5 June 2019
Women rule Showmax in June
Whether covering up their sins or seeking justice for the sins of others, these powerful women light up the screen in these big titles coming to Showmax in June.
The Monterey Five, Big Little Lies
The Monterey Five (Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley) are back on Showmax on Monday 10 June for a second season of the Emmy-winning mystery Big Little Lies.
From the trailer, it looks like they may not get away with murder after all as an unwavering and grief-stricken mother shows up looking for the truth. Meryl Streep joins BLL S2 as Mary Louise Wright, Celeste’s mother-in-law, who’s come into town looking for answers about the death of her son, Perry Wright. Remember him? The handsome, domineering, possessive and ultimately pathetic man was played to perfection by Alexander Skarsgard.
Meryl Streep has been nominated for more Oscars than any other actor in history – 21 (she’s won three) so it’s a coup to get her to agree to come on a TV show.
Big Little Lies S2 might not have the murder mystery plot line of Season 1, but Celeste and company have enough secrets and lies to take us all to the edge with them. And to have a woman like Streep help us dig up those secrets – what a blessing.
If you’ve never watched Big Little Lies before, catch up on Season 1 on Showmax now. Trust us – you won’t be sorry.
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is as dark as a drama about patriarchal oppression can be – brutal with its trauma and very fleeting with its hope. But according to actress Elisabeth Moss, who plays June Osborne/Offred, that’s going to change in Season 3 as it’s going to show the audience that there is a way out.
And if you despaired when June gave up her chance of escaping in the Season 2 finale, take heart in the fact that the resistance is coming, and it’s more than ready to take down the government of Gilead. Blessed be the fight. I wonder what new quotable slogans we’re going to pick up this season.
The Handmaid’s Tale S3 episodes 1 and 2 premiere on Showmax on Monday 10 June, with new episodes every Monday after that. Seasons 1 and 2 are also on Showmax if you need a refresher!
Kristin Kreuk, Burden of Truth
Watching Kristin Kreuk in action in Burden of Truth, it’s refreshing to see her embody a different role than the ones she’s known for. Personally, even as a lifetime fan of Smallville and the tortured Clark Kent–Lana Lang romance, I’m happy to see Kreuk unburdened from her role as supernatural sidekick, and taking on something more mature and well-rounded.
Kreuk plays Joanna Hanley, a big city lawyer who returns to her hometown to represent a major pharmaceutical company in a lawsuit. Along the way, however, she develops a conscience and decides to represent the victims instead. As she uncovers the truth, she is also forced to confront some dark secrets about her family. Some critics have compared Burden of Truth to Sharp Objects, another gem on Showmax, helmed by Amy Adams. Plus, it’s just been renewed for Season 3!
Burden of Truth S1 and 2 are streaming on Showmax.
Issa Rae, Insecure
Issa Rae’s busy schedule may have pushed Insecure S4 to 2020 but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in a little Insecure guilty pleasure, especially with Season 3 now on Showmax.
While Season 2 mainly focused on Issa and Lawrence’s messy break up and the dalliances in between, Season 3 gives Issa (and her bestie Molly) a much-needed fresh start. No Lawrence, no Daniel.
Issa picks herself up and moves into new apartment. She even secures a side hustle as a Lyft driver where she meets a new love interest. She still has some issues to deal with of course but without any of her messy relationships, Issa’s life is quieter, perhaps even deeper.
As was to be expected, Insecure S3 does everything perfectly – almost – but the one thing we might never forgive them for is reviving #LawrenceHive, the sometimes-toxic online community that supports her low-ambition ex.
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
Brasse Vannie Kaap, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
7 South African stand-up comedians that bring the laughs
Discover these top SA comedians ready to make you laugh out loud in their comedy specials and the 13-part Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, now streaming on Showmax.
See the trailer for the new Showmax Original, Ubuthe Uzobuya
Showmax releases a trailer for the upcoming reality series Ubuthe Uzobuya, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have been ghosted by their spouses. Lands 29 October 2024.
Must-watch trailer: local sci-fi Showmax Original film The Fix
Kelsey Egan talks about writing and directing The Fix, opening film at MIPAfrica. Premieres on 31 October on Showmax.
The Real Housewives of Cape Town
The Real Housewives of Cape Town follows the lives of powerful and affluent women who are beloved, enigmatic and often misunderstood.