We have lots of new movie and TV reviews this month, so there is something here for everyone! From new TV shows and films to period dramas and even some hidden gems, we hope you’ll find this month’s reviews and recommendations helpful.
ABOUT REVIEWS OF THE MONTH
Our new feature, Reviews of the Month, publishes once a month on The Silver Petticoat Review. However, we take turns between book reviews and movie/TV reviews. For May 2021 reviews, it’s all about the movies and TV series.
RELATED: Reviews Of The Month With A Suitable Boy, WandaVision, And More
Basically, in one month, we share movie and TV reviews, and in the next, we share book reviews. So, next month will be our book reviews. And then the month after that will be back to the Movie and TV reviews.
RELATED: Book Reviews Of The Month: Miss Austen By Gill Hornby, The Orchard House, Shielded, And More
These reviews are shorter reviews than the standalone full-size reviews we regularly write (and link to in this post). This feature gives us extra time to share more recommendations and reviews! So, we’ll post shorter reviews in these posts and full-size reviews as standalone articles. Enjoy.
To read the film and TV reviews, scroll down, read them all, or click on the title that interests you in the links below.
(Note: The full-size reviews link to separate pages. Also, the “where to watch” sections include availability in the U.S. as of this post’s publication date and are subject to change at any time.)
MOVIE & TV REVIEWS:
All Creatures Great and Small (Period Drama)
Atlantic Crossing (Historical Drama)
Audrey (Documentary, Biography)
Blithe Spirit (Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Period Drama)
Call Me Kat (Romantic Comedy)
C.B. Strike (Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance)
Debris (Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama)
Departure (Drama, Mystery, Thriller)
Devious Maids (Dramedy, Mystery, Romance)
Dollhouse (Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi, Romance)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Action-Adventure, Fantasy, Drama)
Ginny & Georgia (Dramedy, Romance)
The Luminaries (Drama, Mystery, Romance, Magical Realism)
Misbehaviour (Historical Drama, Comedy)
The Queen’s Gambit (Period Drama)
Selena: The Series (Biography, Period Drama, Music)
Sweet Magnolias (Drama, Romance)
Wild Mountain Thyme (Rom-com, Drama)
FULL MOVIE AND TV REVIEWS:
Love Sarah Review: A Delightful New Movie Full of Romance and Comfort Food (Romantic Comedy, Drama)
‘Miss Scarlet and the Duke’ Review: An Absolutely Entertaining New Mystery Series (Mystery, Drama, Romance)
Shadow and Bone – An Irresistible New Romantic Fantasy (Fantasy, Drama, Romance)
‘Sylvie’s Love’ Movie Review: This is a Powerful Old-Fashioned Love Story (Romance, Period Drama)
MAY 2021 REVIEWS OF THE MONTH
REVIEW ONE
All Creatures Great and Small (2020) Review
OFFICIAL PBS DESCRIPTION: James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in 1930s Yorkshire get a glorious new adaptation in All Creatures Great and Small, a seven-part series based on his beloved books.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Are you looking for a period drama that’s good for the soul? Look no further than the heartwarming and picturesque All Creatures Great and Small. With an endearing cast playing lovable characters, the gorgeous scenery, and tales as comforting as a cup of hot chocolate, you won’t want to miss this gentle and entertaining series.
All Creatures Great and Small is based on beloved books based on real-life people and their stories, and while some of the facts are changed for the show, it still brings to life what it might have been like in 1930’s Yorkshire.
Overall, this is British period drama at its best with lots of sweet love stories and memorable characters. Expect tragedy, triumph, and even some comedy.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on DVD.
REVIEW TWO
Atlantic Crossing (2020) Review
OFFICIAL PBS MASTERPIECE DESCRIPTION: A princess steals the heart of the president of the United States in an epic drama based on the World War II relationship of Franklin Roosevelt and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha. Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and the City) stars as Roosevelt, opposite Swedish star Sofia Helin (The Bridge) as the beautiful Martha, who flees the Nazis with her three young children and lives under Roosevelt’s protection.
The eight-part series co-stars Tobias Santelmann as Crown Prince Olav and Harriet Sansom Harris as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Atlantic Crossing is a Norwegian period drama that recently premiered on PBS Masterpiece. It takes place in both Norway and the United States and is absolutely captivating.
