The White Lotus: Season 2 Review

The agonising excruciation is back.

The second season of award-winning The White Lotus, debuting on Soho and Neon on Mondays, is more of the same from writer / director Mike White - but set this time on a bigger scale.

Heading to Sicily and the awfulness of those converging on the stunning vistas, White subtly brings out the societal politics and underhand behaviour of the entitled once again.

This time, it's Sicily's White Lotus hotel, run by the truly awful resort manager, Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore) that comes in for the scrutiny after the guests assemble in its halls.

Starting with a similar coda to the first season, a body emerges in the waters of the Ionian sea, discovered by a guest who just moments before has been extoling its virtues to the newcomers, and who perilously declares the resort is "to die for".

Soon, more bodies emerge and a full scale emergency is underway - with Valentina decrying "The ocean is not our property. We can’t be responsible for what happens in the Ionian Sea."

A quick flashback in time and the potential corpses are assembled - from the return of Jennifer Coolidge's Tanya to new couples Daphne (Meghann Fahy) and husband Cameron (Theo James), Ethan (Will Sharpe) and his employment lawyer wife Harper (Aubrey Plaza) to the varying horiness of three generations of the Di Grasso family (F Murray Abraham, Michael Imperioli and Adam DeMarco).

As if that's not enough, Haley Lu Richardson's Portia, Tanya's assistant, is also bubbling around the hotel, banished to her room by Tanya herself - but determined to get a holiday and laid while there.

It's a big ensemble for White to juggle and in episode one alone, he manages to do it well enough, giving each their own moment of horribleness to satiate the odds that they're the ones to end up in the sea.

While it initially pales with the first series, and Valentina feels more of a caricature of a ghastly stuck up Italian rather than the almost more grounded approach of Season one's Armond,  unfortunate head of the Lotus stuck in the hurricane, there's a bit more subtlety at play in season two that's worth checking in for.

You won't be mistaken for feeling a sense of deja vu as these awful people going about their day-to-days, and diss everyone they feel is below them or jealous of - it's fair to say there's more of a feeling season 1 had a stronger more vicious edge and you'll struggle to shake the nagging concerns you've seen this once already.

The pleasures come from the barbs at a dinner, in the interactions of the cast and in the writing when it fully lands. Sure, there feels like some stereotypes at play here and whether you'll care who the body belongs to is debatable in many ways, but The White Lotus is a cut above most other dramas at the moment.

Though whether a third outing is strictly necessary or thematically incisive enough remains to be seen.

The White Lotus airs on Soho on Mondays and streams on Neon.

Soulstice: PS5 Review

Developed by
Released by
Platform: PS5

You've played Soulstice somewhat before.

A third-person single player hack and smash, with demons threatening the world, with combos that build during fights and red orbs to collect - you could be forgiven for thinking you're engaging in another alternate version of Devil May Cry.

But in its very familiar touches, the basic story of the Chimeras (hybrid warriors made from two souls) fighting off feral creatures known as the Wraiths after they invade the Holy Kingdom of Keidas is one worthy of your time, no matter how much you feel you've seen it before.

With its duality of camera and its vagueries of plot being dripfed early on, Soulstice makes for an intriguing bedfellow as the action spins out and on. However, it's mainly driven by its fights and combat, with weaponry being upgraded and opened up the further you get.

While it's nothing new on the fighting front, Soulstice's major annoyance is its camera which sticks on one angle and doesn't really ever make it easy for you to see what's behind you or turn quickly enough to tackle it. That doesn't help if you're overwhelmed and it's a frustration which could easily have been avoided with a touch of development skill and a sense of gameplay.

With enough skills to open up, and combinations to master, Soulstice is an easy game to engage with, albeit one you've played many times before. It won't win any Game of the Year awards, but it will keep you immersed while you're in the world - and sometimes, that's no bad thing.

Mister Organ: Movie Review

Director: David Farrier

Tickled director David Farrier's latest is an intriguing affair, an exploration of what happens when a filmmaker becomes too attached to its subject and what happens when the strands of reality become too far entangled to unwind.

As ever with Farrier's intrigue at falling down a rabbit hole, it's the story of how he spent 5 years investigating what would appear to have been a simple case of a bully overzealously clamping people outside an Auckland shop which developed into a toxic relationship that may have you in mind of Louis Theroux's investigative friendship with Jimmy Savile.

As Farrier investigates Michael Organ the man behind the clamping farrago, a trail of victims whose lives have been irrevocably ruined by this narcissist begin to emerge - and much like a moth to a flame, Farrier edges closer into Organ's orbit with no real indication he's able to pull out.

The initially frivolous edges of Mister Organ soon give way to a darker tinged piece that really start to show Farrier coming unhinged, rather than his documentary subject. It's a fascinating insight into how obsession can unravel, and it's genuinely upsetting to see this documentary maker almost destroyed by half a decade's worth of time consumed.

Whilst the doco makes strenuous mention of the time involved, there's little indication of how that's played out on screen, which makes it akin to feeling like Farrier's time with Organ has happened over a week period. While that doesn't detract from his vulnerability, some sense of a time frame would have helped Mister Organ achieve an even more sinister effect.

Wondrously helmed by DP Dominic Fryer, what is really a series of meetings between two people sparkles on screen. The mundanities of small town New Zealand look astonishingly realised, and the seedy underbelly of the world comes to the fore.

There are some frustrations - chiefly, there's never really a sense of understanding why Farrier continues to pursue his subject for years other than to get some answers and because he "really winds up" Farrier himself. 

Hints of trouble come from interview subjects who don't really want to be on camera - and an inference one person in Organ's orbit committed suicide because of him is never really addressed directly by its accused.

Yet conversely, it's in these moments the film does come alive though - a sense of a Damocles sword above Farrier's head that he's made for himself, and a tangible feeling that he's never really in control of proceedings - or depressingly, the narrative itself - as he hopes to crack the seemingly dangerous and toxic enigma of Organ. 

Best seen unresearched and a depressing portrait of narcissism in its many forms - both in and behind the camera - Mister Organ may leave you with more questions than answers ultimately, but it's a troubling journey that provides no real resolution and leaves you dangling, desperate - and yet terrified - for more.

The Devil's Hour: TV Review

A limited series about a seemingly unsettling case, The Devil's Hour is perhaps the latest of our obsession with darker subject matter on streaming platforms.

However, on the evidence of two episodes screened for review, the show's loathe to fully reveal its hand, making it a mystery series that feels potentially muddled in its opening gambit and a frustrating experience for casual viewers - despite the talent involved.

