2 January 2020
Summer of Rockets
Period dramas are fun and they’re better when there’s truth to them. Like six-episode miniseries Summer of Rockets, based on the life of author Stephen Poliakoff (who wrote the screenplay and directed it).
The series tells the story of Russian Jew Samuel Petrukhin, who develops hearing aids in England. He’s happy in that life until he’s asked to help British intelligence agency MI5 with their Cold War efforts as Russia tests ballistic missiles in 1957. Should Samuel refuse, he won’t see his son again… so he has no option.
It’s a super interesting story because it’s real. The series is filmed well and looks great and fits in the modern world. The stilted acting is a trademark of Poliakoff’s work – even Toby Stephens as Samuel feels odd despite his experience (he played Bond villain Gustav Graves in 2002’s Die Another Day).
“This cold-war drama has Stephen Poliakoff’s trademark stilted dialogue, odd acting and overload of posh houses – but this time, I want to watch more. The weird quirks of Poliakoff’s work give it a dreamy and disquieting feel, which you either like or you don’t,” writes Emine Saner of theguardian.com.
The Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Push play on Father’s Day: Dads just want to have fun
If you’re trying to figure out what the mystery man known as dad really wants this Father’s Day, promise him one-on-one time with our Dads Just Wanna Have Fun collection.
James McAvoy and James Watkins on Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil director James Watkins and star James McAvoy explain “host” Paddy’s creepy charisma, and we check out 6 more roles that prove you never know what to expect with James McAvoy.
Celebrate World Oceans Day with My Penguin Friend
My Penguin Friend director David Schurmann and actor Jean Reno explain how you shoot a penguin. Plus, explore our World Oceans Day watchlist of 25 wet and wild movies and series.