From the first episode, I was completely enamored. I love watching dramas from other countries but admit that I don’t think I’ve ever watched a period drama series from Norway before. And I loved it.
Much like The Crown, Atlantic Crossing is not a documentary but an entertaining retelling of historical events with fact and fiction mixed together. Still, just watching the series made me want to learn more about Norway’s history during World War II.
Overall, if you enjoy period dramas about royals, you’ll likely love this series as much as I did. The large budget, excellent production design, beautiful costumes, and compelling scripts will keep you hooked.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on Digital and DVD.
Review Three
#3 Audrey (2020) Review
OFFICIAL NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: An intimate portrait of legendary Hollywood actress, fashion icon and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, who stood for love above all else.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
In this riveting new documentary, director Helena Coan explores the fascinating life of Audrey Hepburn with as much grace and beauty as Hepburn herself.
I’ve always been a fan of Audrey Hepburn, but still, I didn’t know much about her personal life. The insights provided in the film offer a new perspective on who this talented woman was. Perhaps most fascinating about Ms. Hepburn is her work as a humanitarian and her quest for love. The movie will surely move you.
Overall, if you enjoy uplifting documentaries about intriguing people who make a difference (for example, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?) and love Old Hollywood, you should enjoy this emotional movie.
Content Note: TV-14 (mild)
Where to Watch: Netflix. You can also rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW FOUR
Blithe Spirit (2020) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
Based on Noël Coward’s play, Blithe Spirit is the latest adaptation offering old-fashioned wit and romance. However, the film doesn’t quite capture the true Coward style needed to make the farce actually funny. While pleasant, something is missing in the movie.
In Blithe Spirit, Charles (Dan Stevens) is a screenwriter who just can’t finish his screenplay. His newest wife (played by Isla Fisher) doesn’t understand why he can’t write.
Understandably so, considering he spends his free time whining. Of course, his wife Ruth doesn’t realize that the actual writer was Charles’ dead wife. Naturally, after talking to a medium played by Judi Dench, his dead wife starts haunting him and writing his entire story (which he again takes credit for).
From there, hijinks ensue, and it’s all mostly good fun. While underwhelming and not as witty as a Coward adaptation demands, the first-rate cast and lovely costumes still make Blithe Spirit an enjoyable movie if you’re seeking something new to watch.
Content Note: PG-13 for innuendo
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
REVIEW FIVE
Call Me Kat (2021) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
Based on the British rom-com sitcom Miranda, Call Me Kat tells the story of a single 39-year-old woman named Kat who decides to quit her job at a university to open a cat café. Similarly to Miranda, Kat is awkward and still in love with a friend from her old college days.
When Max returns to work in a nearby bar after years of traveling abroad, Kat can’t help but still love him. But will he return her feelings or only ever see her as a friend?
Overall, Call Me Kat is romantic fluff and pleasant escapist entertainment about finding happiness in the life you choose. Is it as romantic as Miranda? No. (But who can compare to Miranda Hart and Tom Ellis?) Is it as funny as Miranda? No. Is it cute and entertaining? Yes, and it gets better with time as the show slowly finds its voice.
Plus, it’s already renewed for another season! While Call Me Kat undoubtedly pales in comparison to Miranda, the romance is sweet, and Mayim Bialik is always likable. In short, watch this one when you’re looking for relaxing, feel-good TV.
Content Note: TV-PG for innuendo.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu or buy on Digital.
REVIEW SIX
C.B. Strike (2017) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
Based on J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike detective series, C.B. Strike is a British television program that may have gone under your radar (it certainly went under mine). Each of the four parts of the 11-episode series tells the story of Rowling’s first four novels. From the start, this addictive Private Investigator series enamored me with its swoony slow-building romance and stellar characterization.
C.B. Strike follows Cormoran (the fabulous Tom Burke), a war veteran who runs his own detective agency. His life’s kind of mess until Robin Ellacott shows up as his new assistant, who later transforms into his partner. The two solve mysteries and connect with smoldering chemistry.
Overall, C.B. Strike is mesmerizing. With first-rate mysteries and romance, this series is an excellent British series to delve into. I’m now dying for the next season and plan on checking out all the books.
