August streaming picks: Ron Howard’s cave rescue drama, an explosive Woodstock doc

A roundup of some must-see TV series and movies premiering on subscription streaming platforms in August:

« Thirteen Lives »

« Apollo 13 » director Ron Howard brings his methodical, biting style to another true story that has captivated the world. When a Thai boys’ soccer team became trapped in an underground cave in the summer of 2018, it was up to a team of British rescuers, working with locals and experts around the world, to attempt a rescue. digging effort. Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell play the Brits with an understated presence that allows the claustrophobic underwater cinematography to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. For another spin on the story, check out the acclaimed documentary « The Rescue, » on Disney Plus. (August 5, Prime Video)

« Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 »

They billed it as a tribute to the legendary Woodstock ’69 music festival, but what happened one weekend in July in 1999 was far from ‘peace and love’. A three-part documentary series draws on the memories of musicians, staff and promoters who took part in the massive rock music spectacle that escalated into rage and destruction. Their stories are told against a clock that shifts from Korn’s Friday night show to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ closing performance as spectators set the field ablaze. (Netflix, August 3)

« House of the Dragon »

HBO hopes to ride on the monstrous success of « Game of Thrones » with a new fantasy TV series set 200 years before that storyline. Centered on House Targaryen, the lineage of Daenerys Targaryen, the so-called Mother of Dragons, the series is inspired by George RR Martin’s book « Fire & Blood ». Much of the series has been shrouded in secrecy since production began in early 2021, but early trailers suggest there are many battles being waged over succession plans and more dragons than ever. « House of the Dragon » stars Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy and Rhys Ifans. (Crave, August 21, weekly episodes)

« Five Days at the Memorial »

Staff in the intensive care unit of a New Orleans hospital face unimaginable challenges when Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans and leaves their facilities on hold. As the waters rise, the current drops and patients pour in, forcing doctors and nurses to make crucial decisions that could cost lives. Based on a true story that plays out like a disaster thriller, the eight-episode limited series stars Vera Farmiga and Cherry Jones, who won two Emmys for guest roles in « Succession » and « The Handmaid’s Tale. » . (August 12, Apple TV Plus, weekly episodes)

« Mo »

Rising comedian Mohammed Amer plays Mo, a Palestinian refugee living in Houston who has been on the road to US citizenship for years. But after suddenly finding himself without a job, Mo faces the prospect of his own uncertain future and his family’s buried past. Uniquely told as a comedy set between two cultures and three languages ​​- his girlfriend is of Mexican descent – the series mixes the dramatic elements of life with a healthy dose of humor. « Mo » is co-created by Amer and Ramy Youssef, who won a Golden Globe for his own show « Ramy. » (Netflix, August 24)

ALSO THIS MONTH:

‘The Bear’ – A chef returns home to run his family’s sandwich shop in one of this summer’s must-see dramas that won critical acclaim. (Disney Plus, August 3, weekly episodes)

‘Lightyear’ – Buzz Lightyear’s pre-‘Toy Story’ origins are chronicled in a feature-length adventure. (Disney Plus, August 3)

‘Belfast’ – Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical story of his childhood in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. (Crave, August 12)

‘A League Of Their Own’ – An episodic retelling of the Hollywood baseball comedy that tackles racism, homophobia and sexism off the field. (Prime Video, August 12)

‘The Princess’ – Princess Diana’s life is examined in a feature-length documentary set for the 25th anniversary of her death. (Crave, August 13)

« She-Hulk: Attorney at Law » – A young woman juggles her legal aspirations with her superhuman powers. With Regina-born Tatiana Maslany. (Disney Plus, August 17, weekly episodes)

‘Mike’ – The tangled legacy of boxer Mike Tyson is at the center of an eight-episode unauthorized docuseries from the creators of ‘I, Tonya.’ (Disney Plus, August 25, weekly episodes)

RETURNING SHOWS: Netflix kicks off a new season of dating reality show and viral sensation “Indian Matchmaking” on August 10 before heading south for spin-off “Queer Eye: Brazil” on August 24. Also on the service, the final season of Canadian-horror series « Locke & Key » wraps August 10, while a new comedy series « Never Have I Ever » premieres August 12. Over at Crave, the second season of stock market drama “Industry” returns with one week of episodes on August 1, while the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise is working the runway with a new edition “Secret Celebrity Drag Race” starting August 12 and the first season of “Drag Race Philippines” on August 17.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 1, 2022.

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