Latest news with #Wash
Refinery29
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Washington Black Proves That Black Stories Don't Always Have To Be About Trauma
While there are so many noteworthy stories in film and television that portray Black history realistically — with all its pain, trauma, and suffering — Hulu's newest show Washington Black (based on the novel of the same name) dares to show another side of the coin. While Washington Black recognizes the importance of telling Black stories rooted in trauma and resilience so that we never forget, its true message is that there's also an equal need for historical Black stories filled with joy, hope, and adventure. Delving into the rich history of African settlement in North America, the show weaves a colorful tapestry of how Black culture flourished in Nova Scotia, Canada due to it being the last stop on the Underground Railroad in the late 1800s. The Underground Railroad was the largest anti-slavery movement in America, ferrying thousands of Black fugitives to northern states and Canada so that they could find freedom and build a new life. Washington Black tells the story of what came after. The series recognizes the pain of the time, but it also tells the tale of a hopeful, intelligent, and adventurous young Black man starting a new chapter — one of possibility and uncharted lands. Even today, it's rare to see a show like this featuring a predominantly Black cast. Starring Ernest Kingsley Jr. as the titular character of Washington ('Wash') Black and Sterling K. Brown (executive producer, Academy Award nominee, three-time Emmy winner and newly minted nominee), it takes you alongside Wash's journey as he dares to imagine a future for himself free of the limitations placed upon him by society. At its heart, it's an epic, coming-of-age period piece that creator, showrunner, and executive producer Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, executive producer and showrunner Kimberly Ann Harrison, Kingsley Jr., and Brown discussed further on a Refinery29 x Hulu panel at the show's recent screening event in Los Angeles on July 22. Keep reading for three main takeaways from the panel — and watch Washington Black, now streaming on Hulu. 1. Black stories should celebrate joy as well Sharing stories is a powerful way to heal and Washington Black feels like a breath of fresh air. It recognizes the toll slavery took, while underscoring the breadth of resilience. In the show, Wash was born on a sugar plantation farm in Barbados, but he leaves his past behind to pursue a path of science and invention. 'You have a young man who can see the beauty in things that seem broken to other people,' Kingsley Jr. said. 'He can see the potential, the possibility, and the wonder. It's imbued with so much heart that the team put into it and it was a no brainer [to be part of it].' Wash meets life-changing characters along his journey that change the trajectory of his life. As the viewer, you're able to witness the key stages of his life as he grows into someone enthusiastic about a path that he'd never dreamed of. 'Black folks deserve whimsy, too,' said Brown. 'The idea that all of our stories in American fiction have to focus on trauma or pain is not the only thing that we have to tell. We can come from painful circumstances, but we can transcend those circumstances through the power of imagination, the power of hope, and the power of our joy.' This was a unique project for the creators — a story they were excited to tell because it shined a light on the other side of Black history. 'Reading and seeing this epic adventure, I'd never seen anything through the lens of a young Black boy in this type of scope,' Harrison added. 'That was amazing to me. I look at my own boys and it's something that I can sit down and watch with them. We can dream, discuss, and identify [with the characters]. This opens the door to have discussions.' 2. The themes in Washington Black are universal In the show, Medwin Harris (played by Brown) says, 'The only way Black folks can climb this mountain is if we pull each other along.' Although the series takes place in the past, that statement still rings true more than ever today. According to Hinds, the project was also born from a deep personal connection to the source material. 'I got into the book because I saw my story in Wash,' he said. 'I'm from the Caribbean and on both sides of my family, we've actually traced our roots back to Barbados where the character is from…Between the ages of 14 and 19, I had my own odyssey of different ecosystems and different characters. There was something about Wash's journey that felt really personal. And as any writer knows, you tell a universal story once you find your specific way in.' Growing up, Hinds was drawn to books that were transportive, always featuring a voyage of epic proportions. Because of the universal themes explored during Wash's adventures — resilience, resistance, hope — the show serves as something of an outlet for the Black community, one that can be related to by all. 3. Black history reminds us that we're all connected At a time when Black history is being questioned and banned, it's more important than ever that projects like this exist. Telling Black stories through film and television creates an opportunity for art, but it also powerfully cements our history in a way that can't be erased. 