SHE’S THE HE is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age comedy made by queer people and for queer people. Unapologetically and going all-out. Of course, everyone can (and should) watch it, but not everyone will catch every detail and quip. Read our full She’s the He movie review here and find it on Digital now!

SHE’S THE HE is out on Digital, and if you’re LGBTQ+ or an ally, then this is the movie to watch. Not only to support the filmmaker, cast, and crew (though that would be reason enough), but rather because it’s an absolute treat and lots of fun to watch.

It’s a play on all those coming-of-age comedies where someone tries to pretend they’re someone else to get the guy or girl of their dreams. As such, this movie has a premise I’ve watched so many times, but never quite like this. Coming the closest are movies like Booksmart or Crush (2022), but they are nowhere near as truly queer (in every positive sense of the word) as this one.

Continue reading our She’s the He movie review below. Find it on Digital now.

Become a girl to get the girl

The core premise of She’s the He is exactly as silly and wonderful as with most other teen or YA comedies with a coming-of-age plot.

Coming the closest is probably the MTV series Faking It. In that show, two girls pretended to be dating to get attention from a boy. Well, one of them hatched this plan, and the other realized she was, in fact, gay.

In this new queer comedy, Ethan and Alex end up posing as trans women. A stupid idea, obviously, but there are two reasons for this crazy plan. First, Alex desperately wants to make it clear that he and Ethan are not a couple. Gay rumors have stuck to them forever, and they have never dated. Second, Alex wants to get closer to the girls.

What better place to do that than in the girls’ locker room?

When a joke becomes serious

In classic Gen Z form, the girls accept their friends being trans, as does the teacher.

It works perfectly and is all a “fun joke” until one of the cis-girls helps Ethan with make-up and a better outfit. Suddenly, Ethan looks in the mirror and finally sees the girl she’s always been. Yes, Ethan is really trans. Also, she’s a lesbian, which is good, as a non-binary lesbian classmate is also crazy about Ethan.

Finally, everything is coming up rainbows for Ethan, and she is truly happy. But that won’t last long, as we need some drama in this comedy. Hey, that’s the premise, and I am absolutely buying it in this one.

Watch She’s the He on Digital now

Writer and director of She’s the He is Siobhan McCarthy, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. More of the same would be just fine with me. This is low-budget, but it has so much talent, integrity, and obvious love of the audience this was made for. Yep, I’m a fan of Siobhan McCarthy.

The cast includes Misha Osherovich (Freaky) as Ethan, Nico Carney as Alex, and Suzanne Cryer (Mrs. Davis, Silicon Valley) as Ethan’s mom. All three end up being the true heart of the movie. Among the classmates are characters portrayed by Malia Pyles (Cape Fear), Mark Indelicato (Hacks), and Tatiana Ringsby from several Zolita music videos.

Yes, in this wonderfully queer coming-of-age comedy, the actors portraying characters are mirroring their own gender and sexuality. Trans actors are portraying trans characters, and gay actors are playing gay characters. I have to admit that I love this, and it must have made for the best set ever for everyone involved.

While both The L Word and Happiest Season are productions that have come close, this one goes all the way. Also, with a runtime of just 82 minutes, you can expect to want to watch this movie several times. Consider yourself warned… and enjoy!

Womentainment recommendation: Put this one at the top of your “Want to Watch” list

Obviously, all queer people aren’t as over the top as some of the characters in She’s the He. That’s often the case with movies. Comedies in particular. Nobody ever bothered to put up a disclaimer like this for She’s the Man or 10 Things I Hate About You.

And yet, with a movie like She’s the He, I felt a lot more seen than in many of those movies. Yes, in an over-the-top way, but that’s the point. We’re allowed to have fun with our own quirks. It’s a lot better than always being the joke in some straight movie.

Plus, I have to also point out that this story does get more serious and dark at times. It deals with some heavy subjects, and parents wanting a happy and “easy” life (whatever that is?) for their child also come up. This was what ensured the rating ended as it did. It’s not all rainbow stickers, poppers, and thumb rings.

She’s the He is out on Digital now.

Director: Siobhan McCarthy
Writer: Siobhan McCarthy
Stars: Misha Osherovich, Nico Carney, Suzanne Cryer, Malia Pyles, Mark Indelicato, Emmett Preciado, Tatiana Ringsby

Official plot:

Before graduation, Ethan and Alex pose as trans women in a last ditch effort to quell gay rumors. It’s all a joke until Ethan realizes: she really is trans. The two must reckon with their changing friendship, coming out, and coming-of-age.