Call the Midwife's Jessica Raine plays Lucy Chambers, an apparently single mum who wakes every day at 3.33am for no reason.

As if that wasn't enough to contend with, her eight year old son Isaac is an emotionless empty vessel of a child, who has a penchant for repeating her every word back to her and standing motionless.

At the same time as she's dealing with these issues, there appears to be another murder mystery timeline playing out as a young new detective joins a macabre case, somehow connected to Lucy Chambers.

To say not much unfolds in the first two episodes of the show isn't to sell it short, it's just that this mystery is more interested in atmospherics and style than heaps of plot.

It is superlatively acted, and Raine works overly hard to get you invested in the character and her plight. 

Admittedly, the menacing child trope works well, but as previously mentioned, it's not quite clear enough where this is all going - nor is it entirely strong enough to ensure the end of one episode is enough of a pull to press play on the next.

There's little to no Capaldi in the opening two hours gambit, but he makes for a sinister presence when he appears and the tension is ratcheted up.

The Devil's Hour may work as a larger puzzle, and granted the pieces on offer are compelling and solid enough, but they're never quite spectacular. The production works hard to maintain the spooky factor for the time of the year, and the intriguing title - but were it not for Jessica Raine's terrifically unravelling performance, The Devil's Hour would be less enticing to watch.

Barbarian: Movie Review

Cast: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgard, Justin Long

Director: Zach Cregger

The house-set horror Barbarian works best if you know little of its premise.

Georgina Campbell stars as Tess, who's booked an Airbnb the night before a job interview in Detroit.

Arriving late at night in the pouring rain, she finds the place she's due to stay in already inhabited by another tenant, Keith (It's Pennywise himself Skarsgard). 

Unnerved by his presence and unsure of whether to trust him, Tess soon finds she has no choice to stay the night  - but then things begin to take a turn.

Barbarian is interested in providing an entertaining ride that takes some swerves in directions you can't foresee coming. It's cleverly crafted by its creator Cregger as different storylines seemingly intersect.

And Campbell is a sensational lead, albeit one who initially starts off doing the sensible things (doubting Keith, questioning her decisions, locking doors) before lapsing into some out of character narrative necessities aimed at simply propelling the horror elements of the movie forward.

Yet, with its eye firmly on smart decisions and rationale for why a horror film can work to the degree it does, Cregger manages to create the kind of unsettling film that wouldn't be out of place in an episode of the fourth season of the X Files or an audience-filled midnight movie screening.

Unfortunately to discuss the subtexts of the film here would be to spoil some of the elements of this fairground ride (albeit some feeling like very familiar territory cleverly retrodden), and while most of it is less interested in providing cheap jump scares and more concerned with sustained moments of elevated terror and tension, the film's ending feels cheap, silly and unwarranted.

It's almost as if the film is searching for an ending throughout and unable really to fully commit to it.

Granted, the journey is worth the ride, but with a nagging feeling in the final third of the movie that it's more interested in setting up some kind of prequel or anthology series from this world, Barbarian starts to loosen some of the grip it has on you early on.

Barbarian is thrilling, and some of its subversions are cleverly and deftly instigated, but it's let down by its lumpy ending which is more interested in letting off some of the pressure cooker of tension that's boiled up throughout ready to burst. 

While it's nowhere near as bad as some horror films have been in their rush to dump exposition, it does provide a solid outing for a Halloween freak fest and shows that creativity when it works can soar and induce a primal fear of the dark that's just hard to shake.

The Woman King: Movie Review

Cast: Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Hailed as a cinematic moment for representation (which in of itself is depressing for 2022), Gina Prince-Bythewood's The Woman King is a based on history story that dips into melodrama for its emotion, when it doesn't really need to.

Set in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in 1823, the film centres around the all-female warrior group the Agojie, a brutally effective band trying to help John Boyega's King Ghezo prepare for war with their neighbours.

Led by Viola Davis' General Nanisca, the troupe is focused only on war and conflict, with contact with men banished and training the only thing they observe. But with Nanisca needing new recruits to train, Mbedu's Nawi finds herself under their command when her father kicks her out for refusing to marry.

Nanisca and Nawi end up at loggerheads with conflicting viewpoints on life coming sharply into focus - but will the Agojie be torn apart by this fight?

The Woman King starts off superbly with some tautly choreographed battle elements feeling like anything Braveheart could muster. Fearsome, revered and focussed, the women are truly terrifying and led with Davis' intensity, the movie wastes no time on showing the cost of dedication and the price of shuttering oneself off.

Yet it lapses into an obvious melodrama as the conflict between Nanisca and Nawi heads down very familiar routes. Fortunately, while this can be seen a mile off, it helps that Davis' powerful performance and Mbedu's steely determination make this watchable enough fare.

The script follows a very familiar route - training montages, conflicts, betrayal and coming-of-age edges. It's a little too formulaic, even if what's injected into the proceedings feels fresh and different.

With a script that's unafraid to discuss and show sustained rape, there is a boldness here that's worth saluting, but the emotion sometimes feels like it's lacking - even if Lashana Lynch's more human turn proves to be more compelling in her relationship with Mbedu's Nawi, you can still spot what's coming a mile off.

Ultimately, whilst it's depressing that in 2022 the female-led and female narrative-led elements of The Woman King have to be saluted, the formidable force of innocence vs traumatised life makes for an engaging cinematic experience - albeit one whose story feels paradoxically cliched and yet somehow (thanks to the power of the lead actors) fresh at the same time.

What's on Neon in November

Here's everything streaming in November on Neon.

Yellowstone Season 5 (November 14)

John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his family of ranch owners are back after the events of the show's last season. When season four ended, the ranch had weathered a militia attack led by Jamie's biological father, Garrett Randall. Beth married Rip Wheeler after tipping a journalist off to the fact that Market Equities planned to squash a protest with help from the National Guard. The dynamic between Jamie and Beth was also poised to cause problems, after latter found out that the former is a murderer. 

Love Island Australia (November 4)

Sophie Monk returns as host to steer a new cast of sexy Aussie singles towards finding their perfect match, all while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. 

Full of flirting, jealousy, rejection and romance, the singletons must choose their partner wisely and win over the public. 

The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2 (November 12)

Our favourite college girls are back for a new season. As Leighton continues her coming-out journey, Whitney dives into her relationship with Canaan. Meanwhile, Bela attempts to turn over a new leaf, and Kimberley tries to figure out how she'll pay for school after losing her job. Stars: Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. 