'One of my favorite lines in the show is when Wash says, 'I'm free, you can't take it, even if you kill me,' and that is the truth,' said Hinds. 'That line is about one word, and that's resistance. The show by its existence is an act of resistance and it's an act of history. It's a line in the sand that can't be erased. It's a manifestation of a particular desire that we all had as creators, so in and of itself, it creates history. The fact that a show like that was made by people like this is history. It says we were here, we did that, and they can't take it away.' The show was filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Brown noted that the dialect of the Afro Nova Scotian community was almost identical to Gullah culture, a group descended from enslaved Africans in South Carolina, thus proving the undeniable connection that the Underground Railroad produced. It created a space for Black people to flourish and be free, and keeping this connection alive is what drew Brown to the project. 'The idea that you have to erase us in order to appease other people just seems sort of strange and backwards,' Brown said. 'There's been this separation of, 'We're not like them, they're not like us.' But what I'm legitimately hopeful for is that we start to see the ties that bind, the things that make us common, [and] the things that we share with one another. As a spiritual being, I believe that we are all one…I wanted to show where folks from the islands, folks from the states, and folks from across the pond are able to come together and find solace and peace with one another through connection.' While many of us might not be familiar with these deeper aspects of Black history, the show sets up opportunities for education — an invitation to dive deeper into the connections that have allowed Black culture to flourish today.
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Killer thriller takes you on a wild European ride
When 30-year-old journalist Edward arrives on a small Greek island to spend some time with his distant mum Julie, he finds himself thrown into a world he never knew existed and ends up running for his life. That's because Julie is an assassin, and she's forced out of retirement when other professionals are sent to take her out. This leads to a massacre at a wedding in the village, and some very awkward conversations between the pair. Edward had no idea his mother was a trained killer and now he's got to go on the run with her. The duo are played by Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor, Bates Motel) and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty), each straddling the line between drama and dark comedy. While Hawes owns the role and brings a great energy, Highmore seems a little out of his depth and never quite matches his co-star's tone. The six-episode series is a British-Australian co-production with action taking place all over Europe. There's conspiracies, blackmail, pursuits, you name it. But as the series progresses you find yourself increasingly wondering if The Assassin knows where it's going. It teases so many different story threads that you'd hope would have a solid payoff, but ultimately just fizzle out. By the time the finale rolls around, it seems that teenagers have taken over the writing tasks because this train goes completely off the rails. You might be tempted to finish the show just to solve the mysteries, but The Assassin is really not worth the trouble. That said, Aussie Devon Terrell (Totally Completely Fine) gives a spirited performance as the shallow, drug-taking son of an Aussie billionaire played by Alan Dale. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, Washington Black is a historical fiction series, following the titular George Washington Black across two timelines. In one, the young 'Wash' as he's known is a slave on a plantation in Barbados, looked after by another enslaved person with no knowledge of his birth family. The brother of the English slave-owner rolls into town in a fancy steam-powered vehicle - a shocking sight in the 1800s - and takes an interest in young Wash's astute mind. The pair end up setting out on an adventure together, but the dynamic is always awkward being that Wash is technically still owned by this man's family. The second timeline sees a now older Wash going by the name 'Jack Crawford' and living in Nova Scotia, Canada, in a city at the end of the famous Underground Railroad. He meets an English woman with mixed ancestry and is immediately taken with her, despite their differences in circumstances. The show is sprawling and beautifully costumed, but the reliance on CGI and weirdly juvenile storytelling is a drawback. In the grand tradition of RPA or 24 Hours in A&E, Netflix's Critical: Between Life and Death, takes viewers behind the scenes of