RIDE OR DIE on Prime Video is an action-adventure comedy hybrid series starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. Do you really need to know more before choosing to watch it? I certainly didn’t, and yet, it was even better than I ever dared dream. Read our Ride or Die season 1 review here!

RIDE OR DIE is a Prime Video series with eight episodes in its first season. Will there be more seasons? Well, you can never be sure, but I sure do hope so. This is the most amazing genre hybrid, and while the core premise and two leading ladies (Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer) were already enough, the trailer made me smile so big.

I mean, come on, these two ladies could read out of the phone book, and I’d watch it. With Ride or Die, we get all the comedy and gorgeous attitude both are excellent at, but now paired with an action plot and perimenopausal comedy to boot. What more could you want? Well, nothing really. You’d be greedy if this weren’t already enough.

Well, except for, obviously, more seasons of this amazing Prime Video show.

Continue reading our Ride or Die season 1 review below. Start watching on Prime Video now.

Knowing your own worth – or getting there!

Ride or Die is exactly the kind of feel-good series I needed. Yes, this Prime Video show about an assassin (Hannah Waddingham) and her best friend (Octavia Spencer), who end up going on an unplanned action-adventure together, is just what I needed.

It’s like a hybrid of Atomic Blonde and Hidden Figures with comedy to bind it all together. Highlighting the fierce, tall blonde, who can beat any man, and the short, whip-smart, kind woman, who can turn the other cheek until she cannot. I loved this combination.

Especially seeing the latter acknowledge that she has as much right to take up space as anyone else.

An assassin and her brilliant best friend

The core plot of Ride or Die focuses on best friends Debbie Claybourne (Octavia Spencer) and Judith Burton (Hannah Waddingham), who trust each other with their lives, but have been keeping secrets. Well, mostly Judith, who is an international assassin codenamed “Whiptail”.

Just as Judith is forced to reveal this secret occupation to Debbie, a mysterious figure from Judith’s past returns, which makes everything go horribly wrong. As a result, both of their worlds are violently changed in an instant, and they are forced to go on the run together.

This turns into a road trip across Europe, but not the kind that includes much sightseeing. They have trained assassins and law enforcement chasing them, along with extremely dangerous criminals. The two best friends get to know each other while doing all they can to stay alive.

You had me at Hannah and Octavia

I recognize that I am repeating myself a lot, but come on, it’s Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. Two of the most amazingly talented and fierce women in the entertainment industry. Watching Ride or Die is like getting to enjoy the best of all worlds.

You get brilliant action scenes, where women are kicking butt by being smart and strong. Also, there’s a focus on the women who build up men only to see themselves “cut loose” once they’ve done all the heavy lifting. Finally, there is that perfectly timed comedy to keep it all light, despite the rather dark plot.

A plot that focuses on friendship, survival, revenge, deceit, and perimenopause. Oh yeah, this story is all about how a WOACA (Woman Of A Certain Age) is fiercer than at any other age. She knows her worth, and she doesn’t care if you like her. She’s often the smartest person in the room, and yes, she is better than you!

This makes Judith (Hannah Waddingham) and Debbie (Octavia Spencer) sound like “Mean Girls” almost, but they are not. They’re just done with being people pleasers while putting their own needs aside.

Also, I should mention that the supporting cast is great as well. From Cathy Tyson (Criminal Record), Savannah Steyn (Good Boy), and Bill Nighy (Love Actually) to Sylvia Hoeks (The Girl in the Spider’s Web) and Ed Skrein (Jurassic World Rebirth), to mention just a few that you’ll meet early on.

Watch season 1 of Ride or Die on Prime Video now!

Tessa Coates is the creator of Ride or Die, which has eight strong episodes in its first (and hopefully not last) season. All eight episodes are out on Prime Video now, and you’re in for a real treat, so do yourself a favor and watch it sooner rather than later.

Previously, Tessa Coates has acted more than written. She was in several episodes of Mae Martin‘s Feel Good series. Based on this Prime Video production, I cannot wait to see what Tessa Coates comes up with next.

