A Perfect Couple – the most thrilling

A wealthy family, a wedding on an island, and then… a dead body. Netflix’s new 2024 series A Perfect Couple has all the ingredients of a good thriller. Adapted from a novel by Elin Hilderbrand—an American bestselling author of romantic novels—A Perfect Couple immerses us in the world of the ultra-rich, offering an ironic portrait without being moralistic. It’s often juicy, and that’s why we love it!

The story begins with the preparations for a grand wedding between Amalia Sacks and Benji Winbury. An important note: the family of the groom, the Winburys, are “as rich as a child trafficking network on a private island… rich enough to kill someone and get away with it,” as one character states. The tone is set! The union of these two lovebirds was supposed to be a dream moment. But that was before the discovery of a body—the bridesmaid’s, oops!—on the eve of the big day.

From there, a gallery of characters unfolds—each more suspicious than the last—offering comedic moments, like the rigid and overdone matriarch played by  Nicole Kidman at her finest.Through clever use of flashbacks and shifting perspectives, the series maintains suspense while exploring toxic family dynamics, false appearances, and the sacrifices made to maintain them. We love it!

Available on Netflix from September 5.

In Vogue: The 90s – the trendiest

With the documentary series In Vogue: The 90s, Disney+ brings us a rocking  return to the 90s. It’s a dive into the trends, icons, and excesses of that wild decade. “The 90s changed our world,” says Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue America, in the show’s intro. Quite a statement!

In six episodes, this new 2024 series dissects an entire era: fashion and its supermodels—how could we forget Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, or Naomi Campbell?—as well as its underground cultures with the rise of grunge and hip-hop. These trends are still a source of inspiration for the uncompromising  Gen-Z generation. In Vogue: The 90s features testimonies from special guests like Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Marc Jacobs, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Elizabeth Hurley, and Tom Ford. Fashionistas, you’re in for a treat!

Episodes 1-3 on September 13 // Episodes 4-6 on September 20 on Disney+ – Hulu.

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The Penguin – the most anticipated

Batman fans, get ready for a treat this fall! As Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters in October, another 2024 series is dedicated to an iconic character: The Penguin. Villains are definitely having their moment! The show tells the criminal rise of Oswald, the heir to the Cobblepot dynasty, rivals to the Wayne family (and a certain Bruce, aka Batman). Nicknamed The Penguin due to his unsightly appearance, Oswald Cobblepot becomes one of Gotham City’s biggest crime lords—and, of course, Batman’s nemesis.

Everyone is praising Colin Farrell’s performance, one of Hollywood’s heavyweights, who is barely recognizable here. According to Podcast Movie, The Penguin is “the series of the year and the perfect blend of Batman and The Sopranos.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the series scores 93% positive reviews from 45 critics. Tempted? We sure are!`

Available on Max starting September 20.

A Devoted Friend – the most realistic

This new 2024 series tackles a particularly sensitive subject: the Bataclan attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. This is the first original French production on HBO Max, based on real events. The excellent Laure Calamy, who we adored in My Donkey, My Lover & I, plays Christelle, a survivor who turns out to be a compulsive liar.

The pitch? Christelle is a die-hard fan of Eagles of Death Metal, but on November 13, 2015, she didn’t attend their concert, which turned out to be a tragic evening.  After the attacks, she begins exchanging messages with survivors, listening to their stories, and offering them constant support. She also invents a fictional friend, claiming he was seriously injured at the Bataclan, leading her down a spiral of lies. A Devoted Friend promises to examine the dynamics of deception in a gripping drama.

Available on Max starting October 11.

Zorro – the funniest

We all remember Jean Dujardin’s performance as the slightly dim-witted secret agent in OSS 117. The French actor seems to love parodying Anglo-Saxon cinematic classics. After James Bond, it’s the masked vigilanteZorro’s turn to take a hit. This time, the story follows Don Diego de la Vega, now mayor of his beloved city of Los Angeles. But the town is facing severe financial troubles, caused by the greed of a local businessman, Don Emmanuel.

