Heartstopper
This is one of the sweetest wholesome shows on TV. It pulls at the heart-strings without being twee. This coming of age drama leaves you with a guaranteed smile.
Next Goal Wins
A jewel of a film, Next Goal Wins is a comedy based on the true story of the worst football team in history. (They lost 31-0 to Australia in 2001), but how did they overcome that?
Eddie Flynn
This year I discovered Steve Cavanagh's nail-biting legal thrillers. Focused on Eddie Flynn, the most lovable anti-hero you can imagine, these stories will books will keep you company during the winter.
Green Border
This year's Venice film festival hasn't disappointed. Poland's Green Border is about the geopolitical hinterlands between Poland and Belorussia. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, I'm looking forward to watching it with English subtitles.
La Legge di Lydia Poet
My favourite Italian TV series from 2023 is La Legge di Lidia Poet. (The law according to Lidia Poët) for which the second season is already under production. A modern take on a real-life event, this is Sherlock Holmes meets the suffragettes.
The Murder on the Blue Train
Kenneth Branagh is back on screen later this year as Hercule Poirot, the well-known Belgian detective. It's a great time to indulge in the novels again which have been re-released this year. I'm currently devouring The Murder on the Blue Train. Which is your favourite?
#AnnaIsMissing
We expats don't always realise the gems of foreign language cinema. Bio Oko is showing the latest Czech hit #annaIsMissing with English subtitles. No excuses.
Shining girls
I'm riveted by Apple TV's Shining Girls. Part thriller, part sci-fi, it's a slow burner that keeps you engaged. Fronted by Elisabeth Moss, and backed by Leo diCaprio, it's one of Apple's hidden gems.
Where the crawdads sing
Earlier this year, I recommended the film Where the Crawdads sing. Over the summer, I read the book upon which that's based. North Carolina has never sounded so beautiful - but is it a true story or not?
Oppenheimer
Prague's IMAX is showing the 70 mm version of this modern classic. This is the highest quality - and it's the only European theatre to do so.