The Sympathizer (2024) | IMDb
Whether you’re craving Conan O’Brien’s sharp wit and winning smile or slightly darkness of the documentary sort — from deep dives into recovery programs become cults to an examination of the toxicity inherent to the fast fashion industry — MAX has got you covered with a handful of must-see shows and flicks premiering in April.
‘The Synanon Fix’ | April 1
The upcoming docuseries chronicles the rise and fall of the Synanon Organization, which began as a drug rehabilitation recovery program yet ultimately descended into what many now consider a cult. Judy Dederick Montgomery recounts her experience because the daughter of Synanon founder Chuck Dederick, speaking out publicly for the primary time within the four-part Max Original.
‘Brandy Hellville: Cult of Fashion | April 9
In a recently released teaser for the upcoming documentary, experts and consumers discuss the connection between Brandy Melville’s success and social media, as girls flocked to the designer’s clothing just because everyone else was wearing it…and flashing their Melville-stamped pieces online. Meanwhile, as various teenage girls flocked to the brand, its one-size-fits-all all declaration became synonymous with one-size-fits skinny white girls: the one individuals hired to work the storefronts, while others (mostly members of minority groups) worked tirelessly within the stockrooms and within the shadows. The CEO was later called out on his racist policies, in addition to his sexist mentality and overt sexualization of his employees. The documentary also details the brand’s role in fast fashion and the way it has negatively impacted the environment, breaking down the far-reaching toxicity inherent to such clothing corporations.
‘The Sympathizer’ | April 14
As the Vietnam War nears its end, a plant previously embedded within the South Vietnam army flees to the United States and moves right into a refugee community. However, here, he secretly spies on those around him and continues to report back to the Viet Cong. The upcoming series stars Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr., Scott Ly (Animal Kingdom, A Tourist’s Guide to Love), Hoa Xuande (Last King of the Cross) as the first protagonist, Fred Nguyen Kahn (Transplant, To Catch a Killer), and Tien Pham (Desperate Waters).
The series relies on the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the identical name by Viet Thanh Nguyen and might be a genre-bending series — traversing spy thriller, satire, drama, and historical fiction. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar function co-showrunners, with Chan-Wook directing.
‘An American Bombing: The Road to April 19’ | April 16
The upcoming documentary film from director Marc Levin (One Nation Under Stress, I Promise, Stockton on My Mind) recounts the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, revealing the roots of anti-government sentiment and its repercussions today. The film will likely be a troublesome watch, featuring warnings from those that suffered tragic losses by the hands of this deadly homegrown attack. (Note: The historical clip below will not be a trailer)
‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ | April 18
Conan O’Brien Must Go follows the previous late-night host as he visits the buddies he made while hosting his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. Who knows where each deep discussion will lead as he traverses the globe to consult with various individuals from different walks of life. This upcoming series is sure to be crammed with laughs and a sprinkling of worthwhile lessons.
