Trust Me: The False Prophet
Screening now on Netflix
I was recently given the first season of The Handmaid’s Tale spin-off series, The Testaments, to review — I binged it all in one weekend. Having read Margaret Atwood’s excellent second novel, the fictional theocratic world of Gilead took on an even more vividly horrifying realness as I watched the characters I’d imagined come to life on the small screen, dressed in the rich plums, teals and pinks of their Gilead uniforms.
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Those hues are also omnipresent in this excellent documentary, from the same producers who brought us 2022’s Keep Sweet: Pray And Obey, which was all about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) Mormon sect.
They’re the same jewel-tone colours worn by the many “sister wives” of Samuel Bateman, a self-proclaimed prophet who filled the leadership vacuum left by FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, who was convicted of two counts of child sexual assault in 2011.
Bateman set up a breakaway group of the FLDS in Short Creek, Utah, proclaiming to be a new prophet. He later took several wives, many of whom were minors, before being arrested and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
The parallels to Gilead’s imagined world and this very real one are eerie, and it’s fascinating to see the story that plays out in this, including how cult expert Christine Marie and her videographer husband Tolga Katas embedded themselves with the sect; their “documentary” footage was eventually used to convict Bateman in 2024.
The Testaments chilled me to my core, but this four-part true crime documentary is even more terrifying, precisely because it’s rooted in reality. The fact Marie and Katas were there to record it all, eventually working with award-winning filmmaker Rachel Dretzin to bring the bizarre story to the screen, is even more remarkable.
This is a tough watch, but my goodness: what a fascinating work of documentary storytelling.
Big Mistakes
Screening now on Netflix
Big Mistakes is streaming on Netflix. Credit: Spencer Pazer/Netflix
It’s been six years since Schitt’s Creek left our screens — I’ve been mourning its loss ever since. It’s one of those comfort shows I like to return to again and again as the need arises.
It’s not hard to imagine how this new original series, from Schitt’s Creek’s co-creator Dan Levy (he stars in this, too), could become another favourite.
It’s all about grown-up brother and sister duo, Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), who unwittingly find themselves working for the local mob after they “accidentally” steal a valuable diamond necklace.
When I tell you this is messy — lordy! It will make your head spin! But it’s also spectacularly funny and this chaotic-as-heck crime caper should be top of your watch list, especially if you’ve enjoyed Levy’s past projects.
Glenn & Mick’s Celebrity Intervention
Monday, 7.30pm, Seven
Glenn & Mick’s Celebrity Intervention is screening on Seven. Credit: Supplied.
This sees comedians Glenn Robbins and Mick Molloy staging “interventions” on unsuspecting Aussie celebs. Ep one has a clunky start, but I persevered, and ended up quite enjoying Carrie Bickmore’s take-down. She’s the first lamb to the slaughter, sorry participant, and she’s a mighty good sport.
Stranger Things: Tales From 85
Thursday, streaming on Netflix
Stranger Things: Tales From 85 is coming to Netflix Credit: Supplied.
The much-anticipated animated spin-off finally hits screens this week, and we’ll finally get to find out if the hype’s been worth it. It sees the kids of Hawkins (this time voiced by new actors) back in 1985. The gate to the Upside Down has been sealed, but there are still mysterious entities hiding beneath the snow. One for (older) kids.
Half Man
Friday, streaming on Stan
Half Man is coming to Stan. Credit: Supplied.
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd is back with another searingly original TV series. This one sees him co-starring alongside Jamie Bell — the story charts their character’s chequered relationship over a 30-year span. This is generating heaps of buzz.