The L Word Generation Q - Season 3 (November 22)

A sequel to The L Word, The L Word: Generation Q continues to follow the intermingled lives of Bette Porter, Alice Pieszecki, Shane McCutcheon, alongside their group of tightknit friends as they experience love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success in L.A. Stars: Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig. 

A Question of Justice (November 4)

Bryan Bruce and his team of investigative journalists - Moana Maniapoto, Hikurangi Jackson, and Ximena Smith - examine four of the most challenging criminal justice issues of our time. Each episode contains case studies of New Zealand murders. Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Waharoa: Art of the Pacific (November 18)

This docuseries takes viewers on a journey through Maori and Pasifika art. Esteemed art historian Ngahuia Te Awekotuku travels from Dunedin to Russell in search of stunning works and the incredible people who made them. Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Young Rock Season 3 (November 6)

Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson continues to reflect on his surreal life and what shaped him into the person he is today. The third season follows The Rock's WWE career, but his eventual rise to the top is sure to be littered with adversity. 

Awkwafina is Nora From Queens (November 29)

Eternal optimist Nora continues to navigate young adulthood in New York City, relying on her unbreakable bond with her father, grandmother and cousin. 

MOVIES

The Lost City (November 1)

Reclusive author Loretta Sage writes about exotic places in her popular adventure novels that feature a handsome cover model named Alan. While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta gets kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire who hopes she can lead him to an ancient city's lost treasure from her latest story. Determined to prove he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Stars: Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum.

Operation Mincemeat (November 27)

Operation Mincemeat is set in 1943 as the Allies are determined to launch an all-out assault on Fortress Europe. But they face an impossible challenge - to protect a massive invasion force from entrenched German firepower and avert a potential massacre. Stars: Colin Firth and Kelly Macdonald. 

Love Lizzo (November 25)

From her humble beginnings to becoming an international icon, this film offers an intimate look into the moments that shaped Lizzo's life, talent, and meteoric rise to stardom. 

A Christmas Story (November 25)

A sequel to the 1983 classic Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. This film follows Ralphie, now adult, who returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child, reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old Man. Starring Peter Billingsley, lan Petrella, Zack Ward, Scott Schwartz, and R.D. Robb.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (November 13)

Set in the Roaring Twenties, the Crawley family go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess' newly inherited villa. Stars: Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery. 

Fireheart (November 4)

In New York City in 1932, women are not allowed to be firefighters. When the city's firemen disappear in mysterious fires, Georgia Nolan sees a golden opportunity. She disguises herself as Joe and joins a team of improvised firemen. Featuring the voices of: Alice Pol and Vincent Cassel. 

A Day To Die (November 6)

With one day to pay reparations to a gang leader, Conner Connolly recruits his old military ops crew to help him pull off a series of dangerous heists to produce the cash and settle a score of his own. Stars: Bruce Willis, Kevin Dillon and Frank Grillo. 

What's on AMC+ in November

Mood – AMC+ Exclusive 

New series premieres Sunday 6 November with first two  episodes; new episodes premiere weekly. 

Sasha Clayton (Nicôle Lecky) dreams of becoming a major recording artist, but right now she’s a bedroom artist: spending her days smoking weed and stalking her ex-boyfriend (Jordan Duvigneau, My Mum Tracy Beaker) on  Instagram. When she is kicked out of her family home for drunkenly trying to burn her ex’s house down,  Sasha becomes homeless and is forced to fend for herself, sofa-surfing with local drug dealer Saleem  (Mohammad Dalmar). 

Everything seems to change when she meets and moves in with Instagram influencer and party girl  Carly (Lara Peake, Brave New World), who introduces her to the exciting world of making money and  becoming ‘famous’ on social media. But as the gap between her online presence and her dream of  being a singer continues to grow, Sasha finds herself struggling to escape this new influencer world that  is more complex and darker than she could have imagined. 

The series is told in part through the songs that Sasha creates and features an innovative original  soundtrack performed by Lecky. Based on her critically acclaimed Royal Court play Superhoe, the  series has been called "invigorating" by The Guardian and "gripping" by Digital Spy in the UK. 

Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire – AMC+ Original 

Season finale premieres Sunday 6 November and full season available to binge. 

A sensuous, contemporary reinvention of Anne Rice’s revolutionary gothic novel, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire follows Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) and Claudia’s  (Bailey Bass) epic story of love, blood, and the perils of immortality, as told to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric  Bogosian). 

Chafing at the limitations of life as a black man in 1900s New Orleans, Louis finds it impossible to resist  the rakish Lestat De Lioncourt’s offer of the ultimate escape: joining him as his vampire companion. But  Louis’s intoxicating new powers come with a violent price, and the introduction of Lestat’s newest fledgling,  the child vampire Claudia, soon sets them on a decades-long path of revenge and atonement.

Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire stars Australian actor Sam Reid (The Newsreader, The Drover’s  Wife) as Lestat de Lioncourt alongside Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones) as Louis, Bailey Bass as  Claudia and Eric Bogosian (Succession, The Good Wife) as Molloy. 

True Crime Story: Indefensible – AMC+ Exclusive 

From Thursday 3 November with new episodes weekly. 

In True Crime Story: Indefensible, comedian Jena Friedman (Academy Award nominated writer and WGA winner of Borat 2)  travels the country to unspool real cases on the ground. With less  of a whodunnit and more of a “How the hell does this keep happening?” approach, Jena uses her fearless, probing interview style to dig deep into each case, sitting  down with major players on both sides of the issues, all with the goal of revealing the hidden injustices  and flaws which exist in our sometimes-dysfunctional criminal justice system. 

Documentary Now! S53 (AKA S4) – AMC+ Exclusive 

Episode five premieres Wednesday 2 November and episode six on 9 November, with full season available to binge. 

The original comedy series, Documentary Now! returns for its highly anticipated fifty-third season, with six all-new documentary inspired episodes. Co-created by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Rhys Thomas, the six-time Emmy®-nominated Documentary Now! debuted to rave reviews  from critics and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to its insightful take on some of the most well-known  documentary films. Each episode, hosted by Dame Helen Mirren, takes viewers back in time to honour  ground-breaking documentaries. 

