It’s a great week for South African movie fans as four films debut on local screens today. These include two animated adventures, a crime caper that delivers career best performances, and the only horror film to have ever won the Sundance Film Festival’s highest accolade. Learn more about them below.
Strange World
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big movie release for the holidays is Strange World, a tribute to the fantastic pulp adventures of yesteryear – like Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and King Kong. The film focuses on three generations of the Clade family, a band of explorers who must overcome their differences even as they navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a mischievous blob, and a three-legged dog. Strange World’s voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union and Lucy Liu.
Nanny
Disquietening Blumhouse horror film Nanny centres on a Senegalese immigrant Aisha (Anna Diop), who is piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family (headed by Michelle Monaghan and Morgan Spector). As Aisha works to bring over her young son, a violent presence begins to invade both her dreams and her reality, threatening her American dream. Nanny had its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize, making it the first horror film to ever win this prestigious accolade.
Bandit
No, this isn’t some trashy C-grade action film. It’s a well-received crime biopic starring Josh Duhamel, who reportedly gives his best-ever performance. Gilbert Galvan Jr (Duhamel), a charming criminal, escapes from a Michigan prison and assumes a new identity. After falling in love with social worker Andrea (Elisha Cuthbert), he turns to robbing banks to provide for her, and discovers that he’s exceptionally good at it. Addicted to the rush and money, he turns to gangster Tommy Kay (Mel Gibson) for bigger opportunities. Based on the true story of The Flying Bandit, who would rob a record 59 banks and jewellery stores.
One Piece Film: Red
If Strange World isn’t enough to scratch your animation itch this week, there’s also One Piece Film: Red, which is another big screen offshoot of the iconic pirate-themed anime. The movie kicks off when Uta – the most beloved singer in the world – appears in public for the first time at a live concert. With Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates present in the audience, it’s revealed that Uta is the daughter of legendary pirate emperor “Red-Haired” Shanks, jump-starting a wild musical action adventure. One Piece Film: Red is currently the highest-grossing film of 2022 in Japan, and the 9th highest-grossing film of all time in Japan.