May on SBS on Demand presents an impressive lineup of diverse programming, ranging from gripping dramas and unique films to enlightening documentaries.
This month, viewers can look forward to world-class entertainment that spans various genres and origins, providing a wide array of narratives and storytelling styles. Here’s a closer look at each of the highlighted programs:
This Town premieres on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, and is a notable addition to the catalogue, especially for fans of British drama. Created by Steven Knight, renowned for his work on Peaky Blinders and Rogue Heroes, this series is set against the backdrop of 1981, a period marked by significant social turbulence. The narrative focuses on a family embroiled in the conflicts of the time, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and survival. Central characters include Dante, a young dreamer captivated by the burgeoning music scene and its shadowy aspects; his cousin Bardon, who becomes reluctantly involved with the IRA due to family pressures; and Gregory, Dante’s brother, who tries to balance his military discipline with a murky criminal background. The series promises a complex exploration of their struggles with personal demons and external dangers as they strive to pursue their dreams in a rapidly changing world.
Suzy & The Simple Man, debuting on Thursday, 2 May 2024, offers a shift in tone with its heartwarming narrative centered around environmentalism and personal resilience. This Australian film, filmed over eight years, documents the lives of Suzy and her husband Jon, an adventurous couple living off-grid. It portrays their dedication to a sustainable lifestyle, managing their organic farm and caring for their animals, while also navigating the unforeseen challenges that life throws at them. The film provides an intimate look at the joys and hardships of rural life, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the strength needed to maintain such a lifestyle.
I Am Scrooge, also premiering on 2 May 2024, takes viewers to 1988 Berlin through a gripping true crime drama. The story follows Arno, a struggling artist who turns to crime as a means to resolve his financial woes. He concocts a daring plan involving homemade bombs and extortion schemes targeting high-end department stores. The series chronicles his thrilling escapades and narrow escapes from law enforcement, providing a captivating look at one of Germany’s most audacious criminal cases. This series will be available in German with English subtitles, offering a realistic glimpse into the period’s atmosphere and cultural context.
The Swedish Week Collection starting from Monday, 6 May 2024, celebrates Swedish cinema with a selection of films that highlight the nation’s cinematic diversity. Films like Tuesday Club, where a woman reevaluates her life upon discovering her husband’s infidelity, and Comedy Queen, about a young girl’s quest to become a stand-up comedian amidst personal grief, showcase the emotional and comedic range of Swedish film. Other offerings include 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window And Disappeared, a comedic adventure of an elderly man on the run, and Queen Of Hearts, a dramatic tale of forbidden desire and its consequences.
Helsinki Crimes S2, launching on Thursday, 9 May 2024, returns with more complex cases and personal dilemmas. Sergeant Timo Harjunpää and his partner Onerva Nykänen tackle cases ranging from love scams to territorial gang wars, all the while dealing with personal issues that threaten to impact their professional lives. This series delves into the challenges of balancing personal relationships with the demands of law enforcement, set against the unique backdrop of Helsinki.
The Dry S2, coming to screens on Thursday, 16 May 2024, continues to follow Shiv, now 36 and seven months sober. The series provides a raw and honest portrayal of recovery from alcoholism, woven into the fabric of daily life challenges, such as maintaining relationships and a stable career. It poses poignant questions about the possibility of normalcy and the sacrifices required to achieve sobriety in a world filled with temptations.
Davos 1917, premiering on Thursday, 23 May 2024, transports viewers to the neutral, yet secretly tumultuous, landscape of Switzerland during World War I. The series revolves around Johanna, a nurse who returns home pregnant after a Red Cross mission. Amidst the serene Swiss Alps, she finds herself entangled in a web of espionage as global powers covertly operate out of Davos, turning her personal strife into a thrilling narrative of intrigue and betrayal.
The Responder S2, premiering on Thursday, 30 May 2024, sees the return of Chris Carson, played by Martin Freeman, as he navigates the dangerous waters of Liverpool’s criminal underworld after being pulled back into the fray by DCI Barnes.
Lastly, Backstrom S3, also premiering on 30 May, continues the story of the unorthodox detective Bäckström. This season, he finds himself in Palma investigating the murder of his childhood friend, a case intertwined with a murder in the holiday paradise and a cartel-linked explosive incident in Stockholm.
This May, SBS on Demand offers a rich tapestry of stories, each promising to deliver drama, suspense, and profound narratives.
