A Paul Mescal musical drama and Louisa Harland’s new Disney series – what to watch this week

Monday, March 25

Carmen, Sky Cinema/NOW TV

Carmen (Melissa Barrera), a young and fiercely independent woman is forced to flee her home in the Mexican desert following the brutal murder of her mother. After surviving a terrifying and dangerous illegal border crossing into the US, she is captured by a border patrol agent but saved by his partner Aidan (Paul Mescal) who helps Carmen escape. They make their way north toward Los Angeles in search of her mother’s best friend and the owner of La Sombra nightclub, a sanctuary of music and dance. But while the pair find solace and love for each other in this magical reduce, time is running out as the police hunt closes in.

Tuesday, March 26

Palm Royale, Apple TV+

Now streaming on Apple TV+, Palm Royale follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavours to break into Palm Beach high society. Loosely based on the novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, the series is set during the powder keg year of 1969, and is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong.

Wednesday, March 27

Next Goal Wins, Disney+

Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

Thursday, March 28

5lbs of Pressure, Prime Video

Adam (Luke Evans), an ex-con back in his old neighbourhood after serving 16 years for murder, walks a rocky path of forgiveness toward the son who grew up without him, while the bitter, volatile brother of the youth he killed looms in the background. Meanwhile, Mike (Rory Culkin), sick of doing the bidding of his drug-dealing uncle (Alex Pettyfer), is desperate to leave his sordid life behind. When Adam and Mike’s paths converge, inescapable destiny will give way to violence… and a final, fleeting shot at redemption.

Friday, March 29

Renegade Nell, Disney+

England, 1705: Nell Jackson (Derry Girls star Louisa Harland) returns from war to her family in Tottenham. Aided by plucky sprite Billy Blind, who gives her fighting superpowers, Nell takes on the local landowner’s bullying son Thomas Blancheford but finds herself framed for murder. Forced on the run with her sisters Roxy and George, Nell becomes a highwaywoman. But as word of Nell’s extraordinary power spreads, she attracts the attention of the sinister Earl of Poynton who is hatching a magical plot against the Queen of England. Set on a collision course with Poynton, Nell, and Billy realise that her quest for justice stretches further than she ever imagined and that in order to clear her name, Nell first has to defeat Poynton and save the country.

Saturday, March 30

Steve! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces, Apple TV+

One of the most beloved and enigmatic figures in entertainment, this new two-part documentary dives into actor Steve Martin’s extraordinary story from two distinct points of view, with companion documentaries that feature never-before-seen footage and raw insights into his personal and professional trials and triumphs. Then chronicles Steve Martin’s early struggles and meteoric rise to revolutionise standup before walking away at 35. Now focuses on the present day, with Steve Martin in the golden years of his career, retracing the transformation that led to happiness in both his art and personal life.

Sunday, March 31

Barbie, Sky Cinema/NOW TV

The movie of the summer, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie comes to Sky Cinema this week – just in time for the long Easter weekend. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, alongside a stellar cast of famous faces, the film is based on the popular Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel and is inspired by the book Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher.

Feature image courtesy of Sky