30 April 2020
Bad Education (2019)
Bad Education was bought by HBO in “[The Toronto Film Festival’s] biggest deal” last year, according to Variety, who called it a “sign of the future… a game-changer, a cutting-edge example — or maybe you could call it a casualty — of the shifting sands of movie distribution,” where great movies will compete “not for the Oscars but for the Emmys.”
Bad Education is based on the real-life scandal that went down at writer Mike Makowsky’s high school, where a student journalist uncovered the single largest public school embezzlement scheme in America’s history.
The movie follows Frank Tassone (Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman) and Pam Gluckin (Oscar winner Allison Janney), whose reign over a prestigious school district is threatened by the embezzlement scandal, forcing Frank to take drastic steps to maintain order and secrecy.
The cast includes MTV Movie + TV Awards nominee Alex Wolff (Hereditary), Kathrine Narducci (The Irishman, Godfather of Harlem) and Golden Globe nominee Ray Romano (The Irishman, Everybody Loves Raymond).
Bad Education has a 94% critics’ rating. IndieWire calls it, “A diabolically smart true-life crime drama that stars Hugh Jackman in his best performance since The Prestige”, while Little White Lies says, “It’s a story about the lengths people will go to for self-preservation, deliciously mean and as funny as it is outrageous.”
Original African stories by local talent
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream from 7 November 2024 on Showmax.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Stream from 18 November 2024, with new episodes every Monday.
Style Magnate
Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Subterranea
Subterranea follows eight participants of a psychological experiment, trapped in an underground bunker. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Nai-Rich
Nai-Rich follows five influential Kenyans, giving a glimpse into the glitz and glam of their daily lives in the entertainment industry. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
False Glory
Fake Glory is a three-part documentary series that delves into those moments when sporting figures did the unthinkable for personal gain.
Law, Love and Betrayal
Law, Love and Betrayal follows a tough township lawyer who forces her way into a slick, family-owned firm in Sandton. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
Brasse Vannie Kaap, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
Law, Love and Betrayal episode 6: Against good morals
In episode 6 of Law, Love and Betrayal, complications arise at an industry event where Gatsha is supposed to be honoured. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Empini episodes 41-42: Comrades don’t run against each other
In episodes 41-42 of Empini, Zenzele finds out the truth behind his assassination attempts, and things heat up between him and Ndoni. New episodes Thursdays on Showmax.
Showmax is your ticket to 26 SAFTA-nominated shows
Showmax is setting the pace with the most SAFTA nominees this year of any streaming platform. All these are available to watch immediately.
Mampho Brescia on her “morally corrupt” character in Soft Life
Mampho Brescia dives deep into her role as Zam in Soft Life, the Showmax Original drama series set to premiere on 18 November 2024, with new episodes every week.