Content Note: TV-MA. Strong language (not continuous throughout but frequent enough) and moments of violence.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, HBO Now, HBO Amazon Channel. You can also buy on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW SEVEN
Debris (2021) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
From the creator of Fringe, Debris is a new and underrated Sci-fi series I wish had a much larger audience. In Debris, alien wreckage fell from the sky and scattered across the earth, causing mysterious paranormal disturbances. An international agency is tasked with investigating this debris: the mysteries, the danger, and the amazing possibilities the debris creates.
Working side by side, the empathetic British agent Finola Jones must learn to trust the guarded American agent, Bryan Beneventi, as they slowly realize they can’t even trust their own governments. They can rely only on one another.
In a nutshell, if you liked Fringe’s fantastic mythology and characters, you’ll likely enjoy Debris as well. On a side note, I’m curious to see how the relationship between Finola and Bryan changes with time.
Thus far, I’m excited by the possibilities, thanks to the skillful writing and characters. I’m also starting to get major romantic vibes, and I’m totally digging it. While I rated the romance a four, it could easily become a five.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Hulu and Peacock.
REVIEW EIGHT
Departure (2019) Review
OFFICIAL PEACOCK SYNOPSIS: Passenger plane Flight 716 shockingly vanishes, and brilliant investigator Kendra Malley (Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife), alongside her mentor Howard Lawson (Christopher Plummer, Knives Out) are brought on to lead the investigation. When battling forces threaten to undermine their work, Kendra must find the truth and stop it from happening again.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Archie Panjabi and Christopher Plummer star in this conspiracy thriller series. It’s a British/Canadian series that was later distributed on Peacock. While it went under the radar, I recommend this one if you enjoy season-long mysteries and don’t mind a bit of formulaic plotting. It’s entertaining with excellent actors, and despite its flaws, it makes for a quick, easy watch.
Overall, if you’re looking for some fun conspiracies on your TV, this show should work just fine. You’ll also want to watch if you’re a fan of Archie Panjabi or Christopher Plummer. Season two should premiere soon. And yes, Christopher Plummer finished filming his scenes for the second season before his tragic passing.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Peacock. You can also buy it on Digital.
REVIEW NINE
Devious Maids (2013) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
From the creator of Desperate Housewives comes another hilarious dark comedy series. This time around, Devious Maids is cozier with several murder mysteries throughout the 4-season run.
In the story, 4 Latina maids solve crimes while working for the wealthy in Beverly Hills. Part satire, romance, and cozy mystery, Devious Maids is top-notch laugh-out-loud entertainment.
Sadly underrated, Devious Maids had a stellar cast with fantastic characters, witty dialogue, and excellent mysteries. There’s even a season satirizing Rebecca.
Overall, this fabulous mystery series is the ideal binge if you’re looking for well-written escapism: hands down, one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen. Not to mention, Susan Lucci should have won an Emmy for her perfect (and sidesplitting) performance as a kind, naïve, rich woman obsessed with romance.
Sure, the fourth season ends on a cliffhanger, but it makes sense in a full-circle sort of way. In short, Devious Maids is the ultimate romantic mystery series you never knew you needed.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Hulu and Tubi. You can also buy on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW TEN
DOLLHOUSE (2009) REVIEW
REVIEW BY AMBER:
I recently re-watched Dollhouse and found it even more compelling now than when it first aired twelve years ago – especially in a post #metoo world.
Suppose you’re unfamiliar with this Joss Whedon series. In that case, Dollhouse is a sci-fi series about Echo (Eliza Dushku), a woman who chose to erase her identity when she became part of the “Dollhouse,” a revolutionary science lab that imprints young women and men with new temporary identities to fulfill the needs and missions of wealthy clients. However, she starts glitching and begins working to uncover the secrets of the Dollhouse to destroy it.
Meanwhile, an FBI agent is trying to prove there is a dollhouse so he can take it down! But no one believes him.
I can’t ignore the irony in the series with Whedon at the helm. There is sympathy for the people who choose to exploit others for their own gain, and it’s hard not to see Whedon in some of the villains. Could the dolls represent the actors he exploits in his own shows? Well, interesting sci-fi questions are asked.
My favorite part of the series, however, is the romance between Victor and Sierra. They have one of the best sci-fi romances I’ve seen. Plus, if you’ve yet to see Enver Gjokaj as Victor, you’re in for a treat. His chameleon-like abilities prove he needs to be on our screens much more!
