New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Clickbait - Miniseries

Clickbait is a series I always had on my Netflix watchlist. I never got to it, till this week. Before Singapore, a last minute pre travel binge.

The series landed on Netflix deep in a lockdown, so I have no idea why in August 2021 I never watched the eight park miniseries.

So what is Clickbait? Over eight episodes, it explores the dark side of social media. In one thread of the story, a father goes missing, only to appear in a viral video holding a sign saying that he will die if the video receives five million views.

My main issue with the show was it was set in Oakland, California, but was mostly filmed in Melbourne. That comes with Australian looking streets and Australian actors with some (at times) bad American accents.

It has an interesting and diverse cast. Starring locals and international stars like, Zoe Kazan, Betty Gabriel, Adrian Grenier, Phoenix Raei, Abraham Lim, Jessie Collins, Ian Meadows, Daniel Henshall, Motell Foster, Jaylin Fletcher and Cameron Engels.

The show also had those 2020/2021 setbacks, with principal photography beginning in December 2019. Production on the series was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then in November 2020, the series resumed filming in Melbourne.

So I won't do my usual spoiler warning, as this series is old AF. However if like me you slept on this. Don't read ahead. Just know, it starts strong, but sadly ends a little flat. Just being honest, sorry Netflix.

In episode, The Answer, Ethan realizes that Kai was on his computer and saw the location that Alison sent. Kai knocks on the door of the catfish and Dawn answers. Kai believes that the location he found was an elaborate prank by Ethan and accepts Dawn and her husband Ed's invitation to come in before they drive him home. After learning how Kai found them, the two leave him in the dining room and Ed retrieves a gun.

In a flashback, 2 years ago, when Nick first began working at the college, he asked Dawn for help setting up his computer. During this process, she learned all of his usernames and passwords. Dawn also discovers messages from Mandy Harrison on a dating profile Nick made. 

That same night, Dawn uses Nick's password to login to his dating profile, and she begins to impersonate him. She then begins to set up multiple profiles using Nick's photos and is discovered by Ed who storms out. Sarah Burton repeatedly messages to ask why she is being ignored. Annoyed, Dawn goads her into committing suicide after Sarah threatened to do so.

Ed and Dawn pretend to drive Kai home as Sophie and Pia arrive at the now empty house and learn that Dawn was the catfish. Realising something is amiss, Kai attempts to contact his family, only for Dawn to throw his phone out of the car. They bring him to a ranch nearby and keep him inside a trailer. There, Kai learns that after Simon released Nick, he came to confront Dawn about using Nick's pictures to catfish women and drive Sarah to suicide. 

While Dawn attempts to deny doing so, Nick points out that Dawn is the only person he had told about Sophie's affair and she had access to his computer. Nick attempts to bring Dawn to police, but Ed kills him. Kai escapes the trailer but is almost shot by Ed. 

Ed and Dawn chase him and he attempts to hide in a stable. Roshan and other police arrive and search the ranch. Hearing Sophie call out for him, Kai comes out of hiding but runs into Ed. Roshan and the police find Dawn and arrest her, while Ed holds Kai at gunpoint. Dawn convinces Ed to let Kai go, but Ed refuses to be arrested and forces police to shoot him.

Sophie puts Nick's pictures back up. At Nick's funeral, Roshan tells Pia that Tara has decided to press charges against Matt. Sophie stands at the entrance of the funeral feeling overwhelmed but Pia reassures her that they will support each other.

Honestly, I was gripped in episode one and two, however with a twist, the series kinda lost me a bit. That said I am glad to have finally watched this Aussie made, but US influenced series. Off to Singapore I go tomorrow. Let's see if I can catch up on Silo whilst away.

New shows starting for everyone to get around. On Disney+ Reasonable Doubt and Only Murders in the Building return. Whilst on Apple TV+, I have been giving Bad Monkey a go. Just as I take off (sadly) the finale of The Twelve will stream on Binge. Season Two has been a big change of scene from Sydney to regional WA. Also on Binge Industry has been making headlines for new cast members and some sneaky nudity in the third season.

