sent from my Iphoen

TV & film reviews from April 2024

Welcome to “Did Rachael Hate That?”, a new monthly-ish newsletter where I share the best, worst and weirdest stuff I watched recently (created by popular demand, which is the first time in my life I can say that! Very cool 😎).

You seem to love my dumb little one sentence IG reviews, and I’m constantly asked where they’re saved so you can refer back to them. Now I finally have an answer — and it’s right HERE. (Also please ignore the fact that this Substack was started a year ago, tysm!)

Without further ado, here are my Must Watch, Meh, and Skips from April:

HELL YES, watch immediately:

• Baby Reindeer (drama/thriller, Netflix): Holy shit! The Beef of 2024. It’s must see TV, but just know that it's much more drama than comedy — heavy, but fantastic.

• Civil War (dystopian drama, in theaters): It's so hard to explain this movie, but I cried a lot, almost threw up, and I am not the same. It's terrifying, and beautiful, and sickly funny.

• Challengers (SEXY ASS DRAMA, in theaters): What a blast! What a cast! The drama! The score! The THIGHS!!! Every single moment was fun. I went twice, and will buy it the second it’s available.

• First Time Female Director (comedy, Roku): I missed this last year and SHAME on me!! Literally every funny person is in it, didn't stop laughing for a second.

• Mary & George (sexy drama, Starz): You probably think this is another Bridgerton rip off. You're wrong — it's more Game of Thrones, gay as hell, and so so fun.

• Ripley (thriller, Netflix): A perfect slow burn, and darkly funny. It's more sinister than the original, the noir vibes are gorgeous, and Andrew Scott is perfection.

• Stress Positions (comedy, in theaters): A charming and offbeat indie delight! John Early shines as always, and I can't wait to see more from Theda.

Worth a watch, IF it’s your vibe:

• 3 Body Problem (sci-fi drama, Netflix): This is a little overhyped imho (and the performances were a bit overdone), but definitely fun if you like sci-fi and aliens.

• A Gentleman in Moscow (historical drama, Paramount+): This is one of my favorite books so I was nervous, but it's fantastic (and gorgeous!) A delicious slow burn, too.

• Dinosaur (comedy, Hulu): A lighthearted and fun comedy from Scotland. If you liked Derry Girls, definitely give this a go.

• Lisa Frankenstein (dark comedy, Peacock/pay to rent): If the idea of an Edward Scissorhands / Encino Man mashup with perfect 80s fashion that goes completely off the rails excites you, you're in luck!

• Palm Royale (dramedy, Apple): The best cast ever and it’s so pretty, but it flamed out quickly and the S1 ending was trash. Only worth a watch for the eye candy.

• Scoop (historical drama, Netflix): This was great — a very quick, very satisfying watch about the Epstein/Prince Andrew scandal breaking (POV of the journalists working it).

Skips — imho, these are not worth your time:

• A Murder at the End of the World (thriller, Hulu): Great premise that couldn't save mediocre writing and borderline hilarious overacting.

• Constellation (sci-fi drama, Apple): Well made, but not for me. That said, other people like it so maybe try it if you're into space thrillers (update: just canceled!)

• Big Mood (comedy, Tubi): I adore Nicola and was excited for this, but it's just not quite fully baked.

• Fallout (sci-fi mess, Amazon): WOW this is bad! I think maybe it's trying to be a comedy? And... failing miserably? TLDR: This ain't no Last of Us, skip.

• Road House (action/western, Amazon): Unwatchable. So stupid, and not the fun kind. Hard skip.

• We Were the Lucky Ones (historical drama, Hulu): Nope. If you want this vibe, go watch A Small Light instead (unless you just want to laugh at Joey's accent).

Honorary Mention: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (Rom com, Pay to Rent)

I can't believe I hadn't seen this! A typical Sorkin workplace drama, this one is backstage at SNL. Perfect cast, perfect cheesy banter, and a perfect ending (they knew they weren't getting a second season bc it was so expensive). I binged all 22 eps in a weekend and god, it was so satisfying. You do have to buy it on Amazon, but it’s well worth the ~$20. Just LOOK AT THIS CAST:

Happy watching, and I’ll be back soon with the next round of recs xx