David Farnor | On 28, Jun 2015

If music be the food of love, stream on, BBC fans. As the end of June approaches, iPlayer is full of the sounds of Glastonbury, but there is more to enjoy, as this week also saw the premiere of an exclusive iPlayer documentary about Amy Winehouse.

There are duff notes, of course: The Interceptor is a cliche-ridden crime thriller, starring a solid O. T. Fagbenle, who tries to breathe life into the unsubtle cheesiness (Run D.M.C.’s It’s Like That plays over the top of a drugs killing in the opening minutes). But the tale of a maverick Customs officer who, damn it, always gets results – “I would sacrifice the big fish to get payback for my mate,” he insists – is so run-of-the-mill your feet practically feel exhausted after 30 minutes.

SunTrap, meanwhile, a comedy starring Bradley Walsh and Kayvan Novak, is a sitcom that exists solely to allow Novak’s undercover investigator to parade a string of unfunny voices in a sea of lazy stereotypes.

But with an iPlayer-only behind-the-scenes look at Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World content and a Festival Pass taking us behind-the-scenes at Wildlife Festival, this week’s catch-up compilation is music to your ears.

We review the top titles currently available on BBC iPlayer:

TV

Glastonbury 2015

With over 60 sets already available to stream and counting, iPlayer is where Glastonbury is at. From Kanye West’s set on Saturday night to Burt Bacharach and Florence + The Machine, it’s all here – and it’s not going anywhere for another 30 days. Click here for the full line-up.

Available until: 25th July

Photo: BBC

Amy Winehouse In Her Own Words

“You gotta choose your words carefully,” says Amy Winehouse in this new documentary about the late singer.

Produced by Sasha Duncan, the film spans just 23 minutes, a runtime that seems almost as slight as the singer’s tragically short career, before her death at the young age of 27. But in the shadow of the looming feature-length film, Amy Winehouse In Her Own Words benefits from that small scale.

The title itself emphasises the project’s smart approach: with no talking heads to offer their version of events and no linear story, we simply get Winehouse’s take on her own situation, distilled into the brief times that she let her guard down. The film is threaded together from extracts of footage for the Jazz And Soul Britannia series on BBC Four, BBC One Sessions in 2007, Glastonbury 2004 and 2008, and the 2004 Mercury Music Prize, as well as intimate interviews. The result a short, but powerful piece of film-making that chooses its words carefully; less a biopic and more a moving, intimate portrayal of a supremely talented artist. Read our full review.

Available until: 21st July

Photo: BBC

Matt Berry Does… Father’s Day

Matt Berry proves once again that almost anything he says is funny, mostly because of the way he says it. After several excellent comedy shorts for BBC iPlayer, the IT Crowd and Garth Marenghi star now has his own series of short films titled “Matt Berry Does…”. After a profile of the Oxford vs. Cambridge boat race earlier in the year, he turns his anthropological gaze to Father’s Day, providing a history of parenthood that dates all the way back to our primate ancestors. Alongside the bizarre and silly turns this spoof documentary takes, not to mention the vaguely satirical swipes at the failed evolution of men, the highlight is simply Berry using the phrase “UK daddy”, something that he repeats over and over again. It doesn’t stop being funny. This is the second of six “Matt Berry Does…” specials. Roll on the other four.

Available until: 14th July

Muslim Comedy Shorts

BBC iPlayer’s original content has always thrived on giving a platform to talent that might otherwise not be seen on the TV. These five comedy shorts combine that knack for showcasing comedians with an insight into the highs and lows of Muslim life, particularly the struggles faced during Ramadan. Sadia Azmat’s to-the-camera rant about misperceptions from people in the street delivers a wonderfully surreal flourish, while Tez Ilyas’ inner monologue of a fasting Muslim in an office smartly swerves between endearingly timid and amusing arse. Prince Abdi’s account of trying to fast is the highlight, though: a sharp, four-minute blast of conflicting perspectives and childish adult behaviour.

