Christmas cheer, divorce and Hollywood: Here’s what to watch this weekend

This weekend, keep warm and out of the stormy weather with a variety of watchable picks: take a trip back to 1960s Hollywood, binge a gripping new true-crime documentary or watch a little bit of magic

Marriage Story

Noah Baumbach’s tale of a playwright (Adam Driver) and an actor (Scarlett Johansson) trying to keep things civil as they negotiate a divorce and a bicoastal custody agreement has been met with rave reviews due to the enigmatic performances of the two leads. Things turn nasty and the film loses some momentum but both actors more than hold their own. At times it is gut-punching – alongside the standout performance from Laura Dern – but you’ll always stay with it. One that will get everyone talking.

Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood

The one before Quentin Tarantino’s last hurrah depicts a vibrant Los Angeles full of melancholy, Sharon Tate and a chilling climax. Brad Pitt shines as stunt double Cliff Booth, a best friend to Leo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton (one of his finest performances to date) as he frets over whether his time as a star has been and gone. We also meet Charles Manson’s girls at his infamous ranch and get a luminous performance from Margot Robbie who plays sixties superstar Tate. Available to rent on iTunes now, it’s a slow burner but worth the watch.

Related: Movie review: Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood 

The Confession Killer

Already on trial for murder, drifter Henry Lee Lucas confesses to hundreds more killings. This gripping docuseries examines the truth behind his admissions… If there is any truth to them at all. Even with no direct evidence linking Lucas to the crime scenes, he stunned authorities with his ability to sketch victims’ portraits while citing brutal details of each attack. Yet journalists and attorneys found impossibilities in Lucas’ timeline, and DNA testing started to contradict his internationally-reported claims.

Magic For Humans 

Season 2 follows the same rough outline the first season did, with Willman giving a thematic overview of each episode before we venture with him to various Los Angeles locales to watch Willman perform sleight of hand and unveil elaborate surprises for the people who happen to be in his path. Hilarious and heartfelt.