As the writer and showrunner, we have Matt Miller. He previously worked on both Peacemaker and The Flight Assistant, so he knows action-comedy well. Directors of the eight episodes are Peyton Reed (Bring It On), DeMane Davis (The Girls on the Bus), Allison Liddi-Brown (Grey’s Anatomy), and Lauren Wolkstein (Dead Ringers).

Ride or Die is produced by Paramount Television Studios and Amazon MGM Studios, but we also have siblings Andy and Barbara Muschietti’s Double Dream (IT: Welcome to Derry), plus Octavia Spencer’s Orit Entertainment, and Hannah Waddingham on board as producers. I love that!

Womentainment recommendation: Watch Ride or Die as soon as you can!

Oh yes, I do realize that I come off as quite bossy when I ask you to watch it “now” and “as soon as you can”, but that’s how we can ensure more seasons of this amazing Prime Video show. Also, I am trying to do you a favor by pushing you towards this gorgeous experience of watching kick-ass women!

If it helps, imagine that instead of me, it’s Hannah Waddingham making this demand. You can’t say no to her, can you? I don’t think I could. She’s truly a girl’s girl. Or a woman’s woman, if you will. And so is Octavia Spencer. Both are, of course, also executive producers on the series – as they should be.

From their impeccable comic timing to their facial expressions speaking volumes, I have adored both Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer for as long as I have known them. In this, they both shine as bright as ever. So, go ahead, set aside time to treat yourself to season 1 of Ride or Die. You can thank me later!

Ride or Die season 1 premiered globally on Prime Video on July 15, 2026.

Creator/Writer: Tessa Coates
Showrunner/Writer: Matt Miller
Directors: Peyton Reed, DeMane Davis, Allison Liddi-Brown, Lauren Wolkstein
Cast: Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Bill Nighy, Ed Skrein, Sylvia Hoeks, Calam Lynch, Savannah Steyn, Jamie Parker

Official plot:

Ride or Die follows best friends Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) and Judith Burton (Waddingham) who thought they knew everything about each other, except Judith turns out to be an international assassin. When a mysterious figure emerges from Judith’s past and a hit goes horribly wrong, both of their worlds are turned upside down as they’re forced to go on the run together. It’s a race against time and a road trip across Europe, with law enforcement, highly trained assassins, and some very dangerous criminals at their heels.

Photos © Amazon Content Services LLC

THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND on Peacock is a series with the most wonderful cast. So heartwarming and funny, this new series is based on the bestselling 2023 novel by author Elin Hilderbrand. With 8 episodes, you’re in for a treat. Read our The Five Star Weekend S1 review here!

THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND is a Peacock series based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel from 2023. I have not read the book, so I have no idea how closely it follows the story in it. In fact, I have no problem admitting that the casting of this Peacock series is what lured me in.

And yes, the cast definitely delivered what I expected. The drama series (with lots of comedy along the way) has eight episodes in the season. Give it a shot, and see if this isn’t your feel-good show of the summer. It certainly could be for me. 

Continue reading our The Five Star Weekend review below. Find season 1 on Peacock now.

Five female friends in Nantucket

I realize that a show about five friends in Nantucket may sound very “straight and white”, but it isn’t. Well, it certainly isn’t white, and in regards to the “straight” part, I don’t want to give away too much here. You’ll have to watch (maybe even decide) for yourself to figure out that part.

Anyway, we follow a very beloved food influencer, Hollis Shaw (Jennifer Garner), as she is dealing with a brutal loss. To help her come to terms with this, she relies on her friends. Along with four of her friends – each stemming from a different chapter of her life – she goes to Nantucket for a weekend.

Usually, Hollis Shaw is a friendly and happy kinda gal. Just not right now, which is exactly why she needs both support and understanding, along with some tough love, to help her move forward.

While the group of five women is there, they will uncover long-hidden truths while new relationships are formed. All takes place in the very gorgeous surroundings that Nantucket offers.

Jennifer Garner is Hollis Shaw

In the absolute lead of The Five Star Weekend is the always wonderful Jennifer Garner. And yes, I would admittedly watch pretty much everything with Jennifer Garner in it. From seeing her as the kick-ass Sydney Bristow in Alias (2001-2006), I have adored her.

Jennifer Garner was speaking all kinds of accents and taking on various undercover personas decades before Jodie Comer in Killing Eve. Also, she’s an actual superhero when playing “Elektra”.

