Don’t just watch TV, make your place the site of a (very) small film festival, drinks included.
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'Cruella' and Negronis
The latest entry of villain revisionism that Hollywood's been so very keen on lately, this is the backstory of the wicked woman of our childhood who wanted to sacrifice puppies for a nice coat. However, in this prequel/reconsideration, Cruella isn’t cruel, more complicated, navigating her career climb as a fashion designer in 1970s London. The links to the original story are tenuous, but the fashion is slick, which makes me think of another great fashion movie, The Devil Wears Prada. That film makes me think of Stanley Tucci (who plays that film’s most beloved character), which makes me think of Negronis, because Tucci inspired the world to master the cocktail in their lockdown time. More tenuous links. Nevertheless, we think you should take on Cruella with a Negroni in hand. Gin of choice: The Melbourne Gin Company Dry Gin, for more obvious reasons.
Watch it on: Disney+ Premier Access
'Mare of Easttown' and a straightforward IPA
The smalltown murder story that had the world on the edge of their seats waiting for the next instalment to drop, but now that every episode is available, so you can gobble the whole thing this weekend. I do highly recommend breaks though, if only to make, and compare, predictions with your viewing mates. Thematically, if you’re having a Mare party, the only drink on offer would have to be beer. Initial Brewing IPA is an uncomplicated ale, but it’s definitely not basic. A bit like Mare, she’s a 40-something detective who wears flannel and doesn’t brush her hair, but she’s still Kate Winslet, and she’s downright amazing.
Watch it on: Foxtel Go or Binge
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'Call My Agent' and a full-bodied red
With a fourth season just dropped, there is exactly enough of this sassy French show to entertain you. A comedy-drama about a Parisian talent agency, ASK, who deal with the whims, eccentricities and tantrums of the country's biggest stars (one of whom delightfully cameos in each episode). Alongside the actors’ antics is the agent’s real-life dramas of crushes, threesomes, affairs and illegitimate children. What? I told you it’s French! The banter is truly magnificent, and puts Emily in Paris and her colleagues to absolute shame. These four seasons complete the series, but it’s been confirmed that a UK remake is underway. So much chicer to know the original, though, right? Pair your French lessons in talent management with a nice big red, like Teusner Joshua Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre. It’s superbly tasty and very fresh, due to its lack of oak influence, the liquid embodiment of a fresh-faced ingénue that ASK would want to sign.
Watch it on: Netflix
'RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder' and something that won’t impede your lipsync
It’s midway through the series, and any of the queens could take the crown. Early favourite (and Melbourne hero) Karen From Finance is yet to really shine, and some of the show twists just prove, there might be over 20 seasons of RuPaul around the world, but you never know what will happen. Ru does what Ru wants. I suggest you end each episode with your own lipsync attempt, and because you want optimum performance, low-alcohol and refreshing are desired beverage qualities. Big Drop Uptown Craft Lager meets both with big, glittery ticks. Just 0.5 percent alcohol and full of light herbal aromas, a touch of sweetness, some spiciness and a little zest on the end. Work!
Watch it on: Stan
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'Couples Therapy' and a finger or two of whisky
Some might not think of this as leisurely viewing (like my husband). After all, it’s essentially spying on real-life couples as they work through their deepest issues and traumas with their therapist. But if you love a bit of non-fiction, this show has the sleekness of a high-budget documentary and the pervy details of reality TV. You’ll be addicted. Though note, there’s no outrageous, producer-manipulated drama, just the real life struggles of living with a partner. The four couples are the subjects, for sure, but the main character is the therapist herself, Dr. Orna Guralnik, who you follow to her own meetings with her clinical mentor (essentially her own therapy sessions). Fascinating. It’s raw, real, sometimes uncomfortable, and will have you playing armchair psychologist the whole way through. To complete the picture, add a nip of whiskey, something a little spicy, like Oban 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Watch it on: SBS
