We have a bunch of new movie and TV reviews this month, so there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re into new TV shows, films, period dramas, or hidden gems, we’ve got reviews and recommendations that you’ll find helpful.
ABOUT REVIEWS OF THE MONTH
This new feature, Reviews of the Month, comes out once a month on The Silver Petticoat Review. We alternate between book reviews and movie/TV reviews. For May 2021, we’re focusing on movies and TV series.
Essentially, one month we share movie and TV reviews, and the next month we do book reviews. So next month will be book reviews, and then the month after that, back to movie and TV reviews.
These reviews are shorter than our usual in-depth standalone reviews. This format allows us to share more recommendations and reviews! So, you can expect shorter reviews in these posts and full-size reviews in standalone articles. Enjoy.
To read the film and TV reviews, scroll down, read them all, or click on the title that interests you in the links below.
(Note: Full-size reviews are linked to separate pages. Also, the “where to watch” sections include availability in the U.S. as of this post’s publication date and are subject to change.)
MOVIE & TV REVIEWS:
All Creatures Great and Small (Period Drama)
Atlantic Crossing (Historical Drama)
Audrey (Documentary, Biography)
Blithe Spirit (Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Period Drama)
Call Me Kat (Romantic Comedy)
C.B. Strike (Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance)
Debris (Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama)
Departure (Drama, Mystery, Thriller)
Devious Maids (Dramedy, Mystery, Romance)
Dollhouse (Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi, Romance)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Action-Adventure, Fantasy, Drama)
Ginny & Georgia (Dramedy, Romance)
The Luminaries (Drama, Mystery, Romance, Magical Realism)
Misbehaviour (Historical Drama, Comedy)
The Queen’s Gambit (Period Drama)
Selena: The Series (Biography, Period Drama, Music)
Sweet Magnolias (Drama, Romance)
Wild Mountain Thyme (Rom-com, Drama)
FULL MOVIE AND TV REVIEWS:
Love Sarah Review: A Delightful New Movie Full of Romance and Comfort Food (Romantic Comedy, Drama)
‘Miss Scarlet and the Duke’ Review: An Absolutely Entertaining New Mystery Series (Mystery, Drama, Romance)
Shadow and Bone – An Irresistible New Romantic Fantasy (Fantasy, Drama, Romance)
‘Sylvie’s Love’ Movie Review: This is a Powerful Old-Fashioned Love Story (Romance, Period Drama)
MAY 2021 REVIEWS OF THE MONTH
REVIEW ONE
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (2020)
If you’re looking for a feel-good period drama, you can’t go wrong with All Creatures Great and Small. This series, set in 1930s Yorkshire, features an endearing cast, breathtaking scenery, and heartwarming stories. Adapted from beloved books, it brings the charming and comforting tales of veterinarian James Herriot to life.
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Also available on DVD.
REVIEW TWO
ATLANTIC CROSSING (2020)
Atlantic Crossing is a captivating Norwegian period drama featured on PBS Masterpiece. It tells the story of the relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha during World War II. The stunning production design, beautiful costumes, and engaging scripts make it a must-watch for fans of royal period dramas.
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Available for Digital purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW THREE
AUDREY (2020)
This documentary offers an intimate look at Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn, exploring her life with elegance and depth. The film sheds light on her humanitarian efforts and her quest for love, providing new insights into her personal life.
Where to Watch: Netflix. Available for Digital rental/purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW FOUR
BLITHE SPIRIT (2020)
Blithe Spirit, based on Noël Coward’s play, is a romantic comedy filled with old-fashioned wit. The movie features Charles, a screenwriter haunted by his dead wife’s ghost. While it’s pleasant and entertaining, it doesn’t fully capture Coward’s style.
Where to Watch: Available for Digital rental/purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW FIVE
CALL ME KAT (2021)
This rom-com sitcom follows Kat, a single woman who opens a cat café after quitting her university job. The show is light and entertaining, with Kat’s endearing awkwardness and the sweet romance adding to its charm.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu. Available for Digital purchase.
REVIEW SIX
C.B. STRIKE (2017)
Based on J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series, C.B. Strike is an addictive detective show with compelling mysteries and evolving romance between Cormoran and his assistant, Robin. It’s a fantastic British series for mystery and romance fans.
Where to Watch: HBO Max, HBO Now, HBO Amazon Channel. Available for Digital purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW SEVEN
DEBRIS (2021)
Debris is an intriguing sci-fi series about an international agency investigating mysterious alien wreckage scattered across the earth. The developing relationship between the main agents adds depth to the show.
Where to Watch: Hulu and Peacock.
REVIEW EIGHT
DEPARTURE (2019)
This conspiracy thriller features Kendra Malley, an investigator looking into the disappearance of a passenger plane. It’s an engaging series, even if a bit formulaic, with excellent performances by the cast.
Where to Watch: Peacock. Available for Digital purchase.
REVIEW NINE
DEVIOUS MAIDS (2013)
From the creator of Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids is a dark comedy featuring four Latina maids solving crimes in Beverly Hills. This series is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and romance.
Where to Watch: Hulu and Tubi. Available for Digital purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW TEN
DOLLHOUSE (2009)
In Dollhouse, a sci-fi series created by Joss Whedon, people erase their identities to take on new ones for various missions. The storyline is compelling with an excellent romance subplot between two characters.
Where to Watch: Hulu and Tubi. Available for Digital purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW ELEVEN
THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER (2021)
Set in the Marvel universe, this series follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes dealing with new threats and personal challenges. While not as engaging as Wandavision, it has fantastic chemistry between the leads and sets the stage for future Marvel projects.
Where to Watch: Disney+
REVIEW TWELVE
GINNY & GEORGIA (2021)
Compared to Gilmore Girls, this series is darker and less witty but still entertaining. It follows Georgia and her daughter Ginny’s dramatic life in a small town, blending romance and mystery.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW THIRTEEN
THE LUMINARIES (2020)
This miniseries set in 1865 New Zealand starts promisingly but turns into a complex, albeit visually stunning, narrative. Despite slow pacing, it’s worth watching for the beautiful cinematography and strong cast.
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ Amazon Channel. Available for Digital purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW FOURTEEN
MISBEHAVIOUR (2020)
Keira Knightley stars in this entertaining historical drama about the 1970 Miss World competition. It’s a crowd-pleaser with standout performances and a strong script.
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ Amazon Channel, Hoopla. Available for Digital rental/purchase and on DVD.
REVIEW FIFTEEN
THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (2020)
This limited series is a gripping tale of a young orphan who becomes a chess prodigy. With brilliant performances, especially from Anya-Taylor Joy, superb writing, and beautiful period details, it’s a must-watch.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW SIXTEEN
SELENA: THE SERIES (2020)
Despite mixed reviews, this series offers a touching look at Selena Quintanilla’s life and her family’s journey. It’s a heartfelt tribute with excellent acting and realistic costumes.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW SEVENTEEN
SWEET MAGNOLIAS (2020)
Based on Sherryl Woods’ novels, this series about lifelong friends in a small Southern town is heartwarming and engaging. It’s perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls or Virgin River.
Where to Watch: Netflix
REVIEW EIGHTEEN
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME (2020)
This romantic Irish film, starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan, is charming and humorous. Though it received mixed reviews, it’s a delightful watch for romance film enthusiasts with its beautiful scenery and sweet storyline.
Where to Watch: Hulu. Available for Digital rental/purchase and on DVD.
Have you watched any of these movies or shows? What are your thoughts? Discuss below.