Overall, Jennifer Garner may be best known as the cute and bubbly girl from 13 Going on 30, but she is so much more. She is a bona fide action star in movies like Peppermint and even Deadpool & Wolverine, but also the most amazing mom in Love, Simon. Also, she played a key role in Dallas Buyers Club, which was about AIDS patients.

Finally, if you’re in a slump, I can highly recommend checking out her “Pretend Cooking Show” on YouTube. Especially if it’s one where she has to call her mom for instructions. If you think Jennifer Garner is lovely, there’s an added comedic timing to seeing her interact with her mom while attempting to cook from her mom’s recipe.

Who knows, maybe these videos helped her get a role as a food influencer in The Five Star Weekend?!

Anyway, enough about just one of the actors in this show, which does feature an actual ensemble cast.

Just a wonderful cast

Alongside Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, we have four amazing women.

There’s Chloë Sevigny (Russian Doll, Poker Face) as Tatum, Regina Hall (One Battle After Another, Nine Perfect Strangers) as Dru-Ann, Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians, Humans) as Gigi, and D’Arcy Carden (A League of Their Own, The Good Place) as Brooke.

Also, in key roles, but not among the five friends, are Harlow Jane (She Came to Me) as Caroline and Timothy Olyphant (Santa Clarita Diet, Alien: Earth) as Jack.

Plus, in recurring roles, you can look forward to West Duchovny (Painkiller, Saint X), Roberta Colindrez (A League of Their Own, Vida), and Judy Greer (Good Boy, The Long Walk) as Electra. Yes, her name is almost “Elektra”.

Watch The Five Star Weekend on Peacock now

As already mentioned, The Five Star Weekend is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling 2023 novel. The Peacock series adaptation comes from creator Bekah Brunstetter. She previously produced and wrote on several episodes of This Is Us, which was a series I was crazy about. An amazing creation from Dan Fogelman (Paradise).

Directors of the eight episodes in the series are Jennifer Morrison (Yellowjackets, Euphoria) and Minkie Spiro (All Her Fault, Pieces of Her). Overall, the crew behind this Peacock series is made up of a lot of female talent, which is yet another reason to support the show.

To me, The Five Star Weekend is exactly the kind of series I like to relax with. You can laugh a little, maybe cry a little, and you should be able to recognize the types of people we’re introduced to. The cast alone was enough to get me interested. I was entertained in exactly the way I expected. Nothing more, nothing less, and I am fine with that.

Womentainment recommendation: Have fun with this girl-powered treat

I wasn’t expecting The Five Star Weekend to blow my mind, and I suppose it didn’t, but it did make for a wonderful treat. Watching this Peacock series, I found myself relating to different characters and recognizing most of the types. In a good way, I should add.

With eight episodes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether you want to binge-watch it or have it as a little treat over some time, it’s perfect for winding down. A feel-good watch, and there aren’t a whole lot of those around.

The Five Star Weekend is out on Peacock from July 9, 2026.

Creator: Bekah Brunstetter
Directors: Jennifer Morrison, Minkie Spiro
Stars: Jennifer Garner, Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, D’Arcy Carden, Gemma Chan, Harlow Jane, Timothy Olyphant

Official plot:

A beloved food influencer relies on her friends as she comes to terms with a devastating loss.

YOU CAN LIVE FOREVER is now on Netflix. If you still haven’t watched this sweet lesbian coming-of-age movie, now is your chance. Sure, it has some tough moments, but overall, this is one of the LGBTQ+ movies I can watch again and again. Read our You Can Live Forever movie review here!

YOU CAN LIVE FOREVER is a wonderful lesbian coming-of-age story set in a religious environment. Obviously, this isn’t ideal if you want to live your life freely as your true self. However, there’s a reason why this movie has become very popular in the LGBTQ+ community.

First, and foremost (I think), it’s because of the very believable romantic story and chemistry between the lead character. Second, and almost as important, this movie has become a beloved addition to lesbian love stories because the ending isn’t tragic. It’s not easy or cute either, but nobody dies, and the girls can choose what they want.

Continue reading our You Can Live Forever movie review below. Find it on Netflix in the US now.

Young Love vs Old Religion

You Can Live Forever begins in 1992, so we’ve already had the AIDS crisis of the 1980s (which was far from over), and queer famous people are slowly coming out. For comparison, Ellen DeGeneres came out in both her own life and on her sitcom in 1997.

