Streaming Guide: Jessica's Tree, Juanita and Better Things

Alfre Woodard in Netflix's Juanita. Photo / Netflix

JUANITA (Netflix)

Netflix's latest dramedy arrives tomorrow in the form of Juanita, a charming look at what it means to finally put yourself first. The Netflix original film follows the titular character, a mother to three adult children, who picks a random spot on a map and takes an impromptu solo road trip - which changes her life. The team behind this film is excellent: It's helmed by Clark Johnson, an accomplished TV director who has made episodes of Homeland and The Wire, and Juanita is played by Alfre Woodard, a star of the stage and screen who has been nominated for no less than 18 Emmys.

JESSICA'S TREE (nzherald.co.nz)

This new documentary series takes a frank look at suicide in New Zealand. Film-maker Jazz Thornton survived her own attempt at her own life – but lost her friend Jessica to suicide. Over the five episodes of Jessica's Tree, Jazz recounts the last 24 hours of Jessica's life, speaking to those close to her to understand what her passing can teach us about suicide. Thornton launched Voices of Hope in 2014, through which she has created videos and resources surrounding suicide and depression. Jessica's Tree, streaming on the Herald website from Monday, is an extension of that work, sharing the message that "change is possible".

WALK RIDE RODEO (Netflix)

Based on a true story, Walk Ride Rodeo is a Netflix film that follows Amberley Snyder, a young rodeo star whose dreams of a career and college scholarship were halted by a devastating car accident that left her paralysed. Told she'd never walk again, Snyder fought to overcome her challenges – and was back on her horse, competing in competitive barrel racing just 18 months later. Similar subject matter was depicted in last year's stunning The Rider, by Chloe Zhao. Whereas Walk Ride Rodeo looks like a slightly more accessible, uplifting film, it appears to be less emotional than Zhao's docudrama. Streaming from tomorrow.

BETTER THINGS (Lightbox)

Louis C.K's sexual harassment allegations almost meant Better Things' third season never happened – he was a friend and collaborator of creator Pamela Adlon, who has said she was so traumatised she didn't know if she'd be able to return to the show. But Better Things is back and off to a great start; now stripped of C.K's involvement and with an all-female writers' team, the third season has debuted to stellar reviews, with critics noting that Adlon's voice is stronger than ever on a season that illustrates the challenges of motherhood with style and flair. New episodes air on Lightbox weekly on Fridays.