Available until: 18th July

Photo: BBC iPlayer

The Clangers

“This is the Earth, our home…” begins Michael Palin at the start of each episode of The Clangers. “A tiny, wet planet, lost and alone. Lost in the vast silence of space…”

It’s not the introduction that older viewers will be used to, but it’s immediately clear that the Beeb’s updated version of Oliver Postgate’s classic has no intention of rebooting the show for modern audiences. In a year where Gerry Anderson’s equally loved series was given a CGI makeover, new characters and a different back-story, The Clangers feels like the antithesis to ITV’s Thunderbirds.

Palin’s avuncular tones are the perfect fit for The Clanger’s reassuring voice-over, which rejoices in the small details of our creatures’ lives. The result is something that feels as timeless as ever, because it doesn’t alter what made The Clangers special in the first place: its ability to present imagination as the most natural thing in the universe. Read our full review.

Available until: 9th July (Episode 1)

Photo: BBC/Coolabi, Smallfilms and Peter Firmin

Women’s World Cup

If you’re missing the Premier League, the Women’s World Cup in Canada hits the (penalty) spot, with all matches available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer, following their broadcast. Best of all? An iPlayer-exclusive series of catch-up videos, which round up all the goals and updates in handy 10-minute chunks. Just the thing for those joining in with only a week left of the tournament.

Available until: 6th July (Day 1 Catch-Up)

Photo: BBC/ANdrew Hayes-Watkins

Napoleon

“It’s easy to get on one’s high horse about Napoleon’s looting…” says Andrew Roberts, before going on to list artworks stolen by the legendary French leader. The first of three documentaries charting Bonaparte’s rise from army officer to ruler, the historian’s determination to repaint the tyrant of textbooks as a sympathetic figure doesn’t convince, but some previously unseen private letters that offer personal insight into his love life and the on-location shoots in St Helena and Italy make this series worth checking out – if only to be surprised by just how much you dislike Napoleon.

Available until: 11th July (Episode 1)

Photo: BBC/Back2back Productions

Stonemouth

Christian Cooke stars as Stewart in this adaptation of Iain Banks’ story about a guy who goes back to his Scottish fishing home for the funeral of his best friend, Cal. His return, though, digs up all kinds of skeletons in the seaside closets, from Cal’s sister, Ellie, to whom he was engaged, to his dad, Don (Peter Mullan), the local big bad of the area. The mystery of what happened to Cal may not always grip and the romance is only just starting to kindle, but there are some good moments in this promising opening hour, from a shot of red high heels in a bathroom toilet and some nice background locations to a literally suspenseful finale. The cast, though, are the main reason to tune in, if only to see Peter Mullan intimidate everyone else on screen.

Available until: 11th July (Episode 1)

Photo: BBC/Slate Films/Graeme Hunter

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

This lavish production, based on Susanna Clarke’s novel, is an amusing and intriguing delight. The tale of two magicians in Georgian England boasts two excellent performances from Bertie Carvel (the arrogant, clumsy Strange) and Eddie Marsan (the reclusive, nervous Norrell) and a sharply condensed script from Peter Harness, which leans on period drama tropes to sell its parallel history of England. But the programme’s real power lies in its ability to build the extraordinary out of the ordinary. Director Toby Haynes presents a world that is wholly believable, grounding the story’s magic in practical, everyday objects; an approach that makes the incredible surprisingly credible. Read our full review.

Available until: 30th June (Episode 3)

Photo: BBC /Todd Antony

Episodes: Season 4

Sean and Beverly’s Hollywood career refuses to die as they are dragged back from London to make six more episodes of Pucks! The sight of everyone’s miserable faces – and Matt LeBlanc’s ever-amusing take on himself (especially after losing half of his money) – is more than enough to keep the return of this sitcom a pleasant treat. A depressingly believable take on the incompetency of the entertainment business, which has developed its supporting characters enough to pull off a subplot devoted to Carol having to work with someone whose husband she slept with.