series medical emergencies. Set in London, the docuseries focuses on significant trauma cases, and the paramedics, dispatchers, helicopter pilots, doctors, surgeons, nurses and coordinators who make these cases run as smoothly as possible. What's remarkable is how calmly and quietly these medical professionals go about their jobs - a far cry from the chaos people who religiously watched ER would come to expect from such occasions. The show also catches up with the people and their families involved in the accidents and incidents that led them to needing serious medical attention. There's plenty of documentary action to be found on your streaming services this week. On Stan you'll find The Accidental President, a fascinating feature documentary about the remarkable story of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged the Belarusian dictator by running for president against him. Disney+ has a docuseries from producer Ryan Coogler (known for Black Panther, Sinners) called Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, looking back at the devastating natural disaster of 2005 in New Orleans. Also on Disney+ is a true crime docuseries, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit. Over on Prime Video you'll find another season of docuseries Shiny Happy People, this time focusing on Teen Mania, an evangelical Christian youth organisation out of Texas. While Netflix has some happier documentary fare with Hitmakers, a series focusing on the songwriters and producers behind some of the world's biggest musical artists. There's also, of course, Netflix's huge film release of recent times: Happy Gilmore 2. When 30-year-old journalist Edward arrives on a small Greek island to spend some time with his distant mum Julie, he finds himself thrown into a world he never knew existed and ends up running for his life. That's because Julie is an assassin, and she's forced out of retirement when other professionals are sent to take her out. This leads to a massacre at a wedding in the village, and some very awkward conversations between the pair. Edward had no idea his mother was a trained killer and now he's got to go on the run with her. The duo are played by Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor, Bates Motel) and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty), each straddling the line between drama and dark comedy. While Hawes owns the role and brings a great energy, Highmore seems a little out of his depth and never quite matches his co-star's tone. The six-episode series is a British-Australian co-production with action taking place all over Europe. There's conspiracies, blackmail, pursuits, you name it. But as the series progresses you find yourself increasingly wondering if The Assassin knows where it's going. It teases so many different story threads that you'd hope would have a solid payoff, but ultimately just fizzle out. By the time the finale rolls around, it seems that teenagers have taken over the writing tasks because this train goes completely off the rails. You might be tempted to finish the show just to solve the mysteries, but The Assassin is really not worth the trouble. That said, Aussie Devon Terrell (Totally Completely Fine) gives a spirited performance as the shallow, drug-taking son of an Aussie billionaire played by Alan Dale. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, Washington Black is a historical fiction series, following the titular George Washington Black across two timelines. In one, the young 'Wash' as he's known is a slave on a plantation in Barbados, looked after by another enslaved person with no knowledge of his birth family. The brother of the English slave-owner rolls into town in a fancy steam-powered vehicle - a shocking sight in the 1800s - and takes an interest in young Wash's astute mind. The pair end up setting out on an adventure together, but the dynamic is always awkward being that Wash is technically still owned by this man's family. The second timeline sees a now older Wash going by the name 'Jack Crawford' and living in Nova Scotia, Canada, in a city at the end of the famous Underground Railroad. He meets an English woman with mixed ancestry and is immediately taken with her, despite their differences in circumstances. The show is sprawling and beautifully costumed, but the reliance on CGI and weirdly juvenile storytelling is a drawback. In the grand tradition of RPA or 24 Hours in A&E, Netflix's Critical: Between Life and Death, takes viewers behind the scenes of series medical emergencies. Set in London, the docuseries focuses on significant trauma cases, and the paramedics, dispatchers, helicopter pilots, doctors, surgeons, nurses and coordinators who make these cases run as smoothly as possible. What's remarkable is how calmly and quietly these medical professionals go about their jobs - a far cry from the chaos people who religiously watched ER would come to expect from such occasions. The show also catches up with the people and their families involved in the accidents and incidents that led them to needing serious medical attention. There's