The Adam Project
Sci-fi

If you’re looking for a fun throwback to the Amblin adventure films of the 1980s, look no further than Shawn Levy’s Netflix original sci-fi film, The Adam Project. The film centers on a young boy (breakout star Walker Scobell), who discovers that his future self (Ryan Reynolds) is an astronaut who has crash-landed on Earth. If you’re expecting the typical quippy performance from Reynolds, you’ll be surprised to see that it’s actually Scobell who gets most of the film’s best zingers. Reynolds turns in a more hardened, mature performance, and the film itself does a great job balancing humour and heart.

Polite Society
Drama/Animation

We Are Lady Parts creator Nida Manzoor makes her big-screen debut with an endearing action dramedy about London teenager Ria Khan (Priya Kansara), who decides to use her fighting skills to save her older sister from marrying into a prominent but suspicious family.

Eve
Documentary

Eve is the intimate story of a nine-year-old girl living in one of the oldest off-grid communities in the UK, Tinkers Bubble in Somerset. We follow the fledging climate activist as she navigates her way back into traditional schooling and proudly speaks up for her passionate belief in the environment. Filmmakers Joya Berrow and Lucy Jane talk with us about making a carbon-conscious documentary and what they learned during their time with Eve.

Jim Jefferies: High n' Dry
Stand-up comedy

Jim Jefferies may not be the right date-night choice for everyone, but it’s easy to assume he probably doesn’t care. In his latest special, High n’ Dry, Jefferies makes the Valentine’s Day release of the special extremely on point. The 45-year-old has several specials available on Netflix, including the phenomenal Bare.

Bongeziwe Mabandla: amaXesha
Music Album

Opening on the plaintive guitar melody of Sisahleleleni (i), Mabandla’s delicate vocal builds to an anthemic chorus, which undulates through synth processing. The blend of acoustic and electronic continues on standout Ukuthanda Wena, where his strumming weaves through an arpeggiated synth, developing the feel of Ndokulandela to gesture towards the melodic electronica of producers such as Bonobo. The defining quality of Mabandla’s work is his melismatic voice.