Honestly, yes seeing Joel Kim Booster fully nude was hot, but season three of Industry is a big improvement. I think the UK based series may land a fourth season.

See you soon!

New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Severance - Season One

Wow I have been all over Apple TV+ this blog series. Although I did honestly sleep on Severance. Like Ted Lasso, I was super late to this party.

The Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette drama is a very random workplace idea, which is freaky as fuck. 

As the viewer, we follow Mark S. (Scott), an employee of the fictional corporation Lumon Industries who agrees to a "severance" program in which his non-work memories are separated from his work memories.

Originally streaming in mid-February 2022, the series received acclaim from critics and audiences for its cinematography, direction, production design, musical score, story, and performances. 

Severance received 14 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and acting nominations for Scott, Turturro, Walken, and Arquette; it won for Main Title Design and musical score. 

Way, way back in April 2022, the series was renewed for a second season. The second season is set to premiere on January 17, 2025. So I am right on schedule to watch season two early next year. Which for now is set to conclude next March.

Season one ended on some massive cliffhangers, so I am happy I am not going to wait a super long time to see what unfolds during episode one of season two.

So what does this series resolve around? Biotechnology corporation Lumon Industries uses a medical procedure called "severance" to separate the memories of their employees depending spatially on whether they are at work or not. 

When a severed worker is at work, they are dubbed "innies" and cannot remember anything of their lives or the world outside. When outside work, they are dubbed "outies" and cannot remember their time at work. Due to this, innie and outie experience two different lives, with distinct personalities and agendas. 

Season one centers on one severed employee, Mark (Adam Scott), who gradually uncovers a web of conspiracies at Lumon. This leads to some serious conflict, in and out of the workplace.

SPOILERS BELOW. You have been warned. Here's how the finale went down all the way back in April 2022.

Mark's innie awakens in Devon's home and finds himself hugging Cobel. While excusing himself to find Devon, he calls Cobel by name, alerting her that the overtime contingency has been activated. 

Cobel calls Milchick and has him check the security office. Mark privately reveals to Devon that he is in innie form; Devon tells him of Gemma's death, and learns that "Mrs. Selvig" is Mark's boss. Devon encourages Mark to report Lumon's misdeeds to the press as Lumon likely controls the police. 

Irving wakes up in his apartment, discovering his outie's paintings and background in the U.S. Navy, and finds a map and employee directory in the closet which he uses to locate Burt. 

Helly wakes up at a Lumon gala where she learns that her outie is Helena Eagan – daughter of Lumon CEO Jame Eagan – who underwent severance to build public support for legalising the procedure. Cobel races to the gala and attempts to stop Helly from making a scheduled speech. 

Milchick reaches the security office and cuts his way through the makeshift restraints Dylan has placed on the door. Helly gets onstage and tells the crowd of the innies' subjugation and torment. Irving arrives at Burt's house only to find he is already in a relationship. 

Mark finds a photo confirming Ms. Casey to be Gemma. He rushes to tell Devon, but is only able to say "She's alive!" before Milchick tackles Dylan, deactivating the overtime contingency and reverting the three to their outie state.

So much to unpack, so much to remain excited about for the return in the new year. Bring on 2025! Apple TV+ continues to deliver.

New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Lady in the Lake - Miniseries

Lady in the Lake is the latest Apple TV+ I smashed. Well that said I also caught up with Severance over the weekend. Yes I have been busy.

This is one of the most random miniseries I have watched in 2024. It is based on the novel of the same name by Laura Lippman. 

The seven episode run commenced in mid-July. The finale, My story concluded on Friday.

Apple TV+ have loads of quality content right now. This sadly isn't their best. But what is this Natalie Portman lead series all about you ask? Cause let's be honest, this is not getting the Presumed Innocent or Bad Monkey press/advertising.