Anyway, in this movie, we follow the lesbian teen girl, Jaime (Anwen O’Driscoll), as she moves from a “normal” life to life with her aunt in a tight-knit religious community. The move is only temporary, on the heels of a tragedy that her mom needs time to deal with. Also, her own parents used to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, so she knows the “drill”.

As part of the living arrangement, Jaime is urged to go to meetings in the Jehovah’s Witness community. That may not have been the best idea, as she immediately locks eyes with a girl who clearly shows she’s interested in Jaime. The girl is Marike (June Laporte), and she’s the daughter of the man leading this particular religious community.

Want to live now or eternally?

Maybe Marike has been a bit too used to “handling” her dad. She certainly seems to know which rules to follow rigidly, and which can be bent to her own will and desire. And yet, she probably never expected to fall so hard for the new girl. Soon, the two are inseparable, and people notice!

Of course, being gay isn’t an option in this religion. Instead, everyone is being on their best behavior so they can live forever. However, Jaime isn’t in the religion, so she’s more focused on living now. Can the two girls find a way forward, or is their love doomed from the beginning? Watch You Can Live Forever to see how it ends… or begins?!

As much as I like the overall story, there is no doubt in my mind that having Anwen O’Driscoll (Bet) and June Laporte (The Last of Us S2) in the two lead roles was key to it working this well. They have a very believable and palpable chemistry.

Also, I absolutely adored Jaime’s friendship with Nathan (Hasani Freeman). These two teenagers immediately recognized that they could be themselves with each other, which is a priceless gift. In any community.

Not a fan of religion? You can still enjoy this one

As someone who is not a fan of organized religion, You Can Live Forever was still a very good watch for me. While I have no problem with faith or spirituality, I have absolute disdain for anything organized that relies financially on its members and tells people how to live.

At the same time, I also want to acknowledge that some religious people live their lives with love and kindness as their path in life. I have met Christians, Jews, and Muslims who dedicate their lives to doing good and being kind to others.

This was what I felt was also essential to the story in You Can Live Forever. The very religious people in You Can Live Forever are portrayed with love and kindness. Sure, those living in and with religion judge homosexuality, but they also look at the girls as people who have a choice. For now! And their choices have dire consequences.

In that sense, it reminded me more of Disobedience than The Miseducation of Cameron Post, though it had more of the coming-of-age innocence of the latter. And I do love both of those movies.

Watch You Can Live Forever on Netflix (or Tello) now

You Can Live Forever was written and directed by Sarah Watts and Mark Slutsky. Filmmaker Sarah Watts is a former Jehovah’s Witness, so she has a lot of personal experience to put into this movie. I have no doubt this is why we get a very direct, yet not judgmental, take on both life within a religion and the right to choose something else.

This movie is from 2022, and I’m sorry to say Sarah Watts hasn’t written or directed any feature films since. She has, however, directed two music videos, so she is still working in the business. Hopefully, she has more coming, as this first endeavour into filmmaking made for a very strong debut.

Even though we’re covering You Can Live Forever due to its June 2026 Netflix release, the movie has been out on Tello for quite some time. 

Womentainment recommendation: Watch (or rewatch) this on Netflix now!

Whether you’ve watched You Can Live Forever already or still have that first time in store, be sure to check it out on Netflix now. Both to show Netflix that they need to add more of these queer titles and to help this movie in particular become a hit.

I’m confident it’s no coincidence that this is being released on Netflix during Pride Month, but if enough people watch these LGBTQ+ additions, more will come. Netflix is all about the numbers, so help them along, and have fun supporting a really sweet and realistic lesbian love story.

You Can Live Forever was released on Netflix US on June 4, 2026.

Directors/Writers: Sarah Watts & Mark Slutsky
Cast: Anwen O’Driscoll, June Laporte, Liane Balaban, Antoine Yared, Hasani Freeman

Official plot:

A queer teen moves into a tight-knit religious community after a tragedy, where she develops complicated feelings for someone within the community.

HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST on Netflix is a new dark comedy series from the creator of Derry Girls. Do you really need to know anything else? I certainly did not, and I am happy to report that I loved this new series as well. It’s a gorgeous genre-hybrid with eight solid episodes. Read our How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Season 1 review here!

HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST is a new Netflix series with eight episodes. The genres are dark comedy and thriller, but there’s also a murder mystery (and quite a few other mysteries) at the heart of the story. I absolutely loved this series, which has a lot of the vibe from Derry Girls, which comes from the same creator.

I mean, if the girls from Derry Girls were now adults, and trying to solve a murder case, and find their childhood friend, who is clearly caught up in something sinister. The cast is, of course, amazing, and I once again find myself wanting to plan a trip to Ireland. Well, Northern Ireland, of course.

Continue reading our How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Season 1 review below. Find all eight episodes on Netflix from February 12, 2026.

Get to know Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara

The three main protagonists of How to Get to Heaven from Belfast are Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara. Sure, there are many other (wonderful!) characters in this Netflix series, but the plot is driven by these three extremely different women. They have been best friends since school, and you can clearly tell.

Especially as they tend to regress to teenage behavior when they fight.

We have the clever, chaotic TV writer Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), who loves her job but actually loathes working with actors. Especially the lead of her series Murder Code. Then there’s the glamorous, stressed-out mother of three boys, Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), who is a no-nonsense woman who can get whatever she wants.

Finally, there’s Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), the dependable and loving, but far-too-inhibited carer. Also, Dara has a very strong connection to the Church, which has gotten in the way of her love life as a lesbian. Her friends know that she’s gay, as would most others assume based on her style, but she has always struggled with this.

Best friends stick together

The three have been a tight-knit group since school, and continue to be each other’s best friends. They are now in their late 30s, when they receive word that someone who was (for a brief time) a fourth friend in their group has passed away very suddenly.

They find out about the death of their friend Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe) via an email, and decide to go to her wake. Just to say goodbye and honor their friendship. Also, all four share a dark secret, as the three friends helped Greta when she needed them most.

This results in quite the odyssey, which will take them all over Northern Ireland (and Ireland, though not very willingly) and even to an exotic resort in Portugal. Along with the mystery, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast offers a story of friendship and the struggle to come to terms with lives that turned out very differently than expected.

Brilliant casting once again

Along with the core cast of Roisin Gallagher (Lazarus), Sinéad Keenan (Derry Girls), and Caoilfhionn Dunne (Saint Maud) as Saorise, Robyn, and Dara, respectively, we also see young versions of them. In these scenes, we’re practically back in the world of Derry Girls, though Dara isn’t as bold and brave as Clare “The Wee Lesbian” Devlin.

And yes, there are cast members from Derry Girls in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. Most prominently is Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin in Derry Girls), but obviously, I’m not going to spoil who she plays in this new Netflix series.

Also, Art Campion (Father Peter in Derry Girls) plays the husband of Robyn. And Ardal O’Hanlon has a recurring role as an Innkeeper, while guest stars from Derry Girls will show up in key roles in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. These include Bronagh Gallagher, Chris Robinson, and Emmett J. Scanlan (Fool Me Once).

Finally, I should also mention that the amazing Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones) plays a key role.

Watch How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast comes from creator Lisa McGee, who is also the writer of the series. Lisa McGee previously created the hugely popular series Derry Girls, which I loved and highly recommend checking out.

The director of the eight episodes (all around 45-60 minutes in runtime) is Michael Lennox, who also worked on Derry Girls.

While this new Netflix series is entirely its own thing, the vibe I loved in that other series remains. It’s much darker, but still character-driven and full of funny moments that I already find myself quoting.

Womentainment recommendation: A definite must-watch

Whether you’re a fan of Derry Girls (and if you’re not, then I almost feel sorry for you) or just enjoy female-driven stories, then How to Get to Heaven from Belfast should immediately go to the top of your watch list.

This is a darkly comedic thriller with amazing characters that are as quirky as they are tough and lovable. Also, it’s essentially about female friendships and girl power. Which is also why you never say “F**k girl power”, as revealed in the trailer for this series.

This is a very binge-worthy show, so get ready to spend nearly eight hours in the amazing company of these women.

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is out on Netflix from February 12, 2026.

Creator: Lisa McGee
Cast: Roísín Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Tom Basden, Art Campion, Michelle Fairley, Josh Finan, Bronagh Gallagher, Darragh Hand, Ardal O’Hanlon, Natasha O’Keeffe, Emmett J. Scanlan

Official plot:

From the wild imagination of Lisa McGee (“Derry Girls”) comes a not-so-wee mystery series about three best pals on a frantic mission to unearth the truth.