Episode five, “My Monkey Grifter” is helmed by actor Jamie Demetriou (The Afterparty). Drawing  inspiration from My Octopus Teacher, the episode follows Benjamin Clay (Demetriou), a filmmaker who  forms a deep, emotional and financially taxing relationship with a monkey. The season finale, “Trouver  Frisson”, stars French actor Liliane Rovère (Call My Agent!, Family Business) and Ronald Guttman 

(Godfather of Harlem, Sister of the Groom). Inspired by Agnes Varda’s Gleaners and I and Beaches of  Agnes, celebrated French filmmaker Ida Leos (Rovère) searches for why she no longer experiences  “frisson” –the goosebumps that have always been her guide. 

Sherman’s Showcase – AMC+ Exclusive 

Continues with episode four premiering on Wednesday 2 November; episodes continue weekly.  

The witty, irreverent and wholly original Sherman’s Showcase features sketches, dancers, fake commercials, movie trailers,  cultural nostalgia, A-list guest stars and original songs (“Drop it Low for Jesus,” “Marina Del Ray”) that definitely climbed the fictional charts. Each episode of the series  is hosted by Sherman McDaniels as he takes viewers through time, via music and comedy drawn from  the 40-year library of a legendary (but fictional) musical variety show.

Kevin Can F**K Himself (Season 1) 

Premieres Tuesday 1 November with full season available to binge. 

Kevin Can F**K Himself follows the story of Allison McRoberts (Annie Murphy, Schitt’s Creek), a woman we all grew up believing we knew: the prototypical Sitcom Wife. She’s beautiful and can take a joke (though she’s usually the butt of them). And she’s married to a guy who must’ve won some  sort of marriage lottery, because she looks the way she does and he’s... funny. But what happens when  we follow Allison out of her husband’s domain? When she finally wakes up to—and revolts against—the  injustices in her life? Kevin Can F**K Himself breaks television convention and blends multi-camera  comedy with single-camera realism to make us ask: “who and what have we been laughing at all of these  years?" 

NOVEMBER ON ACORN TV 

Whitstable Pearl (Series 2) – Acorn TV Original 

New Season Premieres Monday 28 November with two episodes; two episodes continue weekly. 

“Cosy whodunit...Kerry Godliman and Howard Charles's copper make an appealing odd couple" – The Daily Telegraph 

Based on the popular book series by Julie Wassmer, the second season of Whitstable Pearl finds Pearl  (Kerry Goldiman, After Life) prioritising her detective work and transitioning from being a chef who solves  crimes, to a full-time investigator who just happens to own a restaurant – the eponymous Whitstable  Pearl. Pearl's cases overlap with DCI Mike McGuire's (Howard Charles, Shadow and Bone, Top Boy)  police investigations. Their relationship is charged by a determination to outdo each other, and a fiery  mutual attraction. When they compete, sparks fly and tempers flare. When they work together, they make  a hell of a team. 

Transport (Series 1) – Acorn TV Exclusive 

Premieres Monday 28 November with full series available to binge.  

Following a tale of ordinary people under immense pressure, Transport takes us into the world of money laundering and food fraud along the roads and wires of Europe.  

A young journalist is determined to trace the origin of a microchip found in some baby food in Helsinki. A dutiful bank manager makes a mistake and when she fails in her attempts to cover it up, she falls prey to  a much larger scheme. A family is falling apart after their father has gone missing. An insurance  investigator insists on getting to the truth about what happened to this border control veterinarian. They  all have skin in the game – but what’s the connection? 

The Finnish series stars Emmi Parviainen, Maria Heiskanen, Pirkko Hämäläinen, Arttu Kapulainen,  Antti Virmavirta, Ulla Raitio and Kaija Pakarinen.

Poquelin & De Beaumont – Acorn TV Exclusive 

Premieres Monday 14 November with four films available. 

Detective Louise Poquelin (Clémentine Célarié) is a single mother, who works tirelessly to balance her all-important career and busy family life. When she is entrusted with a murder  investigation in Lille, Poquelin must team up with a new partner,  Detective Etienne De Beaumont (Joffrey Platel), a well-to-do cop with aristocratic origins. They may  have completely different personalities and clash both culturally and socially, but their differences prove  to be a major asset. 

In subsequent investigations, Louise and Etienne delve into a suspicious suicide at a boarding school,  the murder of a crime fiction novelist with no end of suspects and the stabbing of an eco-protester on a  local farm. 

NOVEMBER ON SHUDDER 

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans – A Shudder Original  Series 

New Episodes premiere on Tuesdays 

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans brings together some of the  most popular drag icons from the show’s previous seasons competing in a grand championship of drag  artistry and shocking physical challenges for a one hundred-thousand-dollar grand prize, the headlining  spot on the upcoming world tour, and the first ever “Dragula Titans” crown and title. Guest Judges  include Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Harvey Guillen, Justin Simien, David Dastmalchian, Poppy,  Alaska, Katya, Joe Bob Briggs, Bonnie Aarons, Barbara Crampton, and more. 

Satan’s Slaves: Communion – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Friday 4 November 

The terrifying sequel to the Shudder Original Satan’s Slaves from acclaimed writer-director Joko Anwar (Impetigore). Satan’s Slaves: Communion follows a family living in a rundown apartment after escaping terror from an evil cult  and their undead mother, unaware that their new home is a bigger threat to their lives. Returning cast  members to the franchise include Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Endy Arfian, Nasar Anuz, Egi Fedly and  Ayu Laksmi. This is the first Indonesian film shot with IMAX technology. 

Mandrake – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Thursday 10 November 

Mandrake follows probation officer Cathy Madden (Deirdre Mullins), who is given the task of rehabilitating notorious killer ‘Bloody’ Mary Laidlaw (Derbhle Crotty) back into society after twenty years of jail. Cathy has always believed that every client deserves a shot at redemption, but her beliefs are firmly tested when two  children disappear near Mary’s farm. Also starring Paul Kennedy. Directed by Lynne Davison. 

Slash/Back – A Shudder Exclusive 

Premieres Friday 13 November 

The sleepy village of Pangnirtung wakes up to a typical summer day. No school, no cool boys (well… except one), and 24-hour sunlight. But for Maika and her ragtag friends, the usual summer is suddenly not in the cards when they  discover an alien invasion threatening their hometown. These teenagers have been underestimated  their whole lives but, using makeshift weapons and their horror movie knowledge, they show the aliens  you don’t f*** with the girls from Pang. Starring Tasiana Shirley, Alexis Vincent-Wolfe, Nalajoss  Ellsworth, and Chelsea Prusky. Directed by Nyla Innuksuk. 