In 1960s Baltimore, an investigative journalist working on an unsolved murder clashes with a woman working to advance the agenda of the city's Black community. She ditches her abusive, overbearing husband and Pikesville home to pursue a career as a newspaper reporter. She becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery of two separate killings: eleven-year-old Tessie Durst and a bartender named Cleo Johnson.

SPOILER ALERTS INCOMING.

By the time Lady in the Lake‘s finale comes to a close, the two women at the heart of the series have gotten what they wanted. 

Maddie (Portman) has solved the murder of Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) & made a name for herself as a journalist. 

Cleo has faked her death, escaped to Europe with her family and launched a new career.

And then there’s Ferdie (Y'lan Noel), whose career and heart are in tatters thanks to his relationship with Maddie.

So why was it not Apple's best? Basically it was a mess. It was super random with musical numbers, plot and storylines happening, then adding in more social issues on top of what could have been a fun murder mystery.

In the end I was disappointed I sat through all seven lacklustre episodes. I was expecting more from a Natalie Portman lead series. Plus I always like a miniseries. Hopefully unlike Presumed Innocent which was also meant to be a miniseries, this doesn't turn into a series. 

Alongside Portman, Ingram and Noel, Noah Jupe, Mike Epps, Byron Bowers. Josiah Cross & Pruitt Taylor Vince also star. If you have nothing else to watch, Lady in the Lake is streaming now on Apple TV+.

Post Strike Cinema 24' - Blink Twice

Blink Twice is the directorial debut by legend,  Zoë Kravitz. Starring an all-star, multi-generational cast. Featuring Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Kyle MacLachlan, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat. Yes the return of Geen Davis!

Simon Rex also has some very racy videos from back in the day. If you know, you know.

Blink Twice has already received generally positive reviews from critics. But what's this very fresh looking film all about? A cocktail waitress becomes infatuated with a billionaire tech mogul and travels with him to his private island for a luxurious party, where things begin to go wrong after her friend vanishes. Does this sound a little like Jeffrey Epstein's island?

Maybe.

So is this film with a wild idea, interesting soundtrack any good? Absolutely. This for me, could be one of the best films of 2024.

Zoë Kravitz is a legend usually in front of the camera, this time she has done a stellar job behind it. I really enjoyed this film. Its run time was tight, the suspense was real. The cast, incredible.

I don't want to give too much away. As if I tell you some of the plot points, it ruins the whole damn thing!

Blink Twice was a classy, modern thriller. Well done.

4 Stars. This was worth a trip to the movies at the end of this warm AF end to winter.

New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Evil - Season Four/Series Finale

Evil has literally just concluded. Originally streaming on CBS, before moving to Paramount+ for the seasons two to four. 

Starring Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, and Aasif Mandvi as three individuals from vastly different backgrounds who are tasked by the Catholic Church to investigate possible supernatural incidents.

The series after being renewed for a fourth season, was announced that the fourth season was scheduled to premiere mid-May. Following this announcement, another one, that it would be followed by a shortened, four-episode fifth and final season, which is set to premiere the week after the end of season 4.

So it's the finale, finale of a longer Paramount+ series. One of the only series I currently watch on the streamer. Paramount is in a bit of cash trouble right now and back home here in Australia runs network 10. They are the first station to set their upfront date, in a few Mondays.

So what happens at the end of Evil? SPOILER ALERTS! After some last minute Leland drama, there is a slight time jump.

Kristen and the girls call Ben from Italy. Still no word on Patrick Brammall (Colin from Accounts) as Kristen's estranged husband. Who was only featured a very small amount in the final season.

Ben rolls up the anti-djinn backdrop in his apartment, they talk about how he’ll come visit soon. Then she hangs up and sends the girls home so she can get back to work. 

As Kristen glances at Timothy in his stroller, his eyes get all white and demonic. Then he grins a smile full of evil-looking, sharp teeth. David meets her and, off her perplexed look, asks if anything is wrong. 

She smiles, pops a pacifier in the kid’s mouth as she says everything’s great, and they stroll together in Vatican City.

It all ended a little too soon, despite the fact they were given four extra episodes, and the news of the finale, finale ahead of time. Personally the earlier episodes were a little slow. A little dull.

