Culture | What we’ll be watching and reading this July

Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns) as forgotten American founding father Alexander Hamilton, Hamilton is set against the backdrop of the American War of Independence, comparing America of the past with the America of today. An adaptation of one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time, this one is well worth a watch.

The latest superhero film to hit our screens sees Charlize Theron leading a group of centuries-old immortal mercenaries, who must fight to keep their secret and maintain their freedom.

Russell Crowe’s new psychological thriller Unhinged has been chosen to be the first major movie released in Cinemas post-lockdown. Crowe plays a terrifying character who overreacts when he gets tooted at by Rachel (Caren Pistorious) during rush hour traffic. Taking road rage to a whole new level, Rachel and everyone she holds dear finds themselves the target of a man who feels invisible and wishes to make one last mark upon the world by teaching her some deadly lessons

Netflix brings a lively new take on The Babysitters Club, based on the classic books of the same name by Ann M Martin. We follow the lives of a group of Connecticut girls and their friendship and adventures as they form a babysitting business. Make sure you look out for Alicia Silverstone (of Clueless fame) who plays one of the mums.

Cate Blanchett leads a largely female-led cast in this 1970s-set show loosely based on the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the unexpected backlash. With an amazing line up of women – including Sarah Paulson and Rose Byrne – this is a one to binge-watch.

Set in 1950s post-partition India, this is an epic family saga based on the novel by Vikram Seth. We follow four families over 18-months and focus on Lata (newcomer Tanya Maniktala), whose mother is determined to marry her off, but instead, she goes on her own journey of self-discovery.

The #1 New York Times Best Selling author of the phenomenal Crazy Rich Asians returns with the glittering tale of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men, set in the extravagant and decadent world of the New York elite.

Packed full of recognisable names from the arts scene, Utopia Avenue explores the power of music and the darker side of the Summer of Love.

Set during America’s Great Depression, The Giver of Stars follows five women who deliver books to the people of Kentucky from their travelling library.