Faced with mounting injustices, our hero has no choice but to dust off his Zorro persona, which he retired 20 years ago. Except balancing the duties of a crime-fighter and a mayor proves to be no easy task… which inevitably causes issues with his wife Gabriella, to whom he has hidden his double identity. Will Diego be able to save both his city and his marriage? Expect plenty of laughs.

Available on Paramount+ from September 6, and later on France Télévisions by year-end.

The most iconic: Twin Peaks by David Lynch and Mark Frost, starring Kyle MacLachlan

Release Date: 1990

The plot :

A murder is committed in Twin Peaks, a seemingly quiet town in Washington State. The young Laura Palmer is found dead, naked by a lake, wrapped in plastic. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper is sent to uncover the culprit, investigating with the help of the local sheriff, Harry Truman. Their investigation reveals the dark secrets of the town’s residents, while strange and unsettling phenomena begin to occur…

Who is it for?

Thriller enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and aspiring  Sherlock Holmeses.

Why watch it?

For its quirky characters and eerie, slightly unsettling atmosphere, reminiscent of the greatest works by its genius creator, David Lynch (Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive). Twin Peaks is widely regarded as one of the best television series ever made. And because 26 years after the release of the first two seasons, the long-awaited third season, fully directed by Lynch himself, was released in 2017.

All 3 seasons are available on myCanal.

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The funniest and most politically incorrect: Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab for those in the know) by Jennifer Saunders, starring Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha.

Release Date: 1992

The plot:

The misadventures of Edina and Patsy, two fortysomething Londoners who are heavy consumers of alcohol and various drugs. Edina, who runs her own PR firm, has a strained relationship with her daughter, Saffron, whom she finds too serious. Patsy, an anorexic fashion journalist (“she hasn’t eaten anything solid since 1973”), a smoker, and a nymphomaniac, lives more or less off Edina, her only friend.

Who is it for?

Fans of British humor, who enjoy a strong dose of sarcasm and absurdity.

Why You must watch it:

It’s a true reference in British humor, and the zany duo of Eddie and Patsy is pure gold. The lines are deliciously rude, funny, and sharp—you’ll be tempted to jot them down and use them in real life. Samantha from Sex and the City has nothing on them. Proof that this is one of the best series of its generation, in 2012, the two heroines returned for three special episodes. And if you’re truly hooked, the eponymous movie was released in 2016.

All 5 seasons are available on Prime Video or Apple TV.

The Most Addictive: Breaking Bad by Vince Gilligan, starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn

Release Date: 2008

The plot:

Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher in New Mexico, learns he has terminal lung cancer. To secure his pregnant wife and disabled son’s future, he seeks a quick and effective way to make a lot of money. He decides to use his knowledge to produce and sell crystal meth, a synthetic drug.

Who is it for?

Those who love to binge-watch episodes without being able to stop. Often considered one of the best series of all time, Breaking Bad has that extra something that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The pace quickens as the series progresses, with multiple storylines intertwining before ultimately converging, making it impossible to hit pause.

Why you’ll get hooked:

For the depth of the characters and their evolving relationships throughout the episodes. Far from perfect, they all strive to do their best to achieve their goals and protect their loved ones. The series thus conveys strong family values and shows how easily “good” can turn into “evil.”

All 5 seasons are available on Netflix.

The most relevant: The Wire by David Simon, starring Michael K. Williams, Dominic West, Lance Reddick

Release Date: 2002

The plot:

In Baltimore, USA, drug trafficking is rampant. A special unit is set up to dismantle the network of the city’s two main kingpins.

Who is it for?

Those who enjoy long, drawn-out police investigations. Here, cases are built with difficulty, as the criminal team faces many obstacles, such as budget constraints, political pressures, and persuading witnesses to testify.

Why we can’t get enough:

Considered one of David Simon’s best series, The Wire portrays the lives of Baltimore’s cops and drug dealers with hyper-realistic detail, never taking sides with either camp. It highlights racial conflicts, social inequalities, and the flaws in the American political system—topics that are still very (too) relevant today.

All 5 seasons are available on myCanal or Hulu.

