Welcome to the Gold Ticket, your VIP guide to the best of award-worthy pop culture for the weekend ahead, curated by the Gold Derby team of experts. (April 25 – April 27)
The main stream
It’s time to journey back to that galaxy far, far away. This week, Andor, the prequel to Rogue One crafted by Tony Gilroy, makes its much-anticipated return for a second and final season, more than two years after its acclaimed debut. The narrative is set to lead us toward the climactic events of Rogue One and, subsequently, A New Hope. Diego Luna reprises his role as rebel spy Cassian Andor, navigating a planet rich in mineral deposits coveted by the Empire.
The 12-episode season unfolds over four weeks in three-episode segments, presenting a unique storytelling format that accelerates the timeline in a manner rarely seen outside of a TARDIS. With its timely themes of resistance and stellar performances from a robust supporting cast, Andor stands as the premier Star Wars series to date, making it a must-watch awards contender this weekend.
For those less inclined toward expansive sci-fi narratives, other noteworthy contenders include:
- Étoile: The latest creation from Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino, this series shares more in common with Bunheads than with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The first season, which has already secured a second, follows two ballet companies struggling to survive financially as they agree to swap their stars. The series is currently streaming on Prime Video.
- You: The Netflix series returns for its fifth season, following Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) as he confronts his past upon returning to New York. All 10 episodes are now available for streaming.
- Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life: This new stand-up special features two-time Emmy winner Brett Goldstein, who explores a range of topics from Sesame Street to masculinity. Tune in Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.
Home movies
Pour yourself a glass of milk—or better yet, have someone else order one for you—and settle in to watch A24’s Babygirl, our top movie to stream this week. Starring Nicole Kidman, who recently won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at Venice, the film follows Romy, a high-powered tech CEO who embarks on a risky affair with her much younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Directed by Halina Reijn, the film delves into power dynamics and sexual desire while delivering the thrilling elements of an erotic drama. Babygirl is now streaming on Max.
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider these films available for streaming or video-on-demand:
- Havoc: Directed by action maestro Gareth Evans, this visceral crime thriller features Tom Hardy as a detective navigating the criminal underworld after a drug deal goes awry. Now streaming on Netflix.
- Freaky Tales: A genre-blending action comedy from writer-directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, this anthology film features intersecting stories from late-’80s Oakland. Available on VOD platforms and still in theaters.
- Ash: This mind-bending sci-fi horror film, directed by Flying Lotus, stars Eiza Gonzalez as an astronaut with amnesia. Currently available on VOD.
- Azrael: Now streaming on Hulu, this post-apocalyptic thriller features Samara Weaving as a woman captured by a mute cult. Directed by E.L. Katz, it offers a unique dialogue-free experience.
Rewind of the week
Despite a lukewarm reception from critics upon its release in 1993, Tombstone has since garnered a cult following. The film, featuring the late Val Kilmer as the iconic Doc Holliday, showcased a remarkable cast including Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, and Charlton Heston. While Kilmer may not have clinched the Oscar, his memorable line, “I’m your huckleberry,” remains a highlight. A newly released 4K Ultra HD version is now available digitally, featuring bonus content such as a making-of featurette and original trailers.
Inside the blockbuster of the year
Delve deep into the year’s most successful film with A Minecraft Movie: From Block to Big Screen, available at Amazon and other booksellers. This book is filled with behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, and interviews with the creative team, including director Jared Hess and stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa. It chronicles the journey of transforming the beloved video game into a box-office sensation, highlighting the creative decisions that shaped its unique aesthetic.
