The best picks of the Summer
Olivia Childs highlights her favourite reviews of the summer

Stranger Things - 4.5 stars
Netflix’s big summer hit is a love letter to 80s sci-fi and horror. Following the mysterious disappearance of twelve year old Will Byers, a small American town is thrown into turmoil. It soon becomes clear that there is something a lot more sinister lurking behind this tragedy. With a brilliant cast, near-addicting plot, and fascinating characters, Stranger Things is a show that is lovable, unexpected and, at points, damn near terrifying.

Fleabag - 5 stars
Fleabag is a comedy unafraid to mix dark realities with laugh out loud moments. Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars as sex-obsessed Fleabag, struggling to run a guinea pig themed cafe after the tragic death of her best friend, deal with her own sense of loneliness, and most importantly, maintain a decent relationship with her uptight sister Claire. Fleabag is a desperately funny show, about a woman who is desperate to be funny.

Finding Dory - 4 stars
While this sequel to Disney’s 2003 film Finding Nemo never quite loses its status as a sequel, it nevertheless is able to introduce a cast of new, interesting and funny characters that allows it to stand on its own. Following forgetful Dory’s quest to be reunited with her family, Finding Dory is a wonderful adventure through an aquarium that is sure to please viewers young and old.

Swallow and Amazons - 3.5 stars
A loving and careful adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons is a beautifully shot, faithful adaptation that makes a perfect family film. Sailing their beloved boat ‘The Swallows’, siblings John, Susan, Roger and Tatty encounter the Blackwell sisters, and their boat ‘The Amazon’. Engaged in a rivalry of their own, the two young crews soon become caught in much more dangerous affairs, crossing paths with British and Russian spies.

The Great British Bake Off - 4 stars
With the knowledge this will be the last series on the BBC, with presenters Mel and Sue and judge Mary Berry all leaving the show, there’s a bittersweet sense that comes watching Bake Off. But, for now, the series has all the charm and kitsch it is loved for. With each new challenge billed as ‘the hardest ever had’ on Bake-Off, there’s the perfect mix of complete disaster and resounding success to keep the show a huge success.
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