Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pick-of-the-week"><em>PICK OF THE WEEK</em></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joy-netflix-fri-22-nov"><strong><em>Joy</em>, Netflix, Fri 22 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Joy | Official Trailer | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qoyn5BCm37o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>James Norton, Bill Nighy and Thomasin McKenzie lead this very British drama about the birth (sorry) of IVF. Based on true events, <strong><em>Joy </em></strong>tells the remarkable story behind the world’s first test-tube baby. Told through the perspective of Jean Purdy (McKenzie), a young nurse who joins forces with scientist Robert Edwards (Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Nighy) on their mission to understand and offer a solution to infertility.&nbsp;A heartwarmer and breaker in equal measure, but a lovely, inspiring, life-affirming watch nonetheless, with Nighy being as wonderful as ever.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dune-prophecy-sky-atlantic-mon-18-nov"><strong><em>Dune Prophecy</em>, Sky Atlantic, Mon 18 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dune: Prophecy | Official Series Trailer | Max" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzVHWNosS2o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Though there’s no Timothée Chalamet in this particular <em>Dune</em>-verse (sob) this big budget prequel goes some way to keep the dream alive for those of you who are impatiently waiting Part 3 of the franchise (expected Dec 2026 we’re afraid people). Set 10,000 years before the events of the 2021 movie, <em>looong</em> before Paul Atreides, <strong><em>Dune Prophecy </em></strong>explains the origin of the superhuman sisterhood, Bene Gesserit. With a fabulously fierce Emily Watson and a tyrannical Mark Strong leading the charge, expect sweeping special effects, a moving score and a gripping story both fans of the movies and book can get on board with.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cheaters-bbc-one-tue-19-nov"><strong><em>Cheaters</em>, BBC One, Tue 19 Nov,</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cheaters Series 2 Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aCza64X83Bo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>For a fun, frothy and quick (each episode is a mere 15 minutes long!) comic watch, we’re all about <strong><em>Cheaters</em></strong>. The mini marvel continues its exploration into the particularly sticky issue &#8211; can a relationship which started as an affair, survive? This season, we catch up with Fola (Susan Wokoma) and Josh (Jason McGuire) now “officially” a couple and dealing with the fallout of their&nbsp;adulterous beginnings. And by fallout we mean their exes who are still very much a part of their lives. Cringey, comical and a cracker of a watch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-listeners-bbc-one-tue-19-nov"><strong><em>The Listeners</em>, BBC</strong> One, Tue 19 Nov</h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="The Listeners | Official Trailer - BBC" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dl1PgVl2kXc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Halloween may be over but <strong><em>The Listeners</em></strong> is about to leave you seriously haunted (and maybe with a slight buzzing in your ears!). Rebecca Hall plays Claire, a teacher, mother and wife, who starts hearing a low level buzzing that doesn’t go away. After tinnitus is ruled out she is left feeling isolated until one of her students (played by up-and-comer Ollie West) says they too can hear “The Hum”. Based on Jordan Tannahill&#8217;s 2021 novel, and brought to you by the producers of <em>Normal People</em> and <em>The Favourite</em>, prepare to second guess absolutely everything in this compelling drama.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-oceans-netflix-wed-20-nov-nbsp"><strong><em>Our Oceans</em>, Netflix, Wed 20 Nov&nbsp;</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Our Oceans | Barack Obama | Official Trailer | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q79wgkLGeM4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Barack Obama takes a deep dive into <strong><em>Our Oceans</em></strong> in this thrilling cinematic documentary. Each episode explores the unique ecosystems living in our five oceans, from dancing cuttlefish and killer whales making waves to amazing underwater kelp forests and cute but most likely doomed seal pups. Though he’s no David Attenborough, Obama’s narration is incredibly comforting so consider us fully submerged in this gorgeous eye-opening watch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-merry-gentlemen-netflix-wed-20-nov"><strong><em>The Merry Gentlemen</em>, Netflix, Wed 20 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="The Merry Gentlemen | Official Trailer | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G80Q8-MJM1A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Still think it&#8217;s too early to break the seal on Christmas movies? You may want to rethink that stance as this gem stars a scantily clad Chad Michael Murray! Like <em>The Full Monty</em> (but with <em>Magic Mike</em> like hunks), <strong><em>The Merry Gentleman</em></strong>, are a six-packed gang of dudes trying to save a small town performing arts venue by putting on a festive strip show of sorts. Helping them with their moves is Ashley (Britt Robertson), who may or may not end up falling for one of the merry gents &#8211; not that we can blame her. Yep it’s all kinds of Hallmark cheesy but it&#8217;s the kind of present unwrapping we can get onboard with in mid-November! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-brilliant-friend-sky-atlantic-wed-20-nov"><strong><em>My Brilliant Friend</em>, Sky Atlantic, Wed 20 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="My Brilliant Friend Season 4 | Official Trailer | HBO" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ug-keps5tyc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Keep the tissues handy as the final adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s exquisite Neapolitan Quartet lands this week, and if you’ve read the books, you’ll know we’re in for an absolute sobfest! Reconvening in Italy in the 1980s, and Elena (Margherita Mazzucco) is on the up and trying to start a new life for herself in Naples. But true to form, tragedy is just around the corner &#8211; and no we aren&#8217;t just talking about the breakdown of her brilliant friendship with Lila. Absolutely gorgeous and will most definitely have you reaching for the books (again).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cruel-intentions-prime-video-thu-21-nov"><strong><em>Cruel Intentions</em>, Prime Video, Thu 21 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cruel Intentions - Official Trailer | Prime Video" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qqehRM8-B3o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>It’s made its way on stage so it&#8217;s about time we had a screen remake of the 1999 cult teen smash,<strong><em> Cruel Intentions.</em></strong> Though given a 2020’s makeover, iPhones and all, the basic premise for all you purists panicking out there remains the same. Twisted step siblings Caroline (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien (Zac Burgess) strive to retain their manipulative hold on their exclusive Washington DC college by following through on several dark and debaucherous plans. Fans of <em>Gossip Girl</em> and <em>Euphoria</em> are sure to lap this up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-man-on-the-inside-netflix-thu-21-nov"><strong><em>A Man on the Inside</em>, Netflix, Thu 21 Nov </strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="A Man on the Inside | Official Trailer | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xhsVj_4ONoA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Ted Danson is a delight (as usual) in this soul-stirring comedy created by Mike Schur of <em>The Good Place </em>and <em>Parks and Rec</em> fame. Danson plays retired professor, Charles, who is a bit lost after his wife’s passing. That is until he meets a private investigator and goes undercover in an old folks home to help find some jewellery which has mysteriously disappeared. Stephanie Beatriz, Sally Struthers, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Marc Evan Jackson and Stephen McKinley Henderson also star in this easy breezy watch which, fun fact, is based on the documentary <em>The Mole Agent</em>, a 2021 Oscar nominee!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blitz-apple-tv-fri-22-nov"><strong><em>Blitz</em>, Apple TV+, Fri 22 Nov</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Blitz — Official Trailer | Apple TV+" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZwykQK9aZo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Harris Dickinson and rocker Paul Weller all star in Steve McQueen’s latest marvel. A World War II epic which follows a young boys defiant and dangerous journey to reunite with his mother after he is evacuated to assumed safety in the countryside. Though traditional in its telling, and with a touch of <em>The Railway Children</em> about it, <strong><em>Blitz</em></strong> is still adventurous and gripping stuff. Prepare to be completely captivated by Ronan and Weller in what we cannot believe is his big screen debut.</p>


Budge up on the sofa! Here’s 10 top new shows to watch on the box this week

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