By Maria Bregman
July is set to be an exhilarating month for TV enthusiasts with an array of diverse and captivating series premiering across various streaming platforms. From remakes of cult classics to new seasons of beloved sagas, this month promises something for everyone. Here’s a detailed review and analysis of the most anticipated shows to keep on your radar.
Sunny: A Robot-Aided Mystery Unfolds in Japan
Set in the picturesque city of Kyoto, “Sunny” introduces us to Suzy, an expatriate grappling with a harrowing personal tragedy—her husband and son have vanished following a plane crash. Refusing to accept their presumed deaths, Suzy embarks on a quest for the truth, aided by a robot named Sunny, which was designed by her missing husband.
“Sunny” is a gripping adaptation of Colin O’Sullivan’s novel “The Dark Manual”. The series delves into themes of loss, hope, and the relentless pursuit of answers. Rashida Jones, known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office”, delivers a compelling performance as Suzy, bringing depth and nuance to her character’s emotional journey. Created by Katie Robbins, the showrunner behind “The Affair”, “Sunny” blends suspense with poignant human drama, making it a must-watch this July.
Sausage Party: Foodtopia
The irreverent animated comedy “Sausage Party” is back, this time as a series titled “Sausage Party: Foodtopia”. Building on the outrageous humour of the 2016 film, this spin-off explores the chaotic and humorous attempts of food items to create their own utopia.
The original film’s cast, including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, and Michael Cera, returns to voice their iconic characters. The show’s creators, inspired by the success of the movie, aim to push the boundaries even further, blending satirical commentary with laugh-out-loud moments. “Sausage Party: Foodtopia” is poised to be a provocative yet entertaining addition to the summer line-up.
Vikings: Valhalla Season 3
“Vikings: Valhalla”, the epic sequel to the original “Vikings” series, returns with its third season. Set a century after the events of its predecessor, the series follows the legendary Norse heroes as they navigate a world increasingly influenced by Christianity.
This season promises to delve deeper into the cultural and religious shifts occurring in Northern Europe. The cast, featuring Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson, Frida Gustavsson as Freydis Eiriksdottir, and Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson, continues to deliver stellar performances. With its intricate plotlines and breathtaking visuals, “Vikings: Valhalla” remains a cornerstone of historical drama on Netflix.
The Mysteries of Karenina
An experimental take on Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina”, “The Mysteries of Karenina” offers a fresh perspective on the classic novel. This six-part series invites well-known actors to audition for a fictional film adaptation of the book, exploring the characters, motives, and alternative plot developments.
The show features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sergey Garmash, Polina Aug, and Igor Mirkurbanov. Under the direction of Ivan Yudin, the series promises a blend of literary analysis and dramatic performance, offering viewers a unique and immersive experience. This innovative approach to a literary masterpiece makes “The Mysteries of Karenina” a standout in this month’s line-up.
Those About to Die
“Those About to Die” is an epic historical drama that transports viewers to the tumultuous era of Emperor Vespasian in ancient Rome. Starring Anthony Hopkins as Vespasian, the series chronicles the emperor’s reign and his ambition to construct the iconic Colosseum.
Created by Robert Rodat, known for his work on “Saving Private Ryan”, and directed by Roland Emmerich, famed for his blockbuster disaster films, the series promises a grand spectacle of political intrigue, warfare, and architectural marvels. With a supporting cast that includes Iwan Rheon and Dimitri Leonidas, “Those About to Die” is set to captivate audiences with its high-stakes drama and historical authenticity.
Lady in the Lake
Natalie Portman stars in “Lady in the Lake”, a gripping detective drama set in 1960s Baltimore. The series follows Maddie Schwartz, a housewife who leaves her unfulfilling marriage to pursue a career in journalism. Her investigation into the disappearance of a young Black woman leads her into a web of corruption and social tensions.
Based on Laura Lippman’s bestselling novel, the series has been adapted to include new plot twists, ensuring even fans of the book will be surprised. Portman’s portrayal of Maddie is both powerful and nuanced, adding depth to this complex narrative. “Lady in the Lake” is a thought-provoking exploration of race, gender, and justice.
Snowpiercer: The Final Season
“Snowpiercer” reaches its dramatic conclusion this month with its fourth and final season. Based on Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed film, the series has expanded its universe, exploring life on a perpetually moving train in a post-apocalyptic world.
Sean Bean returns as Mr. Wilford, alongside a cast that includes Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner, and Jennifer Connelly. This season promises to resolve lingering questions and deliver a satisfying end to the story’s arc. “Snowpiercer” has consistently combined social commentary with thrilling action, making its finale highly anticipated.
Time Bandits
“Time Bandits”, a remake of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult classic, premieres this July. The series, helmed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, follows 11-year-old Kevin as he discovers a portal in his bedroom that allows him to travel through time with a band of rogue adventurers.
Starring Lisa Kudrow, Taika Waititi, and Rune Temte, “Time Bandits” promises a whimsical and humorous journey through history. The series blends fantasy, comedy, and adventure, staying true to the spirit of the original while offering a fresh take for modern audiences.
The Decameron
Set against the backdrop of the Black Death in 1348 Florence, “The Decameron” is an erotic black comedy inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s classic work. The series follows a group of nobles and their servants as they seek refuge in a countryside villa, only to find themselves entangled in a web of debauchery and survival.
Featuring a cast led by Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Zosia Mamet, the show offers a bold and irreverent interpretation of Boccaccio’s tales. With its blend of historical drama and dark comedy, “The Decameron” is set to be a provocative and entertaining addition to Netflix’s July offerings.
The Boys Season 4
While not a new release, the return of “The Boys” for its fourth season deserves mention. This satirical take on the superhero genre continues to push boundaries with its dark humour and social commentary. Created by Eric Kripke and based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, “The Boys” explores the corrupt underbelly of a world dominated by superpowered individuals.
Starring Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr, the series has been praised for its sharp writing and fearless approach to controversial themes. Season 4 promises more shocking twists and deeper dives into the characters’ complex motivations.
In summary, July’s TV line-up offers a rich tapestry of genres and stories, from historical epics and dark comedies to experimental adaptations and animated adventures. Each series brings something unique to the table, ensuring that viewers will find plenty to enjoy. As the summer heat intensifies, these must-watch shows provide the perfect excuse to stay indoors and immerse yourself in compelling narratives and unforgettable characters.