The most lovably quirky: Ally McBeal by David E. Kelley, starring Calista Flockhart, Greg Germann, Peter MacNicol

Release Date: 1997

The plot:

Ally McBeal is a lawyer. When her boss sexually harasses her, she decides to sue him and goes to work at the Cage & Fish law firm. The  eccentric and romantic young woman discovers that her ex-boyfriend and first love, Billy, also works there. 

Who is it for?

Those who need a little extra dose of lightness, humor, romance, and craziness in their daily lives. In short, for everyone.

Why we love it:

It’s funny, light, and smart, with that little touch of madness that makes all the difference. The characters are incredibly endearing and all a bit quirky, starting with the heroine, Ally McBeal, who has hallucinations: she frequently sees dancing babies… Calista Flockhart is brilliant in her role as the neurotic thirty-something. A classic!

All 5 seasons are available on Prime Video and Disney+.

Nabil Ayouch returns to the screen with Everybody Loves Touda, the story of a young woman who dreams of becoming a chikha. The film is part of the official selection of the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, which starts on May 16, 2024. It’s an opportunity for Shoelifer to meet this socially committed filmmaker.

 After “Haut et Fort,” dedicated to hip-hop, Nabil Ayouch immerses us in the world of Aïta, through the character of Touda, a single mother who performs every night in the bars of her small provincial town. This popular art form, often marginalized (and endangered), has always elicited admiration as well as contempt, perhaps because we envy the freedom of expression that makes the chikhates feminists ahead of their time. Or maybe it’s because we criticize the (supposed) looseness of their morals. Regardless, in Everybody Loves Touda,  Nabil Ayouch pays tribute to these underappreciated poetesses. Here’s the interview.

After hip-hop, Aïta?

You could say that, yes (laughs). Beyond Aïta, it’s above all a meeting with women who have haunted my films for many years now, since Les Chevaux de Dieu (God’s Horses), as well as discussions I had afterwards with other chikhates to prepare for this film. Each time, there was this strong conviction of the fundamental role played by these women within Moroccan society.

Women  adored as much as they are despised…

Yes, there’s a certain ambivalence on this subject. They are genuine artists who carry a beautiful heritage, a sung poetry that is Aïta, and at the same time, you can feel that from the mid-20th century onwards, their image changed among the population. This is partially because  they had to compromise by going to the city to sing in cabarets and at weddings. Also, conservatism certainly played a role… It’s this ambivalence, this paradox, this status of heroines who are ultimately not well-loved that interested me and that I wanted to address in this film.

According to you, why aren’t they liked?

The relationship between chikhates and society is very ambiguous. They are capable of evoking absolutely phenomenal emotions in the audience, men and women alike. The power of their songs transcends all those who listen to them. I think that the very act of letting oneself be carried away by these songs is something that we resist. And these women are the embodiment of this transformation of the individual that occurs through singing and rhythm as soon as they take the microphone. I also think that this power they have, especially over men, is something that some people find disturbing.

Moreover, being able to liven up various places, including places where there is alcohol and money, is enough to stereotype  them and reduce them to something else. These are the cliches  that I denounce in this film. We really need to remember who they were and who they still are today.

So, the film tells the story of Touda, who leaves her village to become a chikha.

Yes, it’s the story of a woman in search of emancipation. She lives in her small village and she has dreams. Since she was a child, she has been training in rhythms and taârija to become a chikha. She knows all the aïoutes by heart. She carries this dream within her as a desire for social mobility through her art. She wants to be considered first and foremost as an artist. She has a young son who is hearing impaired and who she wants to offer a better future through education. So, she will use the only tool she has: singing. And she knows that to succeed, she must leave her village and head towards the city of lights, Casablanca.

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Nisrine Erradi, who plays Touda, sings and dances in the film. How did she prepare to embody her character?

Nisrine worked tirelessly for a year and a half before filming. She was coached by chikhates, including Khadija El Bidaouia, who passed away during the preparation, and Siham Mesfiouia, a young “purist” chikha who is one of the few of her generation to carry on the tradition of Aïta.

She trained in singing, rhythm, taârija… She practiced moving like them, speaking like them. She did an absolutely phenomenal job to be believable in the role of Touda.

