The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Need to Know
This is a 2023 American short film written, directed and co-produced by the much-admired Wes Anderson. Based on the eponymous short story contained in the 1977 collection The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl, the plot tells of a rich man who sets out to master an extraordinary skill to cheat at gambling.

Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Rupert Friend, Richard Ayoade

Why Is It Worth Watching?
Henry Sugar (Cumberbatch) is an independently wealthy man who keenly enjoys gambling but isn’t particularly skilled at it. On a visit to a doctor’s office, he comes across a medical report about a man from India who claims to be able to see without his eyes. Henry then seeks out said person and requests him to teach him the secret meditation technique He spends the next three years diligently studying the method and secures the ability to see without his eyes. And yes, he can even see through playing cards. Henry then takes his new-found talents to casinos across the world and wins piles of cash on blackjack tables. But is that all he wants? Would it truly be enough? The interesting story plays out from here.
The movie is a captivating watch and joyfully showcases all the beloved hallmarks of a beautifully composed Wes Anderson film. The design, the colour palette and the carefully arranged frames of each shot have been tailored to perfection. While the impressive performances from this star-studded cast elevate even the simplest of scenes.

Top Boy

Need to Know
Top Boy is a critically acclaimed British crime drama that has returned for its third and final season. Following the unexpected death of a major character in the season two finale, things are about to kick off in the most electrifying manner as no action is left unanswered for in the unforgiving world of crime and drug dealing.

Director: Ronan Bennett
Cast: Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, Simbi Ajikawo, Jasmine Jobson, Saffron Hocking, Araloyin Oshinremi, Barry Keoghan, Brian Gleeson, Adwoa Aboah

Why Is It Worth Watching?
For the uninitiated, the story revolves around two seasoned drug dealers, Dushane (Walters) and Sully (Robinson) of the Summerhouse gang, and their cut-throat pursuit of money and power in the gritty streets of London.
Jamie (Michael Ward), a previous rival, starts working with them after being released from prison. Sully eventually grows suspicious about Jamie’s intentions and kills him despite a truce being called, setting off one of the main plotlines for the finale season. The murder is guaranteed to unleash a chain of dreadful events. Jamie’s brothers are out for blood, especially the youngest, Stefan, who looks set to embark on a villainous arc to exact revenge against Sully for murdering his brother.
Meanwhile, Shelley (Ajikawo) and other local residents are fighting against Dushane’s redevelopment plans for Summerhouse housing estate, which is guaranteed to leave many without homes.
The series shrewdly explores prevalent issues rooted in reality such as gentrification, poverty, trauma, depression, drug trade and gang violence, and how an unsuspecting bystander could suddenly find themselves dragged into the madness of this world. The show is highly acclaimed and for good reason. As the end approaches, the winning combination of a great cast and the stomach-churning, tense storylines will surely have you at the edge of your seat one last time.