PONIES on Peacock is a new spy-thriller series starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. They will soon be thrust into the world of espionage as CIA operatives. The story plays out in Moscow during the Cold War in the 1970s. Season 1 has eight episodes out now. Read our Ponies series review here!

PONIES is a new Peacock series with 8 hour-long episodes and a wonderful core cast. Especially the two lead roles portrayed by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. It’s a thriller series with a spy plot and some comedic elements as well, but the risks are all very real and potentially deadly.

Also, I should mention that Haley Lu Richardson’s character is bisexual. Not just in theory, either, but as part of the plot in this season. Despite playing out in 1970’s Moscow, it reminded me quite a lot of the series Poker Face starring Natasha Lyonne. And yes, I do mean that as a huge compliment.

Continue reading our Ponies series review below. Find season 1 on Peacock now.

Persons of No Interest

The title of Ponies refers to the fact that the two lead characters are Persons of No Interest or PONIs. Anyone who watched Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi aggressively flirt as Shaw and Root (or just “Shoot”) on the CBS series Person of Interest will be familiar with this term.

In the world of Ponies, the two main characters are labeled as PONIs because the KGB would never expect women to be anything other than wives or secretaries. Neither, it appears, would the CIA, as Beatrice “Bea” Grant (Emilia Clarke) and Twila Hasbeck (Haley Lu Richardson), have to fight to be allowed to work in the field.

It seems borderline ridiculous when you hear them say it all out loud, but it’s a classic case of “It was a different time”. Really, it was just a time when most men had no idea what women were capable of. As a result, many women didn’t either.

I mean, isn’t it the most obvious thing in the world to actively use the fact that the KGB wouldn’t expect a female spy?!

Well, that’s pretty much the point Bea and Twila make. Also, it’s the entire premise for this series, and it works remarkably well.

Cagney and Lacey do the Cold War

Sure, I’m oversimplifying, but I loved the whole Cagney & Lacey vibe of having two wildly different women team up. The result is, of course, a dynamic duo that thrives on equal parts wit, intelligence, rebelliousness, and courage. Another result is seeing men recognize that women can actually do their job. In some cases, even better than men.

Another reason I had to mention Cagney & Lacey is the setting. Sure, the iconic cop show is set in 1980s USA, but the late 1970s are fairly close in terms of style. Not so much the surroundings as Moscow was very different than the West, but the music still made it there.

Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus) work perfectly as these wildly different women, who become their own heroes in the 1970s. The series begins with them being widowed, and then quickly stepping into action as CIA operatives to solve the mystery of the deaths of their husbands.

Also in the cast are Adrian Lester (Sandman), Artjom Gilz (Tar, Trunk), Nicholas Podany (Saturday Night), Petro Ninovskyi (Silence), and Vic Michaelis (Upload).

Watch season 1 of Ponies on Peacock now!

While I remember seeing a trailer for Ponies, I can’t say it has had much help in terms of marketing or press awareness. That’s why I absolutely had to cover it here on Womentainment now. Not only is it a story about women, but it was also made by a woman, and even has a queer character.

So much reason to cover it that it felt strange not to.

The series was created by Susanna Fogel (The Flight Attendant, The Spy Who Dumped Me, Cat Person) and David Iserson (Mr. Robot, New Girl). Both are also executive producers and writers on the season. Finally, Susanna Fogel also directs, while David Iserson serves as showrunner with Mike Daniels (The Village).

Executive producers also include Jessica Rhoades (Black Mirror) and star Emilia Clarke. 

The eight-episode espionage thriller, which could easily become a multi-season series, premiered on Peacock on January 15, 2026.

Creators: Susanna Fogel, David Iserson
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, Artjom Gilz, Lili Walters

Official plot:

In 1977 Moscow, two “PONIES” (“persons of no interest” in intelligence speak) work‬‭ anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy. That is, until their husbands die under‬‭ mysterious circumstances in the Soviet Union, and they are thrust into the CIA. Bea Grant is‬‭ sharp, over-educated and fluent in Russian — a child of Russian immigrants, trying to make‬‭ sense of a life that hasn’t turned out the way she expected. Twila Hasbeck is a small-town‬‭ firecracker: abrasive, bold and more fearless than she should be. Thrown together by grief and‬‭ circumstance, the two dig into the vast conspiracy their husbands were killed for.

