New to TVNZ+: May 9-15

Continuing the spate of foreign language dramas on TVNZ+ are two seasons of the Sky Italia series, Romulus (May 9).

Despite the liberties of most costume dramas that depict Ancient Rome, “the presented world seems to be very credible and reflects such distant and dangerous times,” was the verdict of one expert.

As the title indicates, the focus is on how the brothers Romulus and Remus ran Rome in eighth-century BC.

The Time of India thought it “an incredible portrait of warring family dynamics, set in eye-watering locations … impressively shot completely in archaic Latin”.

Another source likens the storytelling to Game of Thrones, “where political manoeuvres are as important as the action sequences.

“The archaic Latin dialogues might sound alienating at first, but eventually bring out an immersive feeling that angers.”

Based on a trilogy of novels byLuca Azzolini, it won the 2021 Nastro d’Argento for best Italian TV series.

New the same day is six-part French psychological thriller Manipulations. Reads the blurb:

Businesswoman and mother Maud (Marine Delterme) meets charming Mathias (Marc Ruchman), believing she’s found her perfect partner. But as her son investigates, he uncovers Mathias’ sinister nature, realising Maud is being manipulated by a dangerous man.

School Spirits returns for its third season (May 13), McLeod’s Daughters rides again (May 10), and Handsome Devil: Charming Killer (May 10) is a docuseries about a Florida murderer who became  a viral heartthrob.

Also new to stream are the movies The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded (May 15) as well as the linear debuts of Ready Gamer Mum, S12 of The Brokenwood Mysteries, 1News Special: You, Me & Aussie, From S4, Celebrity Race Across the World S3 and Impossible Builds S2.