Blood Relatives – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Tuesday 22 November 

Francis, a 115-year-old Yiddish vampire, still looks 35. He’s been  roaming American backroads in his beat-up muscle car for decades, keeping to himself, and liking it that way. One day, Jane, a teenager, shows up. She says  she’s his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. They go on the road, deciding whether to sink  their teeth into family life. Written and directed by Noah Segan, who stars with Victoria Moroles. 

The Walking Dead 

For over a decade, The Walking Dead has garnered legions of dedicated fans across the world with its  beloved characters and gripping tales of survival in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Now, you  can journey back to the beginning to rediscover the stories, revisit your favourite characters and relive  the almost unbearable tension. Starting with the very first, earlier seasons of The Walking Dead will  premiere weekly on Shudder in New Zealand. 

Season 1 

Premieres Thursday 3 November 

Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) wakes from a  coma to find a world ravaged by the undead. In search of his  family, he heads to the city of Atlanta, overrun by walkers. Just  when all looks lost, he is rescued by a group of survivors. 

Season 2 

Premieres Thursday 10 November 

The group, led by police officer Rick Grimes continue their search for a secure place to call home amidst the horrors of the zombie apocalypse. The plan to head for Fort Benning is put on  hold when Sophia goes missing and when Carl is accidentally shot during the search, the group is taken to a nearby farm for  emergency help.

Season 3 

Premieres Thursday 17 November 

Rick and his fellow survivors continue their fight in a desolate,  savage world and, exhausted after months on the run, take refuge in a federal prison. Season 3 introduces new characters,  including the Governor (David Morrissey) and fan-favourite Michonne (Danai Gurira). 

Season 4 

Premieres Thursday 24 November 

The group has been fostering a thriving community in the safe  haven of the prison. Sadly, in this brutal world, happiness is  short-lived: walkers and external threats are no match for the  danger brewing inside the fences. The group’s home and new  way of life is thoroughly tested, and their struggle to survive has  never been so perilous. 

Bros: Movie Review

Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Surprisingly conventional and uneven for its apparent mainstream trailblazing release, Bros is a romcom that follows all the tropes and beats of the genre, while peppering the screenplay with moments of insight into the queer community.

Eichner plays angry neurotic Bobby Lieber, whose 11th Brick podcast is beloved by millions, but whose personal life is a mess, as he's still single at 40. While he's happy with that and endless Grindr hookups, he finds his world changed when he meets Aaron (Macfarlane).

With both sides initially resisting their connection and a desire to begin dating, the pair are inexorably drawn into each other's orbit...

While Bros is to be commended for its mainstream release and its pushing of a gay romcom into cinemas, it feels somewhat muted and uneven throughout in both tone and pace.

Eichner is fine, but feels subdued in his role, with his character's continual rants pushing the LBGTQ+ community coming across as feeling more desperate and meta rather than natural to the story.

Granted, his Bobby is somewhat of a crusader, but it's clear Eichner's passion comes to the fore in these more forceful moments. However, the film isn't really sure how it wants to push the boundaries other than allowing a gay romcom to be made in the first place.

Disappointingly, that's not enough for a film that has the edge when it needs to.

Needling of parts of the community, mocking Hallmark's incessant Christmas output and providing some unexpected laughs and boundary breaking moments, the film clearly does have somewhat of a bite in it when exploring the New York scene and gay life in general.

But that much needed edge is too liberally sprinkled throughout, giving Bros a kind of up and down mentality that makes it feel more uneven than eventful.

It doesn't help that most of the other characters feel lightly written, a once over degree of depth that makes for shallow bedfellows as it plays out. There are self- aware moments, and there are laughs to be had here , but it's perhaps mortifying just how conventional this story is.

It's all very well platforming it and applauding it for doing so, but in embracing the tropes of the genre, and doing very little with them or even doing something different with them means Bros is a disappointing outing.

What's on DocPlay in November

Here's what's coming to DocPlay in November:

7 November

Volcano Man

Filmmaker James Crawley’s life has been captured on camera by his father Richard, but when he discovers some of his dad’s hidden tapes, James decides to make a film of his own. Delving into a lifetime of home videos and new interviews with those closest to him, James pulls back the curtain and reveals the real Richard Crawley, an eccentric photographer and documentarian who lives atop a dormant volcano and approach to life is utterly explosive.

10 November

Unseen Skies

Yaara Bou Melhem’s documentary Unseen Skies explores the evolution of state and corporate surveillance. Her docu-journey follows Trevor Paglen, one of the 21st century’s most visionary artists, on one of his most audacious projects to date - the launching of an artwork into space to show that our skies are more than the exclusive playground of the military-industrial complex. Or are they?

17 November

Come Back Anytime

COME BACK ANYTIME presents a window into the lives of self-taught Japanese ramen master Masamoto Ueda and his wife Kazuko, who have run their tiny Tokyo ramen shop, Bizentei for more than 40 years. Ueda serves his legendary ramen to scores of devoted customers who have joined him over the decades in making the restaurant an intimate place of community. For Ueda, it’s more than just a livelihood, but his life. And his die-hard regulars are more than just customers, but true friends.

21 November

Lancaster

Winning a war is not easy. Lancaster tells the story of the iconic WWII bomber, through the words of the last surviving crew members. Starting with ‘The Blitz’, we follow our 38 contributors as they join-up, learn to fly and go to war. With the enemy strong and RAF Bomber Command badly equipped, British losses were high. For there was a deadly price to be paid in the lethal night skies over Germany - 55,000 aircrew and 600,000 civilians were killed. Such was the cost of defeating the Nazis and restoring peace to Europe. From the producers of SPITFIRE and narrated by Charles Dance.

24 November

When the Camera Stopped Rolling

The daughter of trailblazing Australian filmmaker, Lilias Fraser, tells the epic tale of her mother’s extraordinary life, her career and their challenging relationship. Driven by the need to understand and heal from their shared trauma, director/cinematographer Jane Castle digs deep using the rich textures of a stunning, unseen part of Australia’s cinematic history. Deeply moving and searingly honest, When the Camera Stopped Rolling reveals both the light and dark of this proto-feminist icon and unique mother-daughter team. The triumphs and turbulence of their careers and their relationship are captured with clarity and compassion, set against a rich tapestry of stunning visuals and sound.

28 November

The Lake of Scars

Six years in the making, a groundbreaking Australian documentary dealing with allyship and reconciliation, environment and archaeology. The Lake of Scars details the relationship between an ageing white farmer and members of Victoria’s Yung Balug clan of the DjaDja Wurrung, as they seek to showcase and protect Australia’s largest collection of scarred trees. Jida Gulpilil, son of legendary late actor David Gulpilil, is at home on his mother’s country, sharing the story of the dozens of scarred trees, middens and stone scatters at home in a series of beautifully shot red-gum fringed ephemeral lakes on the edge of the Victorian Mallee.