plenty of documentary action to be found on your streaming services this week. On Stan you'll find The Accidental President, a fascinating feature documentary about the remarkable story of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged the Belarusian dictator by running for president against him. Disney+ has a docuseries from producer Ryan Coogler (known for Black Panther, Sinners) called Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, looking back at the devastating natural disaster of 2005 in New Orleans. Also on Disney+ is a true crime docuseries, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit. Over on Prime Video you'll find another season of docuseries Shiny Happy People, this time focusing on Teen Mania, an evangelical Christian youth organisation out of Texas. While Netflix has some happier documentary fare with Hitmakers, a series focusing on the songwriters and producers behind some of the world's biggest musical artists. There's also, of course, Netflix's huge film release of recent times: Happy Gilmore 2. When 30-year-old journalist Edward arrives on a small Greek island to spend some time with his distant mum Julie, he finds himself thrown into a world he never knew existed and ends up running for his life. That's because Julie is an assassin, and she's forced out of retirement when other professionals are sent to take her out. This leads to a massacre at a wedding in the village, and some very awkward conversations between the pair. Edward had no idea his mother was a trained killer and now he's got to go on the run with her. The duo are played by Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor, Bates Motel) and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty), each straddling the line between drama and dark comedy. While Hawes owns the role and brings a great energy, Highmore seems a little out of his depth and never quite matches his co-star's tone. The six-episode series is a British-Australian co-production with action taking place all over Europe. There's conspiracies, blackmail, pursuits, you name it. But as the series progresses you find yourself increasingly wondering if The Assassin knows where it's going. It teases so many different story threads that you'd hope would have a solid payoff, but ultimately just fizzle out. By the time the finale rolls around, it seems that teenagers have taken over the writing tasks because this train goes completely off the rails. You might be tempted to finish the show just to solve the mysteries, but The Assassin is really not worth the trouble. That said, Aussie Devon Terrell (Totally Completely Fine) gives a spirited performance as the shallow, drug-taking son of an Aussie billionaire played by Alan Dale. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, Washington Black is a historical fiction series, following the titular George Washington Black across two timelines. In one, the young 'Wash' as he's known is a slave on a plantation in Barbados, looked after by another enslaved person with no knowledge of his birth family. The brother of the English slave-owner rolls into town in a fancy steam-powered vehicle - a shocking sight in the 1800s - and takes an interest in young Wash's astute mind. The pair end up setting out on an adventure together, but the dynamic is always awkward being that Wash is technically still owned by this man's family. The second timeline sees a now older Wash going by the name 'Jack Crawford' and living in Nova Scotia, Canada, in a city at the end of the famous Underground Railroad. He meets an English woman with mixed ancestry and is immediately taken with her, despite their differences in circumstances. The show is sprawling and beautifully costumed, but the reliance on CGI and weirdly juvenile storytelling is a drawback. In the grand tradition of RPA or 24 Hours in A&E, Netflix's Critical: Between Life and Death, takes viewers behind the scenes of series medical emergencies. Set in London, the docuseries focuses on significant trauma cases, and the paramedics, dispatchers, helicopter pilots, doctors, surgeons, nurses and coordinators who make these cases run as smoothly as possible. What's remarkable is how calmly and quietly these medical professionals go about their jobs - a far cry from the chaos people who religiously watched ER would come to expect from such occasions. The show also catches up with the people and their families involved in the accidents and incidents that led them to needing serious medical attention. There's plenty of documentary action to be found on your streaming services this week. On Stan you'll find The Accidental President, a fascinating feature documentary about the remarkable story of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged the Belarusian dictator by running for president against him. Disney+ has a docuseries from producer Ryan Coogler (known for Black Panther, Sinners) called Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, looking back at the devastating natural disaster of 2005 in New Orleans. Also on Disney+ is a true crime