The massively anticipated Dune opens today in cinemas and on HBO Max in the US, and I think it may have scared off some of the competition. Besides for a second season return of comic book fantasy adaptation Locke & Key on Netflix, and the debut of star-studded alien invasion drama series Invasion on Apple TV+, there are very big releases this coming week. There are still a few hidden gems you may appreciate though from adult animated fare, to Korean drama, to local rom-coms and more.
SERIES
Locke & Key S2
Netflix – 22 October 2021
Netflix’s supernatural comic book adaptation series is back for a second season, as the three Locke siblings try to further unravel the mystery of their late murdered father’s family home, Keyhouse, and the magical keys that allows you to open doors not just to faraway locations, but into the very souls of other people. That’s if they can just stay ahead of the demonic entity that wants all the keys for itself.
Invasion S1
Apple TV+ – 22 October 2021
Apple TV+ recently launched the brilliant Foundation, but if you like your sci-fi a bit less cerebral or operatic and just want a good old “aliens try to take over the Earth” thrilling tale, then the streamer’s new series may be right up your alley. Veteran Sam Neill leads the global cast – Yes, it’s not just Americans saving us! – fighting against an extraterrestrial takeover and it looks damn good! First three episodes drop today and then weekly releases after that.
Inside Job S1 (Part 1)
Netflix – 22 October 2021
WAKE UP, SHEEPLE! Netflix’s new animated series (definitely NOT kid friendly!) asks the question of “What if all the conspiracy theories were true and there is a secret world order running everything?”, but then also exposed this world order to be a dysfunctional corp barely wrangled together by a high-strung, socially awkward young tech genius? Stars the voices of Lizzy Caplan, Clark Duke, Christian Slater, Andrew Daly, and more.
The King’s Affection S1
Netflix – 22 October 2021
If you’re looking for more Korean fare in your life but need to give your more hardcore emotions a break after the likes of Squid Game and My Name, then maybe you should check out The King’s Affection. The new period romance series follows a young woman who takes secretly assumes the identity of her crown prince twin brother after he is killed. Keeping that secret is difficult enough without her still falling in love for the first time with her royal tutor.
MOVIES
Little Big Mouth
Netflix – 22 October 2021
Tired of noisy Hollywood productions that are all just about explosions, and looking for something local that’s a bit more intimate? This new rom-com drama starring actor/musician/fashion entrepeneur Nay Maps and Amanda du Pont, about a homeless loser who meets up with young single mother, her mischievous son, and distrusting father, may just scratch your itch.
Die in a Gunfight
Google Play Movies – 22 October 2021
We’ve seen more than just a few modern-day spins on Romeo and Juliet, and now we’ve got another in Die in a Gunfight. Though not a direct adaptation of the Bard’s infamous tale, this romantic crime thriller sees Diego Boneta and Alexandar Daddario as a pair of star-crossed lovers from warring families. Justin Chatwin, Travis Fimmel, and Emmanuele Chriqui co-star as different family members caught up in the chaos this forbidden romance kicks off. And you can see how it all plays out by renting the film on Google Play Movies for R34,99.
Hypnotic
Netflix – 27 October 2021
Thanks to her stellar work with her filmmaker husband Mike Flanagan on the likes of Hush, The Haunting of Hill House, and Midnight Mass, I’ve become a huge fan of Kate Siegel. So seeing her name headline this new psychological thriller on Netflix was all I needed to know to add it to my list. I mean, ok yes, this film’s representation of hypnosis is utterly far-fetched but have I mentioned how much I love watching Kate Siegel?