Doctor Who: First look at Ncuti Gatwa

A brand new trailer for Doctor Who's return in 2023 has unveiled a first look at Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor.

The trailer followed the transmission of Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor and the return of David Tennant to the role following Jodie Whittaker's Doctor's regeneration.

Tennant has been confirmed as the 14th Doctor, with Gatwa taking on the role as the 15th Doctor sometime in 2023.

Watch the new trailer for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary below.

Doctor Who: How Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor regenerates

Jodie Whittaker has left the TARDIS.

Her 13th Doctor has regenerated after a battle between the Master, the Daleks and the Cybermen in the 90 minute finale, entitled The Power of the Doctor.

In a surprising twist, Whittaker's 13th Doctor regenerated alone on a rock next to the TARDIS, having decided she needed to do this on her own after a final confrontation with Sacha Dhawan's Master.

Having farewelled Yaz (Mandip Gill) by the two of them agreeing never to say goodbye and having had ice cream atop the TARDIS in orbit above the Earth, 13 took herself to regenerate having been fatally blasted by the Master's one last gasp attempt to defeat his nemesis.

Turning to the TARDIS central console, she said "Look after the next one" before saying she was "gonna take in one last sunrise" and stepping outside.

As she stood atop the rock, with the sun on her face and in a broad smile, Whittaker's Doctor uttered her final words.

"Oh the blossomiest blossom. That's the only sad thing - I wanna know what happens next."

As the regeneration energy darted around her and the end neared, Whittaker's Doctor said her goodbye with the words "Right then, Doctor whoever I'm about to be, Tag, you're it."

Within seconds of the regeneration happening, the new Doctor was unveiled - the return of David Tennant's incarnation of the Doctor, in full costume.

With the words "I know these teeth" followed by "What, what, what" the show ended on a cliffhanger, with a trailer for Doctor Who's 2023 revealing more.

Doctor Who will return in 2023.

Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor: Review

There will be some frustrated by the overstuffed breathless swansong for Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor.

And there will be others delighted by a 90 minute special that includes some wonderful nods to the show's past as it readies itself for its future.

In the The Power of the Doctor showrunner and headwriter Chris Chibnall sets off at rocket speed early on and barely takes time to breathe 

Opening with a bullet train hurtling through space that's under attack by one of the Doctor's oldest foes, The Power of the Doctor wastes no time setting out its stall - this is a rollicking romp that's FX heavy and head dizzingly determined to keep you guessing.

In the finale, Whittaker's Doctor is taunted once again by Sacha Dhawan's Master, who warns her this is the day she's wiped from existence. With Daleks and Cybermen seemingly aligning themselves with the Master across varying time periods and worlds, it seems the Doctor has more on her plate than she realises - and time is running out.

Much of The Power of the Doctor is down to its breakneck speed.

But as a result, there's much within it that feels somehow rushed and somewhat unfulfilled.

A farewell to a recent companion comes out of the blue within moments of the show, there's little to no resolution of either the mysteries of the Timeless Child or Yaz and 13's much-hinted at relationship - and disappointingly, the regeneration feels tacked on at the end, almost as if the writers had forgotten it needed to happen.

There's also one extremely over-the-top moment involving Sacha Dhawan's Master that is going to polarise many - but if you're in the right frame of mind, it's utterly amusing and ludicrous in its excess.

And yet, if you've been a fan of this show from the beginning, there are some wonderful nods to the series' past, some silly wordplay of a key 12 part serial from way back when and there are some great surprises just when you think the episode is done - to say they're breathtaking is understating it.

Sophie Aldred's Ace and Janet Fielding's Tegan's reappearances are delightful, both dripping with a poignancy and heartache at companions gone before and who left. To say more is to spoil the surprises within, but it's a thrill to hear Ace referring to Whittaker's Doctor as Professor, and Tegan demanding one more trip in the Tardis. (There's also a Yvonne Hartman-ish moment that will shock many in its horror too).

In fairness to Chibnall, he has a lot to rip through and juggle in the 90 minutes run time, and while some of the threats fall by the wayside or are summarily dismissed and some loopholes or excesses creep in, it's no mistake to say that this finale belongs to Whittaker, Gill and Dhawan, who are utterly committed and exceptional in their last appearances.

The Master's never felt more deranged, more dangerous, more playful and more menacing than he does in Dhawan's hands (and has since Spyfall) - and the actor seizes his opportunity and exploits it to the fullest. He's been one of the better incarnations of the Doctor's nemesis, and here Dhawan leaves an indelible - and welcome - mark on the show. (And a reminder of the King's Man too).

Equally, Gill's Yaz has really matured and come into her own in the role. Building on what was portrayed in Flux and The Legend of the Sea Devils, Gill's Yaz is a strong role model and leader who knows what's best for all - even when it's her own heart that's left breaking. But it's in the silent moments toward the end of the show that you realise how much Gill has made the role her own, and how in the quieter moments, the actor excels.

Finally, this is Whittaker's moment, and she doesn't let the sun set on Thirteen without a fight, bravado and above all, heart. There's much demanded of her here, and not once does she let the show down, nor sell her own legacy short. Sure, the script may have its ups and downs, but Whittaker never demonstrates any of that, and while in truth her regeneration feels calm and hopeful, unlike others in the reboots since which have felt urgent and destructive, there's a playfulness to Whittaker's final and words and a hope for the show that's reassuring.

There's much to be said about The Power of the Doctor that's too steeped in spoilers to discuss here, but the end to this era feels big-hearted and earnest - and while not every story has been successful, or every moment as well executed as it could have been, there's no denying Whittaker and Gill's presence on screen will be sorely missed as the future unfolds.

Win a double pass to see The Woman King in cinemas

To celebrate the release of The Woman King in cinemas October 27, you can win a double pass thanks to Sony Pictures New Zealand.

About The Woman King

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen.

Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for.

The Woman King in cinemas October 27

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris: Movie Review

Cast: Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs, Isabelle Huppert, Alba Baptista
Director: Anthony Fabian

You've seen the likes of Mrs Harris Goes To Paris before.

Feelgood heartwarming fare that's aimed at the older end of the cinema-going audience, it's the kind of English fare that gets rolled out on Christmas telly when everyone's stuffed to the gills and just wants something easy and non-challenging to watch.