docuseries, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit. Over on Prime Video you'll find another season of docuseries Shiny Happy People, this time focusing on Teen Mania, an evangelical Christian youth organisation out of Texas. While Netflix has some happier documentary fare with Hitmakers, a series focusing on the songwriters and producers behind some of the world's biggest musical artists. There's also, of course, Netflix's huge film release of recent times: Happy Gilmore 2. When 30-year-old journalist Edward arrives on a small Greek island to spend some time with his distant mum Julie, he finds himself thrown into a world he never knew existed and ends up running for his life. That's because Julie is an assassin, and she's forced out of retirement when other professionals are sent to take her out. This leads to a massacre at a wedding in the village, and some very awkward conversations between the pair. Edward had no idea his mother was a trained killer and now he's got to go on the run with her. The duo are played by Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor, Bates Motel) and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty), each straddling the line between drama and dark comedy. While Hawes owns the role and brings a great energy, Highmore seems a little out of his depth and never quite matches his co-star's tone. The six-episode series is a British-Australian co-production with action taking place all over Europe. There's conspiracies, blackmail, pursuits, you name it. But as the series progresses you find yourself increasingly wondering if The Assassin knows where it's going. It teases so many different story threads that you'd hope would have a solid payoff, but ultimately just fizzle out. By the time the finale rolls around, it seems that teenagers have taken over the writing tasks because this train goes completely off the rails. You might be tempted to finish the show just to solve the mysteries, but The Assassin is really not worth the trouble. That said, Aussie Devon Terrell (Totally Completely Fine) gives a spirited performance as the shallow, drug-taking son of an Aussie billionaire played by Alan Dale. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, Washington Black is a historical fiction series, following the titular George Washington Black across two timelines. In one, the young 'Wash' as he's known is a slave on a plantation in Barbados, looked after by another enslaved person with no knowledge of his birth family. The brother of the English slave-owner rolls into town in a fancy steam-powered vehicle - a shocking sight in the 1800s - and takes an interest in young Wash's astute mind. The pair end up setting out on an adventure together, but the dynamic is always awkward being that Wash is technically still owned by this man's family. The second timeline sees a now older Wash going by the name 'Jack Crawford' and living in Nova Scotia, Canada, in a city at the end of the famous Underground Railroad. He meets an English woman with mixed ancestry and is immediately taken with her, despite their differences in circumstances. The show is sprawling and beautifully costumed, but the reliance on CGI and weirdly juvenile storytelling is a drawback. In the grand tradition of RPA or 24 Hours in A&E, Netflix's Critical: Between Life and Death, takes viewers behind the scenes of series medical emergencies. Set in London, the docuseries focuses on significant trauma cases, and the paramedics, dispatchers, helicopter pilots, doctors, surgeons, nurses and coordinators who make these cases run as smoothly as possible. What's remarkable is how calmly and quietly these medical professionals go about their jobs - a far cry from the chaos people who religiously watched ER would come to expect from such occasions. The show also catches up with the people and their families involved in the accidents and incidents that led them to needing serious medical attention. There's plenty of documentary action to be found on your streaming services this week. On Stan you'll find The Accidental President, a fascinating feature documentary about the remarkable story of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged the Belarusian dictator by running for president against him. Disney+ has a docuseries from producer Ryan Coogler (known for Black Panther, Sinners) called Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, looking back at the devastating natural disaster of 2005 in New Orleans. Also on Disney+ is a true crime docuseries, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit. Over on Prime Video you'll find another season of docuseries Shiny Happy People, this time focusing on Teen Mania, an evangelical Christian youth organisation out of Texas. While Netflix has some happier documentary fare with Hitmakers, a series focusing on the songwriters and producers behind some of the world's biggest musical artists. There's also, of course, Netflix's huge film release of recent times: Happy Gilmore 2.
Time Business News
a day ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Face Wash vs Detan Wash: What's the Real Difference?
