high-powered presidential candidate, Charlotte Field, who falls for Seth Rogen’s journalist, Fred Flarsky. As she prepares to make a bid for the presidency, Charlotte impulsively hires Fred as her speechwriter, a role he is wildly unprepared for. However, the two make an unlikely comedic pair, despite having nothing in common, and sparks fly as their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world romance and a series of unexpected and dangerous incidents. 

This feel-good comedy stars comedy genius Jillian Bell as the titular Brittany, so you know it’ll be good. Tired of being overweight and single, Brittany decides to get in shape and run the New York marathon. As she races towards her goal, she loses her weight but learns some hard home truths about herself and others along the way. It’s a funny and smart comedy, and we highly recommended giving it a watch.

Lennie James (Line of Duty/The Waking Dead) leads an impressive cast, including Susanne Jones (Doctor Foster) and Stephen Graham (Line of Duty). The second series of this Sky original drama sees James’ character searching desperately for his missing daughter as he is accused of abducting her. Set 14 years after the events of the first series, this is one we’ve been waiting for.

If you enjoyed the latest Harley Quinn movie, you’ll be pleased to hear that she returns in her own animated series. Be warned though – this is strictly not one for younger viewers thanks to its distinctly adult humour throughout. Harley Quinn, after dumping the Joker, attempts to join the Legion of Doom and make it as a major supervillain with help from her crew Poison Ivy, Clay Face, King Shark, Doctor Psycho – oh, and Frank the Plant. Starring an array of recognisable voice talent, including Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) voicing Harley Quinn. 

Previous hosts of Project Runway, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum have gone on to host Amazon’s new fashion competition, Making the Cut. The contestants are competing for $1,000,000 cash prize, and each week the episode’s winner’s designs will be available to buy on Amazon.

A far cry away from their time hosting The Great British Bake Off, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc play best friends Fran and Jamie who stumble into a career in contract killing. Each episode follows the pair as they try to carry out their hit, derailed by incompetence, bickering, and inane antics. As each hit goes south, the (anti)heroes are thrown into one bizarre misadventure after another. Think Killing Eve without the Killing. Highly recommended. 

A lifetime of love. Six months of silence. One last chance. Maggie has plenty of ideas as to why her husband has gone quiet, but it will take another heartbreaking turn of events before Frank finally starts to unravel the secrets that have silenced him. Is this where their story ends? Or is it where it begins? With characters that will capture your heart, The Silent Treatment celebrates the phenomenal power of love and the importance of leaving nothing unsaid.

The lives of Rosalie Douglas and daughter Maddie are forever changed when they meet Jed at a bereavement support meeting after mourning the death of her son. Jed moves into their home and suddenly their lives are transformed. But beneath the surface, a dangerous obsession takes place – one that has deadly consequences. If you enjoyed the Channel 5 three-part drama starring Julie Graham, then we highly recommend reading the book that inspired the series.