AFTER THE HUNT on Prime Video is the latest movie from filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. As always, it’s extremely character-driven, and the fierce screenplay comes from Nora Garrett. Julia Roberts plays the all-important lead role. Read our full After the Hunt movie review here!

AFTER THE HUNT is now out on Prime Video, and fans of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino will definitely want to watch this. It’s not too often that we review movies directed by men, but I will gladly make an exception for him. Not least because he often makes movies with fleshed-out and complex characters – of any and all genders.

With this movie, the screenplay also comes from a female screenwriter, Nora Garrett, who also executive produces, and the key characters are women. Well, certainly the characters that keep the story moving forward (or even sideways) as the plot thickens and evolves.

The runtime is 2 hours and 18 minutes, which may seem very long, but (as always) it feels spot-on for this filmmaker. Continue reading our After the Hunt movie review below. Find it on Prime Video globally from November 20, 2025.

He Said, She Said

On the surface, After the Hunt is a very simple “He said, she said” situation about an accusation of a sexual assault. He is Hank (Andrew Garfield), a professor at Yale, and she is Maggie (Ayo Edibiri), a student at Yale.

Also, she is not just any student. She’s gay, black, and female. Three things that could work against her. However, her parents are extremely rich and powerful, and she’s very close to another professor, Alma (Julia Roberts), who is also best friends with the accused Hank. 

Also, there’s a question of whether Maggie possibly wants Alma or wants to be Alma?! Finally, Alma and Hank are both up for tenure, which they both crave.

It’s an extremely volatile situation for many reasons, and while Hank does not look good in this situation at all, everyone also questions whether Maggie could have an ulterior motive. The same goes for Alma, with tenure on the line, and she also has a very strange partnership with her husband, Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg).

Alma is in constant physical pain, which she dulls with pills and alcohol, while her husband appears either caring or tormenting. There is no in between. Either he’s cooking and showing nothing but love, or he is playing music at extreme volumes as some sort of punishment.

Broken people break people

Everything in the After the Hunt story is lined up for everyone to look guilty, while also leaving room for any one of them to be innocent, but possibly want to exploit the situation. Then again, this also plays into the notion that women accuse men to achieve something. Not anything in particular, but something.

Despite the fact that women rarely come out on top in these situations, while most men tend to bounce back. If not immediately, then within a few months or years.

Then again, Maggie is not just “some” young woman. She is a young gay and black woman, which she states as a disadvantage while ignoring the fact that she has wealth – and the very real power that comes with it – backing her at all times.

As we see Alma trying to navigate this situation at both her place of work and in her private life, a secret from her past is also lurking in the background. Will this change everything if brought into the light? If one thing was clear to me, it was that broken people seem hellbent on trying to break other people.

Why? Well, maybe because misery loves company?! Or to feel superior in some way?! Both are possible, and they are not mutually exclusive.

One thing is certain: I loved seeing Julia Roberts navigate the many different sides of her character, Alma. The same goes for every actor in the cast, but especially Julia Roberts.

Watch After the Hunt on Prime Video now!

As already mentioned, Luca Guadagnino is the director of After the Hunt. He previously directed the iconic gay coming-of-age movie Call Me By Your Name (2017), the 2018 horror thriller remake of Suspiria, starring Dakota Johnson, and he also directed the amazing HBO coming-of-age series We Are Who We Are.

That series had Chloë Sevigny and Alice Braga as a married couple, and I didn’t enjoy this show at first. Then I loved it by its ending. He has a way of getting under your skin, this filmmaker. Most recently, before this 2025 movie, he came out with Queer (2024), starring Daniel Craig.

After the Hunt is a psychological thriller, but could also easily be called a crime drama, if you’re so inclined. This depends both on how you view the story and who or what you believe.

The screenplay from Nora Garrett (who also plays Billie in the movie) is fascinating in its simple premise, but with complex relationships and so much left unsaid between most people.

Ultimately, this movie has a vibe of urgency paired with a “this too shall pass” notion. The kind that is so difficult to recognize when you are in the middle of a tense situation, but easily understood in retrospect.

Basically, it’s a fascinating study in human emotion and reaction… in classic Luca Guadagnino style. Now paired with the obviously brilliant mind of Nora Garrett. This was her debut as a screenwriter, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her!

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Written by: Nora Garrett
Cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny

Official plot:

AFTER THE HUNT is a gripping psychological drama about a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.