Overall, if you want a quick binge (the show only lasted two seasons but has a good ending), watch this underrated sci-fi show. Part of the series even flash-forwards to 2020, so it’s pretty intriguing that the series showed an apocalyptic world in 2020. Hmmm.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Hulu and Tubi. You can also buy it on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW ELEVEN
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) Review
OFFICIAL DISNEY+ SYNOPSIS: Sam Wilson, aka Falcon learns of a rising threat while juggling challenges at home in Louisiana. Bucky Barnes desperately tries to reintegrate into society, but struggles with nightmares revealing terrifying actions as Winter Soldier that may not be nightmares at all.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
While I didn’t enjoy this series as much as Wandavision, it was still a good if imperfect addition to the Marvelverse. It has the potential for a season two, on top of possible future movies, which I’ll check out.
At times, I felt frustrated by the series because many of the ideas were good, but they didn’t always seamlessly come together. The first episode was great, but some of the other episodes were a little dull in parts.
What worked was the chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan and their budding friendship. I’m also all for more flirtation and perhaps a romance with Sam’s sister, Sarah Wilson, and Bucky! Yes, make it happen.
Now, without giving away spoilers, I wasn’t pleased with the writing of Sharon Carter. I just didn’t enjoy this new version of her. Nor did I like some of the darker, violent scenes in the show.
However, I liked seeing Anthony Mackie as Sam step up into his role as the new Captain America. His character chose optimism, and in what was an overly bleak series at times (reminding me of a DC film), he helped lighten the mood and bring in the positivity and hope we expect in a Captain America story.
Content Note: TV-14 for violence
Where to Watch: Disney+
REVIEW TWELVE
Ginny & Georgia (2021) Review
OFFICIAL NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: Georgia Miller arrives in the quaint New England town of Wellsbury with her daughter, Ginny, and her son, Austin, and quickly makes a big impression.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Despite all the comparisons, Gilmore Girls this show is not. Yes, you have the possible Luke-like love interest who owns a café, and yes, there is drama between a young mother and her daughter. But this show is much darker and doesn’t have the wit to rely on as Gilmore Girls did.
Where Ginny & Georgia excels is in the entertainment factor. It’s an easy watch, and while the characters will frustrate sometimes, the small-town drama, the romances, and the mystery of who Georgia is (is she a criminal? A murderer?) will keep you entertained from episode to episode.
Overall, it’s a good show but not a great show. But it’s a fun watch. Just be aware that there is teen self-harm in this series and some teen sex scenes. I felt a couple of them were a little too explicit for teens (even though it’s adults playing teenagers).
Content Note: TV-14 (pushes the rating) with self-harm, language, and some sexuality.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW THIRTEEN
The Luminaries (2020) Review
REVIEW BY AUTUMN:
This British-Zealand miniseries should have been terrific with a great cast, premise, and setting. The Luminaries starts out promising but alters into gloomy, experimental storytelling.
It’s 1865 when two travelers on their way to New Zealand meet on a ship. Anna and Emery share a birthday and are suggested to be astral twins. It’s a sort of romantic soulmate destiny except that the pair are separate by conniving forces, and the two don’t share nearly enough scenes.
The story goes back and forth between the past and present as a murder mystery slowly unfolds. Who was murdered? You’ll have to watch the show to find out.
Overall, while infuriatingly slow at times, the unique New Zealand setting, gorgeous cinematography, and excellent cast still make this period drama worth watching.
Content Note: TV-MA for a moderate amount of sexuality, violence, and strong language.
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW FOURTEEN
Misbehaviour (2020) Review
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Keira Knightley stars in this period drama about the famous 1970 Miss World competition. It’s at times funny, at other times serious, but altogether entertaining.
Now, this movie makes a statement, and whether you agree with its politics or not, it is a crowd-pleaser. The film has good actors (Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Miss Grenada was especially a standout), a strong script, and if you enjoy British historical dramas, you should like this one.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable historical dramedy. While it won’t go down as my favorite period drama of the year, it’s a whole lot of fun to watch.
Content Note: Not Rated but would likely be PG-13 for brief strong language.
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also rent/buy it on Digital and DVD.
