‘Damsel’ isn’t a complete overhaul of the genre – it actually uses many classic elements to set the scene. The difference is that it has a spoof comedy quality beneath the surface.
‘His House’ is a brilliant reimagining of the haunted house horror genre. Quite surprisingly, it’s a feature film debut for Remi Weekes whose strong sense for aesthetic and swirling themes are handled dexterously.
‘Seaspiracy’ is a documentary from the same people who brought us ‘Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret’, which was backed by celebrity environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.
While Guy Ritchie has followed the money over the last few years culminating in ‘Aladdin’, he’s gone back to the bag of money films he’s famous for with ‘The Gentlemen’.
‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ is a film from Gus Van Sant. The visionary director helmed the meditative Cobain biopic ‘Last Days’, the school shooting drama ‘Elephant’, and the inspirational political biopic ‘Milk’.
‘News of the World’ is a western adventure drama based on the novel by Paulette Jiles starring Tom Hanks and directed by Paul Greengrass. Everyone knows Hanks and many will recall the actor-director duo working together in ‘Captain Phillips’
‘The Mauritanian’ is a political and legal drama based on the 2015 memoir ‘Guantanamo Diary’ by Mohamedou Ould Salahi.
‘Coming to America’ was a hit for Eddie Murphy in 1988, whose idea turned into a full-fledged comedy at the height of his career. Centred on the crown price Akeem Joffer of the fictional country, Zamunda, his lavish lifestyle takes a turn when he’s presented with an arranged bride-to-be.
‘I Care A Lot’ is one of those dark crime comedy capers that thrives on schadenfreude. As much as we try to fight it, the darker side of human nature gives our mouths a little curl when just desserts are carried out.
‘Malcolm & Marie’ is a film from Sam Levinson, starring John David Washington and Zendaya. Levinson is the writer-director of ‘Euphoria’, a critically-acclaimed and award-winning TV series starring Zendaya.
‘Bliss’ is a film from writer-director Mike Cahill, who brought us the modest yet beautiful and slow-burning sci-fi romance drama, ‘Another Earth’. His latest effort stars Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek.
Sia is an Australian popstar whose thoughtful lyrics, emotive voice and catchy music’s rhythms have always been complemented by artful and surreal music videos. Her music has been used in soundtracks like ‘The Neon Demon’, yet it’s her directorial debut with which she unleashes 10 new songs to compel her venture into film-making.
‘The White Tiger’ is based on the book by Indian author Aravind Adiga. Starting much like the book does with an opening email turned monologue to the Chinese premier ahead of his visit to India, the mail sets the tone for the rest of the film.
‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood’ is directed by Marielle Heller and based on the true story of the unlikely real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel.
‘Sound of Metal’ is a coming-of-age music drama about a drummer who struggles to come to terms with hearing loss.
Best friends, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, were steadily climbing the corporate ladder of success. Building their income earning capacity, accumulating more material wealth and expanding their personal empires, they had bought into the American Dream.
‘Meisies Wat Fluit’ (Girls That Whistle) teases out a “friends with benefits” relationship within the dynamic of a couple who married too young, by taking a fly-on-the-wall approach to modern relationships, dating and marriage.
‘Riding with Sugar’ is an important coming-of-age drama, journeying with a refugee much like an African version of Oliver Twist. It’s actually much more than a drama, and blends an array of genres.
Zander Tyler, better known as Jack Parow is a rapper, who has become one with South African pop culture. Easily recognisable thanks to his over-sized caps, facial hair and loud outfits, he’s one of the few Afrikaans music artists to crack the international scene.
Spling is hosting a watch party turned movie night festival for ‘Jurassic Park’ on Saturday, November 28, at Go Drive In in Cape Town and online via Showmax from 6:30PM.
‘Rebecca’ tells the tale of Mrs De Winter, a young newlywed who finds herself out of her depth on an imposing family estate following a whirlwind romance. Try as it may, Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel is still superior.
‘I Am Greta’ serves as an experiential character study, starting with her solo effort and leading to her transatlantic voyage to attend climate conferences in New York City.
‘Toorbos’ can be interpreted from Afrikaans to English as “Dream Forest”, adapted from a Dalene Matthee novel of the same name set in and around Knysna. ‘Toorbos’ is written and directed by Rene van Rooyen.
‘Flatland’ is a sprawling and epic adventure crime western from writer-director, Jenna Cato Bass. Her films push cinematic boundaries and are never dull, starting with ‘Love the One You Love’, then ‘High Fantasy’ and now ‘Flatland’.
‘The Unfamiliar’ is a psychological horror just in time for Halloween from South African director Henk Pretorius. Locally, the versatile director is best known for his comedy films: ‘Bakgat’, ‘Leading Lady’ and ‘Fanie Fourie’s Lobola’.
The stay-at-home watch party concept is ideal for those who want to enjoy being terrified from the comfort of their couch.
‘Totally Under Control’ chronicles the Trump administration’s response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Through interviews with public health and inside political officials, the filmmakers contrast this discussion with South Korea’s much more effective response.
‘The Last Victims’ is a mystery drama thriller set in South Africa, directed by Maynard Kraak and starring Sean Cameron Michael and Kurt Egelhof. It centres around a former death squad member and a survivor.
‘Dust’ is a slow-burning dystopian crime drama thriller from writer-director, Pieter du Plessis. While a feature film debut as director, du Plessis has a spectrum of experience as a filmmaker and shows remarkable restraint.
‘Santana’ is an action thriller set in Angola, tracking two brothers who decide to take down the drug cartel linked to the death of their parents.