Korks Talks

This episode ofKorks Talks, focuses on BBC’s high-stakes legal drama The Split Up. Set in the fast-paced, cutthroat world of Manchester’s elite family law firms, the series follows the high-profile legal battles and messy personal lives of top divorce attorneys who just so happen to be a family.Untangling webs of romance and betrayal through melodrama and technique, I break down the standout performances, pan-Asian casting, and the tropes that come with telling a layered story.

This episode is a deep dive into Paul Andrew Williams’ haunting 2025 UK drama Dragonfly. Anchored by erudite performances from Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn, the film explores isolation, institutional neglect, and unlikely companionship on the margins of society. Questions of responsibility, neighbourly duty and revenge collide in this masterclass from the lead duo.

Round up review of several things I've been watching including the police drama 'The Blame' which follows a murder in Wakestead and features Michelle Keegan, Douglas Booth and newcomer Nathan Mensah in leading roles; Netflix's psychological drama 'Unabomber' which follows Ted Kaczinsky's unmasking in longest-running FBI investigation in history and finally 'Wasteman' featuring David Jonsson directed by Cal McMau.

Review of South London Film Festival 2026 (SLLF) launched 'Behind The Smile Vol 1' at the Ritzy Cinema. In collaboration with The Film and TV Charity, this festival featured 10 thought-provoking films including the music video for Ashley Thomas'/Bashy's 'How Black Men Lose Their Smile':Far From The Plains starring Amari BacchusEchoes starring Ashley Walters and Nathalie EmmanuelThe Intimacy Coordinator directed by Louisa Connolly-BurnhamBobby directed by Isabella Webber and narrated by Sir Michael CaineBlack Cab by James ArdenAn Ode To Joy starring Rudolph Walker by Ashleigh AshleyThe Wolf starring Kellie ShirleyThe Proudest Rose directed by Giorgia Young The Snip directed by Ben S. Hyland

This is a review of Eden McKenzie-Goddard's debut book 'Smallie' following the life of a family experiencing the fallout of the Windrush scandal. Touching on themes of family, displacement, romance and religion, this is a well-grounded and thoughtful depiction of the reality of immigration and the wider British-Caribbean experience.

Round Up Review of Herrana Addisu's short film/proof of concept 'PROOF' which investigates child labour in Ghana, and a review of Dean Atta's Q&A with Keith Jarrett about Dean's debut adult novel 'Big Man' about a gay, middle-aged Black British man.

Review of Hurvin Anderson's first retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain, featuring works from his early student days to the present day. A cross-cultural odyssey spanning Birmingham in the UK, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, this exhibition showcases themes of identity, culture, immigration, and displacement.

Review of the new five-part show called 'Possession' which is available to watch on streaming platforms: Now TV and Sky TV. The show follows Claudia Mckenzie, a mixed race lawyer on a legal case about a disinherited descendant of a plantation owner. I attending this showing at Everyman Cinema in Stratford International on invitation. The showing was organised by We Are Parable, and the Q&A with writer Karla Crome, actor Sheldon Shepherd and director Storm Sault was hosted by ZeZe Millz.

This episode is in memoriam of Professor Jason Arday - the youngest Black professor appointed to Cambridge - whose death was announced yesterday (14th August 2026). I discuss the racist media campaign against him, the importance of due diligence and a re-evaluation of editorial and communal standards.

Round up review of opera comique 'La Fille du Regiment' (Daughter of the Regiment) at Royal Ballet & Opera (RBO) and the 'Swan Lake' ballet which was shown at the London Coliseum.