Regular exposure to sun's UV rays can lead to tanning, and, all-in-all, an uneven skin tone. Moreover, the never-ending pollutants add to this problem, causing pigmentation to set in deeper. To beat this problem, you can summon a face wash to deeply cleanse your skin, making it appear bright and fresh. Or, you can go the extra mile and use a detan face wash instead. Packed with exfoliants, this formula exfoliates the tanning to ensure even-toned, radiant skin. To zero in on the right match for your skin, let's break down how each formula works, their long-term benefits, and how to use them for optimal results. A standard face wash thoroughly cleanses the demis. It gets rid of superficial dirt, oil, and pollutants. Moreover, this formula helps unclog pores white supporting overall skin health – all without drying or irritating the skin. These cleansers are perfect for daily care and help maintain your skin's microbiome. You can use it in your morning and nighttime routine to expel dirt, buildup, excess oil, and makeup residue, ensuring healthy cellular turnover. While these face washes are essential for everyday hygiene, they are usually meant for cleansing only and may not combat specific concerns like tanning, dullness or pigmentation. A good face wash is always the foundation of any skin care routine. It ensures better absorption of your serums, treatments, and moisturizers and prevents your skin from feeling greasy, icky or plain uncomfortable. A detan face wash addresses the effects of sun exposure. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces more melanin, which results in tanning. This change in skin tone is not just at the surface. Over time, these melanin heavy dead cells build up, leading to dullness and uneven texture. Good detan face washes contain brightening and exfoliating ingredients such as papaya enzymes and/or Vitamin C that gently lift away dead skin cells to reduce melanin buildup. These are great for people who brave the outdoors often and wish for a more even, radiant complexion. You no longer have to choose between a cleanser and a detan solution. With Foxtale's Super Glow Face Wash you can reap the benefits of both these products in one easy step. It combines gentle cleansing with active tan and blackhead removal, making it a practical choice for everyday skincare. This sulphate-free formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used twice daily. It effectively removes impurities, supports skin renewal, and helps reduce the appearance of tanning by targeting melanin buildup. The result is smooth, even-toned, and visibly brighter skin after every wash. Daily removal of tan and blackheads caused by sun exposure A glow boost with the help of antioxidant-rich ingredients A more even skin tone with regular exfoliation Hydration that leaves your skin soft and comfortable Vitamin C helps brighten dull areas and supports natural radiance Papaya Enzyme gently exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes clarity This unique blend of actives works well for anyone who wants a single face wash that does more than just cleanse. Use Super Glow Face Wash every morning and night. Apply a small amount after wetting your face. Massage it gently using circular motions and rinse thoroughly with water. Follow it with a moisturiser to lock in hydration. There is space for both regular and detan face washes in skincare routines. You need a daily cleanser for basic hygiene. A detan formula ensures skin glows evenly. Looking for a product that serves the dual purpose of dirt cleansing and tan removal? Super Glow Face Wash is an excellent choice. It cleans, exfoliates, hydrates, and visibly reduces tan in one step. With consistent use, it leaves your skin fresh, glowing and ready to face the day. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 top new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, Hulu and more (July 25-27)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The last weekend of July has arrived, and with the heat cranking up, the smart move seems to be staying in with the new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services. This week offers a little bit of everything. "Happy Gilmore 2" tees up a sequel nearly three decades in the making, while "Materialists" puts a fresh take on the rom-com scene. On the TV front, "South Park" returns with its usual sharp satire, and "The Sandman" closes out its haunting, high-stakes story. Here are our top picks for new TV shows to watch this weekend. New movies 'Happy Gilmore 2' (Netflix) Happy Gilmore is back, and not much has changed — he's still yelling at golf balls and swinging like he's trying to kill someone. Nearly 30 years after the original, Adam Sandler returns to tee off, this time to help pay for his daughter's ballet school. Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald are back, too, and Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce somehow ended up in the mix. Plot details are thin, but based on the trailer, we're in for a mix of rage and ridiculousness. Streaming now on Netflix 'Materialists' (premium video-on-demand) Celine Song trades the bittersweet ache of her Oscar-nominated feature debut 'Past Lives' for a fresh, sly twist on a romantic comedy. Dakota Johnson stars as a high-end matchmaker in New York who gets tangled up in her own romantic conundrum — caught between her broke actor ex (Chris Evans) and a too-good-to-be-true millionaire (Pedro Pascal). 'Materialists' asks the age-old question: love or money? In modern dating, you can't have it all and something's gotta give. Streaming now with purchase on Amazon or Apple New TV shows 'Washington Black' (Hulu) This sweeping limited series traces the remarkable journey of a boy who refuses to let the world write his story for him. Born into bondage on a Barbados sugar plantation, young Wash (played by Eddie Karanja and later Ernest Kingsley Jr.) finds an unlikely ally in a quirky inventor (Tom Ellis) who helps him escape. What follows is a far-reaching adventure, complete with flying machines, bounty hunters and Arctic expeditions. Through it all, Wash learns some painful truths about freedom. Adapted from Esi Edugyan's celebrated novel, the series is anchored by Sterling K. Brown as both narrator and protector. All 8 episodes streaming now on Hulu 'The Sandman' season 2 volume 2 (Netflix) Dream (Tom Sturridge) has broken the ultimate taboo for the Endless — he took the life of his own son. Now, in volume 2, the consequences come crashing down. The Kindly Ones are on the hunt, the Dreaming is falling apart and Morpheus must face the heavy price of compassion. These final five episodes push the saga to its edge, with Dream confronting gods, monsters and the weight of centuries-old pride. Even Destiny (Adrian Lester) can't guarantee escape. And as the story winds down, next week's bonus episode featuring Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) offers a final, heartbreaking touch. All 5 episodes streaming now on Netflix 'Acapulco' season 4 (Apple TV Plus) Grab a cocktail to toast one last trip to "Acapulco." In its final season, the bilingual comedy jumps between present-day Máximo (Eugenio Derbez) trying to bring Las Colinas back to life, and 1986, where young Máximo (Enrique Arrizon) is pulling every trick in the book to reclaim the hotel's top spot in Acapulco. This is a paradise filled with neon, nostalgia and bittersweet decisions. Máximo will have his hands full in both timelines. Episodes 1-2 streaming now on Apple TV Plus 'South Park' season 27 (Comedy Central) A lot of uncertainty surrounded 'South Park" season 27. Just hours after Paramount announced a $1.5 billion, 50-episode deal with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the season premiered amid ongoing tensions between the creators and their corporate parent. Despite behind-the-scenes drama — including Paramount's controversial dealings with the Trump administration and the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show — the series stays as sharp, irreverent, and unapologetic as ever. Episode 1 streaming now on Paramount Plus 'Digman!' season 2 (Comedy Central) Imagine if Indiana Jones and Zoolander had an absurdly hilarious animated lovechild — that's Rip Digman. Andy Samberg's down-on-his-luck archaeologist is back for more wild adventures, drug-fueled globe-trotting and ridiculous ancient artifact escapades. Mitra Jouhari, Tim Robinson, Melissa Fumero, and the usual gang return, alongside a jaw-dropping lineup of guest stars like Mark Hamill, Kate Winslet and Jeffrey Wright. Episode 1 streaming on demand via Sling or Fubo) More from Tom's Guide Netflix just added this gritty crime drama you (probably) haven't seen — and it's already crashed the top 10 I need a Netflix 'The Sandman' spinoff with these two characters Best live TV streaming services, tested and rated
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Washington Black review: A well-crafted show on racism, dreamers and science
