There are surprisingly few scary picks for the week ahead despite Halloween month now being in full swing. However, if you’re a fan of animated fare – for kids or adults – then you’re in luck with a new Pokémon movie, and an animated prequel to 2017’s Bright. On the live-action front, there’s a selection of foreign-language films as well as a few new seasons of returning shows such as sci-fi drama Another Life and brilliant movie magic series The Movies That Made Us.
MOVIES
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
Netflix (SA) – 8 October 2021
I’ve stopped keeping track of Pokémon releases a very long time ago, so I’m not even going to pretend to know where this new animated film fits into things. Thanks to the official synopsis though, I do know this one follows Koko who “grows up in the jungle with a solitary Zarude. When he meets Ash and Pikachu, he discovers the human world — and a plot threatening his home!”
Malignant
Google Play Movies (SA) – 8 October 2021
It’s barely been a month since James Wan’s Malignant debuted on HBO Max in the US and in cinemas everywhere else, but the bonkers horror film is already up for rental for R149 on Google Play Movies.
The Manor
Amazon Prime Video (SA) – 8 October 2021
If Malignant isn’t enough to scratch your horror itch this week, Amazon Prime Video’s The Manor can maybe lend a hand. Taking a rather unique spin by making an elderly character the lead, this one could be interesting.
Grudge
Netflix (SA) – 8 October 2021
No, this is not another remake of The Grudge, but this twisty, suspenseful Turkish feature film may have biting through your nails anyway. It follows a police chief who finds himself in the middle of a grisly murder plot fueled by a grudge.
Bright: Samurai Soul
Netflix (SA) – 12 October 2021
Set in the world of 2017’s live-action fantasy action flick Bright, animated prequel Samurai Soul may not boast Will Smith or Joel Edgerton, but there’s still plenty of orc and elf drama… now with samurai! Transplanting the action to Meiji era Japan, the film follows Ronin samurai Izo (voiced by Shang-Chi star Simu Liu) who has to work together with orc warrior Raiden to transport an elf girl, and the powerful wand she carries, to her people.
Operation Hyacinth
Netflix (SA) -13 October 2021
Set in 1980s Poland, Operation Hyacinth follows a young policeman on the trail of a serial killer who targets gay men. His investigation leads to not only some explosive revelations about the crimes committed, but also his personal life.
Justin Bieber: One World
Amazon Prime Video (SA) – 8 October 2021
This feature film documentary takes you behind the scenes – and into the married life – of pop star Justin Bieber in the run up to his exclusive rooftop New Years Eve 2020 concert.
SERIES
A Tale Dark & Grimm
Netflix (SA) – 8 October 2021
Putting a new spin on Hansel and Gretel, this animated series tells the “real” story behind the siblings’ “inappropriate” adventures, including murderous parents, kid-eating witches, devils, and more!
Pretty Smart
Netflix (SA) – 8 October 2021
Yeah, look. I am totally not the audience for this new sitcom about a book-smart young woman who moves in with her bubbly sister and her oddball roommates, but I’m sure some of you will be be enjoying this one.
The Movies That Made Us S3
Netflix (SA) – 12 October 2021
Okay, here I am totally 100% without a doubt the audience! The Movies That Made Us has been brilliant in its first two seasons as it peeked behind the curtains of some of the most famous and beloved films of all time. There’s unfortunately no trailer, but I can reveal that this season’s eight-episode lineup features horror trio legends A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Friday the 13th, alongside, Aliens, Coming to America, Robocop, Elf, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Another Life S2
Netflix (SA) – 14 October 2021
I’ve had Katee Sackhoff-led “alien first contact” sci-fi drama series Another Life on my watchlist since the first season debuted back in July 2019, and somehow I’ve yet to watch it. Well, now season two is here, so I guess I better get a move on!