REVIEW FIFTEEN
The Queen’s Gambit (2020) Review
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Part Jane Eyre, part A Star is Born, The Queen’s Gambit is a flashy and superb limited series with a brilliant, award-winning performance from Anya-Taylor Joy as the young orphan who becomes a chess prodigy while dealing with personal demons and addiction.
What makes this series a standout (besides the brilliant performances) is how good the writing is, the gorgeous production design, the cinematography, and especially the beautiful costumes. Everything about this 1950s/1960s period drama is excellent, with every detail thought through.
While there is some romance in this series, don’t expect that to be the point. The Queen’s Gambit is a coming-of-age drama about a young woman finding herself amidst difficult circumstances.
Overall, if you enjoy intelligent and emotional period dramas, you should like this one.
Content Note: TV-MA for language and adult themes. While strong language is not throughout, expect some episodes to have more “f” words than others.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW SIXTEEN
Selena: The Series (2020) Review
OFFICIAL NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: Iconic Mexican-American performer Selena rises to fame as she and her family make sacrifices in order to achieve their lifelong dreams.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Selena: The Series received harsh reviews from the critics, but I think the reviews were too critical due to comparisons to the movie and perhaps too high of expectations. It’s actually a lovely series with a good cast, excellent costumes (many recreated from family photos and videos), and more insight into who Selena and her family were.
This show is more than about Selena. It is also about her family and how they all worked together to achieve their goals and achieve the American Dream (although, at times, I felt Abraham was too controlling).
Christian Serratos does a fine job as Selena, and I felt the rest of the cast were also ideally suited to their roles.
While some episodes are stronger than others (and the second half superior to the first), I enjoyed the series and felt it was a beautiful tribute to Selena. Her family produced the show and provided access to her journals and home videos to the cast and crew, bringing authenticity to the series.
Yes, it’s a bit like a Disney version of her life, and I would have liked even more profound insight. But I respect the family and the writer’s choice. Expect a good cry in the excellent final episode.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW SEVENTEEN
Sweet Magnolias (2020) Review
OFFICIAL NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: Lifelong friends Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue lift each other up as they juggle relationships, family and careers in the small, Southern town of Serenity.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
Based on the romance novels by Sherryl Woods, Sweet Magnolias is a sweet, delightful series I can’t recommend enough. You’ll breeze through the episodes, connect to the characters (each one perfectly cast), and wish you lived in Serenity. The series is as heartwarming as the town’s name!
Sweet Magnolias is a positive series about women, friendship, family, finding true love, and finding purpose in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Each character brings something needed and distinct to the series, and I can’t wait to connect to these characters and this idyllic town in the future.
Overall, if you enjoy shows like Gilmore Girls or Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias is the perfect show to watch. Thankfully, season two is currently in production, so hopefully, we won’t have to wait for season two much longer – especially since it ended on quite the cliffhanger!
Content Note: TV-14
REVIEW EIGHTEEN
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020) Review
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: The headstrong farmer Rosemary Muldoon (Emily Blunt) has her heart set on winning her neighbor Anthony Reilly’s love. The problem is Anthony (Jamie Dornan) seems to have inherited a family curse, and remains oblivious to his beautiful admirer. Stung by his father Tony Reilly’s (Christopher Walken) plans to sell the family farm to his American nephew (Jon Hamm), Anthony is jolted into pursuing his dreams in this comedic, moving and wildly romantic tale.
REVIEW BY AMBER:
John Patrick Shanley, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Moonstruck, is back with a new romance, and it is delightful, and at times, a hilarious romantic Irish film starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan.
While the movie received mediocre reviews, I disagree entirely. I think it’s a charming, unabashedly romantic, sweet, and enchanting movie with a surprise ending that left me in stitches. I haven’t laughed that hard watching a new film in a long time. Now, this movie will likely only be enjoyable to fans of romance films. But if you are a lover of romance movies, this one is a must-see movie.
However, I loved that not only is it a romance, but it is full of just the perfect amount of Romanticism with gorgeous scenery to boot. Plus, Blunt and Dornan have fabulous chemistry.
So, if you’re in the mood for a witty love story with a memorable cast (who give outstanding performances), check out Wild Mountain Thyme. It’s unusual but adorable.
Content Note: PG-13
Where to Watch: Hulu. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
Have you watched any of these movies or shows? What are your thoughts? Do you agree with our reviews this month? Discuss below.
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