Your film has been selected in the “Cannes Première” category, a first for a Moroccan director…

Yes, but it’s not in competition. “Cannes Première” is a bit of the prestige of the Cannes official selection, where we find established directors  like Léos Carax and Emmanuel Courcol.

Your films are sometimes divisive and often debated, even outside of Morocco. Each time, your characters are marginalized by the system: homosexual prostitutes, youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods, etc. Do you find it easier to make these socially conscious films in 2024 in Morocco than it was 10 years ago?

Yes and no. I think Morocco has evolved in many aspects, and at the same time,  conservatism is still very present. In fact, it is perhaps more present than ten years ago,but in other forms that often come more from the public. For example, just look at the ongoing reform of the Moudawana, which has sparked strong reactions in conservative camps. As soon as we want to touch on the status of women, polygamy, inheritance, or even the marriage of minors, there is a terrible outcry.

 Things are changing, for sure, but there are conservative reflexes that are still very much there. And at the same time, there is this extremely vibrant Moroccan youth, expressing itself in all possible forms, whether through cinema, street arts, song, dance, etc. Society is in motion. And in a way, these two aspects of society are at the heart of public debate. On one hand, there is this desire to open up and move towards modernity, and on the other hand, there is a category of the population that is resistant to change. We live in a somewhat paradoxical, schizophrenic society when it comes to  certain subjects.

Several releases are highly anticipated in December. Among them, the second part of Season 6 of The Crown, landing on Netflix, the La Casa de Papel spin-off dedicated to the character, Berlin, and the first installment of the Rebel Moon science fiction saga… If you don’t know what to watch, here are 5 films and series from 2023 approved by the editorial team to binge-watch on the couch.

Berlin, the most anticipated series for the end of the year 

This La Casa de Papel spin-off is one of the 2023 series that everyone is eager to discover. In 8 episodes, it focuses on Berlin, the older brother of Sergio Marquina (aka the Professor)… The action takes place in Paris, long before the Casa de Papel heist. We will see Berlin training a gang of robbers to pull off the heist of the century.

Release: December 29 on Netflix.

Rebel Moon, the blockbuster film

It’s Netflix that will host Jack Snyder’s (highly anticipated) diptych… The first part, titled Child of Fire, will be released on December 22, 2023. This space opera, very loosely inspired by Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, takes place in the far reaches of a galaxy where a space colony is threatened by the tyrant, Balisarius, and his army. Desperate, the civilian population chooses Kora (played by Sofia Boutella), a young woman with a mysterious past, to recruit a group of warriors…

Release: December 22, 2023, on Netflix.

The Buccaneers

Newly released, this series recounts the adventures of 5 wealthy young New Yorkers who travel to London to find a rich husband. The action takes place in the late 19th century. And these heiresses, whose parents are “newly rich,” will have a hard time adapting to local customs and traditions. The Buccaneers is a pop adaptation of Edith Warton’s eponymous novel. It deals with feminism, friendship, and stereotypes– but from a cheerful perspective. An irresistible series to discover!

Available on Apple TV.

Maestro, the must-see biopic

For his second film, Bradley Cooper explores the rise of Leonard Bernstein, the composer of the musical, West Side Story. In this biopic, Cooper is in front of and behind the camera since he takes on the role of the famous conductor. Maestro mainly retraces his story with Felicia Montealegre Bernstein, his wife. This Costa Rican actress (a former Broadway star) was a true muse for Bernstein… In the marathon of 2023 series, Maestro is one of the films to watch!

Release: December 20 on Netflix.

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The Crown, the final curtain

The Crown is over… Netflix is about to release the final episodes of Season 6. While the first part focused on Diana and the events that led to her death, the second part returns to Prince Charles and Camilla’s marriage, but also the beginnings of the romance between Prince William and Kate Middleton… No reference to Meghan and Harry’s love story or the Megxit. Royal gossip fans will be disappointed!

