As the saying goes, you always want what you can’t have! Forbidden love can be dangerously intoxicating, as A Teacher clearly shows. Just like Adam and Eve in the bible, FX goes for the forbidden fruit in this provocative series.

A Teacher stars Kate Mara (The Martian, Fantastic Four) as Claire Wilson, a high school teacher, and Nick Robinson (Love, Simon; Jurassic World) as Eric Walker, her student. He is a senior and the popular hot guy who hangs with the in group at school. He exudes a certain kind of confidence that doesn’t help things here. He’s sexy, has swagger, and is not a virgin. When he tells Claire (with big passion and showing serious acting chops), “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, all I do is think about you” … I mean really, who wouldn’t want to sleep with him? The scene is extremely hot and very seductive! The problem is she should know better and show way more control — she is the adult. Eric’s life will be ruined by this, not to mention Claire’s career and marriage! A Teacher feels like the infamous Diane Lane film Unfaithful, as Mara’s character shows real giddiness and definitely beams like a person who is in love. The two become obsessed with each other and it consumes them with overwhelming emotions. And now, I’m obsessed … with A Teacher.

Streaming now on Hulu, click here.

Writer and director Eugene Ashe (Homecoming) draws on his roots as a recording artist for his second feature film Sylvie’s Love. And tackling the titular role of Sylvie is the enchanting Tessa Thompson (Westworld), who plays a young woman working in her father’s record store in Harlem in the 1950s with a love of music that comes second only to her love of television. Her musical tastes attract the attention of budding saxophone player Robert, played by the dashing Nnamdi Asomugha (Crown Heights). When he invites her to come see his band, the sparks fly, and they soon find themselves hand in hand, dancing under the moonlight. With stardom on the horizon, Robert’s next big tour steals him away to Paris, leaving Sylvie heartbroken and desperate to follow her own dreams. So she decides to move on, get married, and lands herself a job as the assistant to a television producer. As Sylvie’s success moves her up the ranks, her path crosses once again with Robert, who has returned to record a new album and rekindle their old spark. With an exceptional cast that also includes Ryan Michelle Bathe (All Rise), Wendy McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), Regé-Jean Page (For The People), Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder), and Eva Longoria (Grand Hotel), Sylvie’s Love is an ode to great music.

“Sylvie’s Love” premieres December 23rd on Amazon.

In an era where controversy = great publicity, Netflix launches Selena: The Series on December 4. The producer of the 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez is suing Netflix and Selena’s family over the upcoming series. The backlash has only fueled interest in the series about the iconic Mexican-American performer. Selena Quintanilla forever changed the Tex-Mex music scene with her powerful voice and charisma. Twenty-five years after her death, the late Tejano singer’s life will be showcased in this Netflix series. The show will follow the rise of Selena from a local Texas singer-songwriter to a global music phenomenon. She’ll be portrayed by Twilight and Walking Dead actress Christian Serratos. Selena began her singing career at age 10, performing in her family’s band alongside her brother, A.B. Quintanilla (Gabriel Chavarria), and her sister, Suzette Quintanilla (Noemi Gonzalez). Selena: The Series is a coming–of–age story that will chronicle her life as she and her family make life-changing choices all in the name of musical success. Selena became one of the most influential crossover artists in history and went on to win a 1994 Grammy Award. Tragically, a month later Selena was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the founder of her fan club. Selena: The Series will take a closer look at Selena’s familial relationships, and her marriage to Chris Perez (Jesse Posey). Don’t miss it!

For more details, click here.

Much has been said about Sophia Loren in this third collaboration with her son, Edoardo Ponti. Loren, now 86, gives a beautiful dignified performance in this role of a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who cares for other ‘ladies’ children. Set and shot in Bari, Puglia the story follows Madame Rosa and young thief Mohamed (Momo). Time is not on Rosa’s side; she is slowly drifting away from reality at the same time she fulfills her role as grandmother and teacher while her young charges are learning their ways in the world. All of the attention given to Loren’s performance (Oscar worthy) ignores the breakout (and heartbreaking) role of 12-year old Momo is an afterthought in most reviews. Focus on this newcomer – Ibrahima Gueye plays the Senegalese immigrant orphan boy who has seen his share of tragedy. He is young, but his ability to convey complex emotions speaks of an old soul. The Life Ahead could have been sentimental and predictable but the excellent book adaptation, character detail and the performances showcase the talent of this gifted director. More about the story, the backstories, the bit of magical realism and the dreamlike quality here can’t be expressed in a short piece. This wonderful film about humanity at its best must be seen. Recommended for 12+ (themes of drug use, prostitution, parental abandonment, some Holocaust flashbacks.)

Streaming now, click here.