George Washington 'Wash' Black, a young enslaved boy turned fugitive inventor, is on a roller-coaster journey from a brutal Barbados plantation to an independent lifestyle. The heart of the drama series 'Washington Black' is young Wash's transformation from a curious child to a brilliant, self-determined show, adapted from Esi Edugyan's novel of the same name, is a vibrant, ambitious tale about those who dare to dream irrespective of overwhelming obstacles. Creator Selwyn Seyfu Hinds metaphorically makes a commentary on human connection, sense of community and solidarity in a world driven by chaos, toxicity, cruelty and Karanja and Ernest Kingsley Jr as young and adult Washington Black, respectively, lead the show with their impeccable acting prowess. 'Washington Black' is not just another series about the evils of slavery and imperialism. Hinds makes a larger statement about emotional freedom, mental liberation, friendship and closure. The actors on-board have done a commendable job by performing in sync with the creators' vision. A story that comes from a hard-hitting theme can often label the characters as good and evil, us vs them. However, the show never deviates from the human lens and brings out the vulnerable side of the most morally complex characters. The series is presented through non-linear storytelling in a unique way while retaining the engagement quotient. Its narrative has a profound universal connection which makes it open to different interpretations. While the show is slightly a bit over-stretched to unravel all the aspects related to the novel, certain repetitive scenes and situations could have been edited. However, 'Washington Black' still remains a thoroughly engaging show about human resilience which feels relatable to millennials as well as Gen Zs. It is a story meant for those searching for answers about life's complexities while facing everyday challenges and obstacles.A tale of the endearing human spiritRacial discrimination and slavery are no new themes to art and literature, yet worth exploring. In a progressive society rooting for scientific and social advancement, it is essential to debate and discuss the events that scarred humanity in the past. 'Washington Black' does the same in its own way without getting preachy. As an Indian viewer and an inquisitive student of politics and history, you are reminded of British colonialism and American expansionism. But what more it does cinematically to make the audience realise, not to take privilege for granted.'Washington Black' makes one believe in the strength of positivity and optimism amid all the hate and negativity making the noise. Wash's relationships with Medwin (Sterling K Brown), Miss Angie (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) and his intimate romance with Tanna (Iola Evans) is a testament to the sentiment of love and compassion that goes beyond community and gender. The show not just honours the struggles of the protagonist but also his human desires and and Kinglsey Jr delve deep into the psyche of Wash, which helps in elevating the character development throughout the series. Even though the show is based on one individual's journey, the other characters are given equal space and importance. Brown and Brewster add to the emotional weight through their grounded portrayals. Evans doesn't just end up as a love interest but succeeds in bringing a new perspective to the narrative. Tom Ellis as Christopher 'Titch' Wilde also plays his role with the utmost issue of women being caged and not allowed to pursue careers in order to get married has been done to death. Yet, Evans brings an impactful screen presence while depicting the emotional struggles of a young girl wanting to be free. Hinds smartly crafts a narrative where he connects all the dots. The audience get the message about how we are all riding the same boat, trying to be free of the shackles set by trailer here: More than emotions and social commentaryTo someone inspired by great minds like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Martin Luther King Jr, 'Washington Black' would have a deep impact. We have had great cinema on racial themes, like '12 Years a Slave', 'The Great Debaters' and 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'. However, Hinds in his show creates stunning visuals and an enriching narrative by blending the adventurous theme with science. Without any monologues, the viewers get the most beautiful message about how science and creativity can lead to the most unexpected partnerships and society treats science and the arts as opposing disciplines, but young Wash, who excels in his scientific studies and sketching, sets a beautiful example. A young boy who studies and dreams despite all the hardships reminds one of the struggles of Dr Kalam and Dr BR Ambedkar. The ability to prove one's worth in a world that is hell-bent on crushing your dreams is what makes a great success story on rising from lines stay with you, such as, "No matter how strong the bondage, we never stop pushing back. We fight," and the scientific spirit of "Observe, record and engineer." If only the world was inclined towards discovering scientific mysteries and creating artistic brilliance, there would be no room for infighting or toxicity. A beautiful message that 'Washington Black' narrates through eight episodes.'Washington Black' is meant for all those who like to experience a roller-coaster of emotions. The Hulu series is available for streaming on JioHotstar in India.- Ends4 out of 5 stars