Release: 2nd part available on December 14 on Netflix

This summer, the editorial team offered you six Arabic films and series to enjoy during your summer evenings. For your cozy autumn plans—whether you’re alone, with a partner, or with family—Shoelifer is back at it. We’ve scoured the Netflix catalog from top to bottom and tested AND approved five Arabic and Turkish series. Why? Well, because life isn’t just about the United States and Europe. In the Arab world and Turkey, directors have been showcasing their creativity and elevating the quality of their productions for several years.

Sure, the region is in turmoil (if not torn apart) at the moment, but that’s precisely why we need to support the creators. On the menu: drama, love, and a touch of the fantastical (hello, Halloween). Here’s our selection of five Arabic and Turkish series that will keep you glued to the couch !

Dollar 

Aired exclusively on Netflix Lebanon in 2019, “Dollar” is the second Arabic series produced by the American platform, now available everywhere. And the least we can say is that “Dollar” is worth its weight in gold. The plot? SBH Bank opens a new branch in Beirut. For the occasion, Tarek, a brilliant but arrogant advertising executive, comes up with a stroke of marketing genius. He suggests putting into circulation a one-dollar bill that’s actually worth a million.

The catch ? The bill in circulation originally belonged to the beautiful Zeina, a colleague of Tarek. The two characters, worlds apart, then join forces to retrieve the precious greenback. Thrilling, funny, and full of twists, “Dollar” is one of the most successful Arabic series of recent years. It’s also a message of hope: when you think everything is falling apart, life brings you another round of surprises. Special mention for the on-screen male-female duo, challenging the stubborn gender stereotypes that still persist in the region.

Another Self

Among our selections of Arabic and Turkish series, we have “The Olive Tree Path.” This female-led buddy series was released in 2022 in Turkey. The story begins with Sevgi, a young woman diagnosed with cancer, who leaves the hospital to try an alternative treatment. Her two best friends, Ada and Leyla, decide to support her and embark on a journey that will change them forever. On the way, they meet Zaman, who offers therapy based on family constellations and embodied memories. Audacious and very much relevant to the times? Absolutely. The result? Touching and cathartic. Many of us will relate to it. Those who have already watched the first season are eagerly awaiting the next.

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Yaratilan, the Creature

Continuing in our selection of Arabic and Turkish series for the autumn, we have “Yaratilan, the Creature.” Here is a Turkish gem, launched on Netflix in October 2023, which revisits a classic: Frankenstein. This version is about a medical student, Ziya, an idealistic and ambitious young man, who leaves his hometown for Istanbul. There, he meets an equally brilliant and eccentric (if not disturbing) scientist. The two buddies set out to decipher a mysterious manuscript in hopes of curing all diseases. Of course, the experiment goes wrong and leads to disaster. While it readily adopts the conventions of the fantasy genre, it’s primarily a reflection on death and its consequences.

The cage

What would a couples’ therapy session in Kuwait look like? To find out, just watch “The Cage.” A bit of an oddball in the world of Arabic series, it was released in November 2022 but was only available in the Middle East until now. This behind-closed-doors series takes place in a marital counselor’s office, where the counselor himself, jaded and in the midst of his own marital crisis, must convince his patients not to divorce! This series has everything: the rich, the poor, the unfaithful, the addicts, women in denial. It’s often funny, sometimes poignant, and it leaves room for thought and introspection.

Finding Ola

Our selection of Arabic and Turkish series is quite focused on romantic comedies. After two seasons, the Egyptian series “Ola Seeks Her Way” remains a favorite. For those who missed it, it’s simply the story of a woman in her forties, a pharmacist and mother of two, whose husband decides to divorce her out of the blue. For Ola, it will be a matter of starting anew, with all the pain, difficulties, and many twists and turns that come with it. All of this, with the acerbic (but often very accurate) reflections of her mother (the standout character of the series).

This series, which is a cult hit in Egypt, highlights a sociological profile that is rarely discussed in the Arab world: the divorced woman, as well as independent and ambitious women. Of course, the setting is all about luxury and opulence: you’d think you were in the United States and not in Egypt, but let’s not quibble. The second season has already been filmed, but its release date has yet to be announced.

Photo (c) Netflix