Available until: 2nd July (Episode 4)

Photo: BBC / Hat Trick

An Hour to Save Your Life: Season 2

Earlier this year, Sky 1 brought us Critical, a medical drama that borrowed 24’s real-time premise to follow a team of surgeons trying to save emergency patients in the “Golden Hour” following their admission to hospital. Now, the BBC has responded with a second season of its own one-hour documentary about the same thing. Interviews with the doctors post-event provide welcome explanations of the procedures we’re watching – reminding us of the harsh reality that more than makes up for the lack of gory, fictionalised injuries. Sky’s show is sensational and gripping. These cases actually happened.

Available until: 2nd July (Episode 1)

Photo: BBC / Boundless

Shark

“Think torpedo with teeth.”

If the title of the BBC’s new nature series – simply “Shark” – doesn’t grab you by the teeth, the fact that it’s narrated by Paul McGann will have you falling for it hook, line and sink. Typically beautiful and full of fun names to repeat to your friends, this is Jawsome stuff.

Available until: 3rd July (Episode 2)

Photo: BBC / Morné Hardenberg / Atlantic Edge Films

Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites

Everyone’s favourite floral bomber jacket wearer Mary Berry returns to our TV screens once again with this new cookery show. The recipes are inspired by her childhood memories – including one interlude showing how to make ice cream – but it’s her no-nonsense presenting that makes her so easy to watch. The odd candid shot of her attempting to lick the spoon between takes only cements her status as a national treasure.

Available until: 30th June (Episode 3)

Photo: BBC / Shine TV

Women Who Spit

“Your shabby, slipped-stitch mistakes make you miraculous,” spits Vanessa Kisuule in a short poem urging women to stop shrinking back and to take up space. It’s one of countless brilliant lines you’ll hear during this series of short films, which see female poets tackle topics facing young people today.

Cecilia Knapp’s explanation of why she writes is inspiring, Deanna Rodger’s look at those forced off the street is provocative, while Jemima Foxtrot’s double-performed examination of confidence and doubt is an entertaining and powerful reminder of the importance of self over surface. Each are excellent performers, leaving your tongue tripping back over syllables to savour their taste, but keep Megan Beech’s passionate cry for more women on our TV screens until last: after the previous four fantastic compositions, you’ll be hard pushed not to agree.

Important and urgent, this collection shows just how valuable BBC iPlayer can be as a platform to voices that should be heard more often.

Available until: May 2016

Photo: BBC/Thomas Caron Delion

Murder in Successville

BBC Three’s improvised murder mystery comedy sees DI Sleet joined by a variety of celebrity guest stars to solve a crime. In Episode 1, it’s Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing, who has to work out who shot restauranteur Bruno Tonioli. He finds himself surrounded by other celebrities – Alan carr, Taylor Swift – but these are played by impressionists. And so the chaos begins, throwing the unsuspecting sidekick into scenarios that increasingly ridiculous.

The jokes are often on the disappointingly crude side, but as much fun as it is to see Tom Davis growl his way through over-the-top cliches, the real enjoyment lies in seeing Laing fail to keep a straight face. Is corpsing a mark of the hit-and-miss “script” failing or the production working? Either way, it’s absurdly high concept and unabashed silliness make this original idea exactly the kind of thing that BBC Three will hopefully continue to produce as it moves towards its online-only future. Call it Murder in Semi-Successville.

Available until: 19th July (Episode 1)

Photo: BBC/Tiger Aspect/Ollie Upton

Rev: Season 3

The coffers of St. Saviour’s are empty. The church seniors are looking to close the building. Adam and his wife (Olivia Colman) are losing their patience with each other. Sounds bleak? That’s because Season 3 of Rev is. And that’s a good thing. Rev’s strength has always been in its ability to take the serious with the silly: more sit than com, it’s drama first, entertainment second. The supporting cast (from Miles Jupp to Steve Evetts) occasionally slip into stereotypes but Holland and Colman always feel genuine – and it’s their marriage and Adam’s faith that fuel this run of increasingly dark episodes, which climax with a beautifully conceived Easter tale, complete with an inspired Liam Neeson cameo. If you missed their first run on TV, catch these repeats while you can.