Normally, while that would be a way to dismiss a film, with Mrs Harris Goes To Paris, it becomes its winning sentiment, a pervasive sense of wholesomeness that sees you through the sentiment and obvious mawkishness when it comes.

Manville is Mrs Harris, a recently widowed cleaner whose world is changed when she sees a Dior dress at a client's house and sets her heart on earning enough to travel to Paris to purloin one. But when she finally gets to her destination, she finds herself a fish out of water as snobbery starts to batter her - will this Cinderella go to the ball?

It doesn't take much to make you realise where Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is going, and the journey is entirely predictable fluff that can all be set out from the opening frame. But sometimes, there are rare films that force cynicism into submission, revel in their goodness and prove the predictable is permissible.

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is one such film - thanks largely to Manville's considerable charm. Her downbeat approach to the role keeps everything grounded in a kind of reality that allows the fairytale elements to grow and flourish; her character's inherent Britishness when it comes to cultural conflict and her unerring sense of goodness wins over not only the characters in the film but an audience as well.

It may be the tale of a working class lass done good, and it may well be up there with the Full Monty for its predictability, but Mrs Harris Goes To Paris' feelgood factor shouldn't be discounted here - it proves to be its winning touch in a cynical world populated by hollow blockbusters and CGI fare. It's English escapism at its most primal - and don't be surprised if you fall for its charms, no matter how fleeting they may be.

The Peripheral: TV Review

Whether it's the Matrix or the heavily maligned Johnny Mnemonic or Cyberpunk 2077, the writings of William Gibson have influenced much of how we view the tech world.

However, on screen, the cyberpunk world has been reignited by the success of HBO's Westworld and with real life VR taking to parts of our lives too, it's perhaps no surprise that the tech world is once again the focus of a TV series.

Adapted from Gibson's own works, The Peripheral stars Chloe Grace-Moretz as Flynne Fisher, who's stuck in a deadbeat job as a 3D tech operator in a going nowhere part of the world. When she gets the chance to stand in for her brother Burton (Jack Reynor)on a gaming simulator, she performs so well a mysterious company contacts him to be part of their upcoming trial.

Intrigued and desperate for cash to aid her ill mother, Flynne tries out the new headset tech he's been sent and finds herself in a sleek and futuristic London. Unlike most VR, this latest allows her to feel, giving her the sense of reality that's both alluring and dangerous - especially when she finds herself pulled into a world and a danger she didn't expect...

The Peripheral looks sleek and incredible.

Its near-deserted London is stunning to behold, an almost simulated view of what life would look like if it were stripped of the grime and overpopulation that keeps it buzzing. And the costuming is eye-popping, a sense of the day after tomorrow creeping into the styles.

Moretz is deeply relatable in the role as well - and while some of the writing veers towards a little choppy in part as it flits between the Matrix-like London and the grit of 2032 Blue Mountains, she makes her Flynne never feel anything less than a human rather than a story concept.

Reynor's equally adept too, and both he and Moretz sell the central concept of the show which appears at its heart to be about family. Whether it's the family of soldiers who work with Burton, the bond Moretz and Reynor's characters share, or the bond between an ill mother and children, as well as the London family of the future, Gibson's story works hard to keep it all on a grounded level.

It does take a bit of investment with the first three episodes very slowly unveiling the menace which lies ahead and the pace may put a few people off sticking with it.

Ultimately though, The Peripheral's polish, premise and promise make it a mystery worth investing in and a sign that superior sci-fi is still coasting along in 2022.

The Peripheral stars airing on Amazon Prime Video on Friday October 21.

Gotham Knights: PS5 Review

Developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal

Published by Warner Bros Games

Platform: PS5

Batman is dead.

But the moment has been prepared for.

In Warner Bros Montreal's latest outing, it's upto Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin to step and investigate Batman's death at the hands of Ra's Al Ghul - as well as protect Gotham for the ne'er do wells who've stepped up in the power vacuum after word's got out.

From solving mysteries to beating down criminals, to taking on Gotham's most notorious villains, it's up to the fantastic foursome to step up and save the day.

Gotham Knights wants to be many things - a brawler, an investigation game, a successor to the Batman: Arkham series - and yet it somehow manages all of this and doesn't quite emerge with its own identity.

You can control and switch between the four protagonists as you wish, venturing into the five boroughs of Gotham's open-world on your Batcycle or swinging around the city by grappling hook to take on missions. By night, you fight crime and collect clues, by day, you level up and customise characters in the Belfry HQ, under the watchful eye of Alfred the trusty butler.

It's inevitable that Gotham Knights will be compared with the Batman: Arkham series.

There's much of the same design here in the world, and much of the similar gameplay mechanics. 

Though in truth, launching yourself from the sky to perform aerial attacks on criminals feels more like a touch from the recent Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales games - particularly if you grapple through the skies and jump at the end. It all feels very familiar.

And there's no escaping from the fact a lot of Gotham Knights is about the grind. Catching crims in the act reveals clues to further crimes taking place; interrogating them while you have them subdued also gives you leads to the main storyline. 

There's much which relies on the same repetitive gameplay mechanic here, and while it's nicely executed, there's no accounting for the ennui that may set in after several hours of going to do the same thing - beat crime, level up, head to the belfry, head back out, repeat. It's a pattern admittedly, and while it's reasonably solidly executed, it's hard to see how the game's longevity will last.

Solving crime feels very much taken from the mechanics of Telltale Games' point and click Batman games. Scanning items yields clues and it's up to you to join the dots - again, very familiar territory, but solidly executed.

Perhaps that's some of the issue of Gotham Knights - it just doesn't have enough of its own feel to escape its occasional shortcomings.

But yet, if you're prepared to forgive its flaws, it does feel like a natural successor to the  Arkham series, and has some good strong characters to latch onto. 

Sure it may not be the most original of games, and may suffer for being locked to 30FPS, but for a co-operative brawler and dip back to Gotham, it's got the Bat-blood coursing through its veins.

What's on Shudder in November

WHAT’S STREAMING THIS NOVEMBER ON IN NEW ZEALAND 

SHUDDER ORIGINAL SERIES 

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans – A Shudder Original  Series 

New Episodes premiere on Tuesdays  

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans brings together some of the most popular drag icons from the show’s previous seasons competing in a grand championship of drag  artistry and shocking physical challenges for a one hundred-thousand-dollar grand prize, the headlining  spot on the upcoming world tour, and the first ever “Dragula Titans” crown and title. 

Guest Judges  include Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Harvey Guillen, Justin Simien, David Dastmalchian, Poppy,  Alaska, Katya, Joe Bob Briggs, Bonnie Aarons, Barbara Crampton, and more. 

