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
Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.
The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.
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.
Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.