Available until: 30th June

 

Movies

Creation

Paul Bettany plays Charles Darwin in this drama that follows the completion and publication of his theory of evolution – one that contravened his wife’s religious beliefs. Bettany is great, while his chemistry with an excellent Jennifer Connelly turns Darwin’s public controversy into a source of private conflict. An absorbing watch.

Available until: 16th July

Suspicion

It’s always worth catching a Hitchcock when it’s on TV and Suspicion is no exception. The thriller, which stars Joan Fontaine and Cary Grant as an heiress who is convinced her husband is trying to kill her was famously re-written for its leading man – an insight into not just Hollywood’s inherent sexism, but also the fact that Hitch was, despite his reputation, a director with a fondness of female characters to root for.

Available until: 13th July

An Education

Carey Mulligan stole a nation’s heart with her superb performance in this coming-of-age drama. which sees young Oxbridge candidate Jenny whisked away into a world of glamorous possibilities by the Peter Sarsgaard’s older man, David. Watch out for a scene-stealing turn by Rosamund Pike.

Available until: 3rd July

My Week with Marilyn

Michelle Williams transforms herself completely for this tale of Marilyn Monroe and her affairs with a young assistant during the production of The Prince of the Showgirl. Kenneth Branagh’s Laurence Olivier is equally delightful, but amid the joyful hamminess sits Eddie Redmayne’s naive suitor, whose devotion makes this a charming watch.

Available until: 6th July

Quartet

Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, adapted by Ronald Harwood from his own play, is exactly what you’d expect from the congenial actor; a warm-hearted ode to the act of performance.

Maggie Smith on vocals? Another OAP on piano? This is The Best Exotic Marigold 2: The Musical. Or, Classic FM: The Movie. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing; the talented old farts stop their clarinets getting too full of hot air. Despite cliches and syrupy key changes, Hoffman’s relaxed helming keeps the tempo up – one opening montage is beautifully. The result hits all the right notes – and most of them in the right order.

Available until: 29th June

Leave to Remain

Anything with Toby Jones in is always worth watching – something that indie drama proves beyond doubt. He plays a well-intentioned officer who helps refugees obtain citizenship in the UK, just as an Afghan teenager finds his case interrupted by the arrival of a boy from back home. The soundtrack by alt-J is a bonus.

Available until: 30th June

Blood

“Sometimes we can mistake anger for caring.” That’s sensible policeman Robert (Mark Strong) to worked-up copper Joe (Paul Bettany). And who can blame Joe for being tetchy? He’s got a lot to be worked up about. His father (Brian Cox) was a ball-busting police chief and now has Alzheimer’s. His younger brother, Chrissie (Stephen Graham), keeps cheating on his partner. And they’ve got a killer to find after a 12 year old girl is brutally murdered.

If Blood sounds like a TV drama, that’s because it is – the script is based on 2004 series Conviction – but Paul Bettany easily fills up the screen’s extra inches. His gradually imploding man is one of the most intense roles of his career, a small-scale chance to tackle the big issues. By sticking with his perspective, Nicky Murphy’s low-key thriller makes for a gripping examination of morals and police procedurals rather than a mere ITV clone.

Available until: 21st July

School for Scoundrels

Alastair Sim stars in this classic British comedy about the kind but weak-willed Henry Palfrey, who is cheated and abused by car salesmen, a head waiter, an upper-class cad and his employees. And so he enrols in the College of Lifemanship, run by Mr Potter (Sim), where he can learn to beat others in life.

Available until: 4th July

Bitter Lake

Adam Curtis’ bizarre, surreal, brilliant provocative documentary deconstructs the media’s presentation of politics and history with a dizzying complexity and a dark sense of humour. At over two hours, it’s a daunting watch, but an important one – not least because it showcases the potential for BBC iPlayer as a platform for bold, experimental work. (Read our full review)

Available until: 2016

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