HOLLYWOOD, CA — This weekend, the streaming world sizzles with the premiere of Alfonso Cuarón’s new psychological thriller miniseries. Meanwhile, theaters welcome the arrival of Jason Reitman’s new movie about one of the longest-running network television programs in TV’s history.
Craving an intense drama series? Cuarón’s “Disclaimer,” starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline and Sacha Baron Cohen, makes its screen debut on Apple TV+ with a seven-episode plot.
Wondering what happened behind the scenes before the first-ever broadcast of “Saturday Night Live”? Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” a comedy drama based on a true story, unpacks the events that took place backstage 90 minutes before the show’s premiere on Oct. 11, 1975.
Check out what we thought of the two new releases below.
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Movies And Shows Out This Weekend
“Disclaimer”
Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen; directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Apple TV+’s “Disclaimer,” the TV limited series from Academy-award winning director Alfonso Cuarón, starring Cate Blanchett, Sacha Baron Cohen and Kevin Kline, unfolds in a seven-episode layered plot of scorching secrets and evil deeds.
Adapted from Renée Knight’s novel, the story flashes back to the events that took place between a young mother, Catherine (Leila George), and a 19-year-old lad, Jonathan (Louis Partridge), during a sun-kissed Italian vacation in the 2000s. Their encounter is entirely shrouded in mystery, but moments later, the young man is dead, while Catherine, seemingly unscathed, simply marches on with her life.
Two decades later, Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) is now an award-winning journalist. But one mysterious novel is about to upend her life. Soon, her peace and quiet plunges into destruction and chaos, as seemingly everyone in her social and professional circles now think that she is the wicked character portrayed in the book.
The mastermind behind the self-published book is Stephen Brigstocke (Kevin Kline), Jonathan’s father, who has a damming piece of evidence that ties Catherine to his son’s untimely death. Feeling unhinged, he becomes increasingly destructive and unrelenting in his crusade to punish the celebrated documentarian at all costs.
Cuarón, famed for his body of works such as “Children of Men” and “Roma,” is highly-regarded for his long takes and elastic shots in capturing life’s most piercing moments. Undeniably, “Disclaimer” also bears the stamp of his innovative directorial style, as he reveals the monstrous circumstances with incredible clarity and fluidity.
Blanchett, as always, does not disappoint, showing a masterclass acting performance, while Kline shines in his portrayal of a lost soul hell-bent on exacting revenge. Last but not least, Cohen, well-known for his comedic chops, surprises with his refreshing assiduity as Catherine’s husband.
“Disclaimer” takes an in-depth look at people’s perspectives, prompting us all to look within ourselves as we strive to understand everyone’s individuality. The slow-burning thriller is a fascinating watch, albeit markedly onerous at times. Be prepared for one shocking, extended sex scene. Nevertheless, rest assured — it is one necessary risqué act.
“Saturday Night”
Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith; directed by Jason Reitman
We have heard of “Saturday Night Live,” the popular TV live-sketch comedy show that has become a main staple of American pop culture over the years. But have you ever wondered what it was like behind the scenes before the show’s first broadcast? Jason Reitman’s new movie, based on a true story, is a dramatization of the events that transpired backstage 90 minutes before the show’s premiere on Oct. 11, 1975. Of course, it was not all that seamless as preparations were underway. Did John Belushi constantly pick fights? Did Chevy Chase have a big disagreement with Milton Berle? Or, did host George Carlin really think the show was a sham? We’d rather not spoil the movie for your viewing pleasure.
