Spotlight is our bite-size entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.
Click here to find previous episodes of Spotlight with all the movie news you need, and follow the show on Facebook for all the latest news and giveaways.
— Watch all episodes
This week’s Spotlight episode shines a light on three brilliant cinema releases: a local coming-of-age drama filled with proudly South African heritage; the latest Paul Thomas Anderson film, already hailed as a masterpiece; and Emma Thompson hiding deadly secrets in an icy country thriller.
Local cinema gem Carissa is causing waves and winning awards locally and internationally this Heritage Week as it explores the nuances of everyday modernity and the conflict of tradition and keeping local culture alive. Directors Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar cast the talented Gretchen Ramsden in the title role, with Elton Landrew and Wilhelmiena Hesselman. Don’t miss the Spotlight interview with the filmmakers as they elaborate on the themes, vibrancy and beauty of South Africa’s heritage. Now at cinemas.
The gritty war epic One Battle After Another is a three-hour action thriller that has an ex-revolutionary, American activist (Leonardo DiCaprio) at its centre. He is on a mission to rescue his daughter. Renowned writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) does not disappoint and delivers beyond the high expectations his work automatically pre-empts, with critics hailing the film a “masterpiece” and “the best film of the year”. On IMAX and at cinemas, it also stars Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro and Teyana Taylor.
Dead of Winter follows a grief-stricken widow who stumbles onto a remote nightmare involving a murderous couple as she unknowingly interrupts a kidnapping. Isolated and without mobile service, she soon realises she is the woman’s only hope for survival. From 21 Bridges director Brian Kirk and starring legendary Emma Thompson, Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca. On at cinemas.
For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.
Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.
Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.