I was wanting a bit more in this the final season. There were some good cases in amongst the bad. However the procedural did start to wear thin. I think Paramount+ did the right thing ending this series for good. It had very little new ground to cover. Where will it feature on New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming RATED list? That is coming soon! Can you believe Spring is basically already here!

New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Outer Range - Seasons One to Two/Series Finale

I was late to the Outer Range ranch. Which reminds me a little bit of Yellowstone, until you discover it's a science fiction neo-Western series. So mix a western with science fiction. How does that work? Plus a character who also sings a wide range of pop songs from across the years!

Starring Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lili Taylor, Tom Pelphrey, Tamara Podemski and Lewis Pullman.

The first season landed on (now with ad's) Amazon Prime Video in April 2022. So yeah, I am late to this party. However I did do both seasons back to back. Or b2b if you are Charli XCX!

The second season picked up where season one left off, back in May. Critics have given the series positive reviews, with particular praise for the performances of its cast (particularly Brolin and Poots). 

That said though, last month, the series was canceled after two seasons. Saying that, it felt like episode seven, of season two, was not intended to be the finale, finale.

So what's Outer Range all about? Watch the trailer or scroll below.

Royal Abbott is a Wyoming rancher who is fighting for his land and family. He discovers a mysterious black void in the pasture after the arrival of a female drifter, Autumn, who has a connection to Abbott's ranch. While the Abbott family copes with the disappearance of their daughter-in-law Rebecca, they are pushed further to the brink when a rival family, the Tillersons, try to take over their land.

Amazon have been a little savage with cancellations of late. This week cancelling My Lady Jane, after only one season.

Looks like after all the strikes, adding ad's to the basic subscription and competition across streaming services, streamers are looking to get rid of poor performing series.

I enjoyed the weirdness of Outer Range, however at times I did wonder WTF am I watching.

Like Yellowstone, rival families and rural life can be dramatic. Add a science fiction, time travel storyline to the mix and things go wild!

Was this the best series of the New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming period? Probably not. However it was nice to check into another Amazon series, post The Boys.

Josh Brolin is a total boss, a little more country than Yellowstone's former head honcho, Kevin Costner. But sadly this series never reached Yellowstone fever, with multiple spin-offs. It's now dead and buried.

Till next time. We are over halfway through the New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming period now. Wow 2024 is flying by! Q4 incoming!

New Financial Year 2024/2025 Streaming - Boy Swallows Universe - Miniseries

Now the Logies for 2024 is done and dusted, it's time to catch up with the most nominated show. Boy Swallows Universe received a massive 10 Logie Award nominations!

The limited series for Netflix is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Trent Dalton. 

Boy Swallows Universe revolves around Eli Bell, a working-class youth who enters Brisbane's underworld to save his mother from danger.

The cast is outstanding, Travis Fimmel, Phoebe Tonkin, Felix Cameron, Lee Tiger Halley, Zac Burgess, Simon Baker, Bryan Brown, Anthony LaPaglia and Sophie Wilde all star in this local series.

UPDATE: Following last nights Logies (as I concluded episode seven, Boy Meets End) the miniseries took home five awards!

So I am totally late to this Aussie series. Premiering on Netflix, in January this year.  It received overwhelming praise from critics and audiences. I too enjoyed this tale of family, crime and growing up in Brisbane's suburbs.

To be honest, it was surprising for me to see a Netflix series do so well. Netflix of late for me has 100% been quantity over quality.

The latest episodes of Cobra Kai, Girls5eva & Unstable, were clearly under cooked.

I am happy Netflix got behind an Aussie story. Considering so many of us Aussie's subscribe to the streaming giant.

It's great seeing former model, Travis Fimmel continuing to get interesting roles on Australian (and international) TV. He delivered in this along with Stan's newly renewed series, Black Snow.

So if like me you waited for the Logies to certify Boy Swallows Universe as a hit, then get into this local Netflix series now.

Well done last night cast and crew!