SHUDDER ORIGINAL & EXCLUSIVE FILMS 

Satan’s Slaves: Communion – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Friday 4 November 

The terrifying sequel to the Shudder Original Satan’s Slaves from acclaimed writer-director Joko Anwar (Impetigore). Satan’s Slaves: Communion follows a family living in a rundown apartment after escaping terror from an evil cult  and their undead mother, unaware that their new home is a bigger threat to their lives. Returning cast  members to the franchise include Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Endy Arfian, Nasar Anuz, Egi Fedly and  Ayu Laksmi. This is the first Indonesian film shot with IMAX technology.

New Zealand - Highlights and Library Additions – November 2022 

Mandrake – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Thursday 10 November 

Mandrake follows probation officer Cathy Madden (Deirdre Mullins), who is given the task of rehabilitating notorious killer ‘Bloody’ Mary Laidlaw (Derbhle Crotty) back into society after twenty years of jail. Cathy has always  believed that every client deserves a shot at redemption, but her beliefs are firmly tested when two  children disappear near Mary’s farm. Also starring Paul Kennedy. Directed by Lynne Davison. 

Slash/Back – A Shudder Exclusive 

Premieres Friday 13 November 

The sleepy village of Pangnirtung wakes up to a typical summer day. No school, no cool boys (well… except one), and 24-hour sunlight. But for Maika and her ragtag friends, the usual summer is suddenly not in the cards when they  discover an alien invasion threatening their hometown. These teenagers have been underestimated  their whole lives but, using makeshift weapons and their horror movie knowledge, they show the aliens  you don’t f*** with the girls from Pang. Starring Tasiana Shirley, Alexis Vincent-Wolfe, Nalajoss  Ellsworth, and Chelsea Prusky. Directed by Nyla Innuksuk. 

Blood Relatives – A Shudder Original 

Premieres Tuesday 22 November

Francis, a 115-year-old Yiddish vampire, still looks 35. He’s been roaming American backroads in his beat-up muscle car for decades, keeping to himself, and liking it that way. One day, Jane, a teenager, shows up. She says  she’s his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. They go on the road, deciding whether to sink  their teeth into family life. Written and directed by Noah Segan, who stars with Victoria Moroles. 

THE WALKING DEAD 

For over a decade, The Walking Dead has garnered legions of dedicated fans across the world with its  beloved characters and gripping tales of survival in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Now, you  can journey back to the beginning to rediscover the stories, revisit your favourite characters and relive  the almost unbearable tension. Starting with the very first, earlier seasons of The Walking Dead will  premiere weekly on Shudder in New Zealand.

Season 1 

Premieres Thursday 3 November 

Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) wakes from a  coma to find a world ravaged by the undead. In search of his family, he heads to the city of Atlanta, overrun by walkers. Just  when all looks lost, he is rescued by a group of survivors. 

Season 2 

Premieres Thursday 10 November 

The group, led by police officer Rick Grimes continue their search for a secure place to call home amidst the horrors of the zombie apocalypse. The plan to head for Fort Benning is put on hold when Sophia goes missing and when Carl is accidentally shot during the search, the group is taken to a nearby farm for  emergency help. 

Season 3 

Premieres Thursday 17 November 

Rick and his fellow survivors continue their fight in a desolate,  savage world and, exhausted after months on the run, take refuge in a federal prison. Season 3 introduces new characters,  including the Governor (David Morrissey) and fan-favourite  Michonne (Danai Gurira). 

Season 4 

Premieres Thursday 24 November 

The group has been fostering a thriving community in the safe haven of the prison. Sadly, in this brutal world, happiness is short-lived: walkers and external threats are no match for the  danger brewing inside the fences. The group’s home and new  way of life is thoroughly tested, and their struggle to survive has never been so perilous. 

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S MOVIE LIBRARY 

8 November 

Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell 

Known as "The Japanese Evil Dead," this legendary, sought after independent Japanese cult film will  enjoy its first ever North American release in any format and features new bonus content. Trapped inside a haunted house, a body builder must survive a blood-soaked night of insanity to save himself  and his friends from a demonic ghost that is hell-bent on revenge. 

15 November 

The Last Broadcast 

On December 15, 1995, a four-man team from the cable-access program Fact or Fiction braved the  desolate New Jersey Pine Barrens determined to deliver a live broadcast of the legendary monster The  Jersey Devil. Only one came out alive. It took the jury 90 minutes to sentence the lone survivor to life in  prison. One year later, filmmaker David Leigh decided to mount his own investigation. Convinced that  the man convicted of these terrible crimes was innocent Leigh proposes the murders were committed  by someone - or something - else. Could The Jersey Devil still haunt the barrens? 

22 November 

Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It 

What begins as a fishing trip with the boys quickly spirals out of control when they witness a mob hit in  the forest, and that’s just the beginning of this insane, violent, hilarious misadventure from Kazakhstan. 

Black Adam: Movie Review

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Sarah Shahi, Pierce Brosnan, Aldis Hodge, Bodhi Sabongui, 
Director: Jaume Collett-Serra

It's not that Black Adam is massively bad, more that it's repetitive in extremis.

However, it does in some ways feel a very small step in the right direction for the DC Extended Universe, which has struggled all throughout in terms of tone and pacing.

In this tale of dealing with foreign invaders in the middle East, Johnson stars as Teth Adam, a demi-god whose imprisonment is cut short after 5,000 years by a Tomb Raider-style explorer looking for a magical crown that's seemingly possessed by evil.

When Adam is seen as the saviour to the oppressed region of Kahndaq, and a chance to rid them of their western oppressors, a shadowy group known as Intergrade, chaos starts to ensue - and the Justice Society is brought in to try and rein him in. However, a new threat soon rises...

Black Adam does a good job of widening the universe and delivers a film that brings multiple superheroes together in an introductory tale.

From Pierce Brosnan's dignified turn as the Doctor Strange-lite Doctor Fate to two young whippersnapper heroes (one an anti-Ant-Man), the film has its vicarious highs. The connection to Viola Davis' character from The Suicide Squad series works nicely, enlivened by a few cameos. 

And it's great to see a film set in the Middle east, dealing with contemporary middle eastern problems and oppressors without the sign of any white saviours. 

But ironically, this is where the film's problems also begin.

Too much of Black Adam feels like it's a shallow and hollow attempt to build something that doesn't have enough foundations laid down. The idea of heroes failing their people, of Westerners failing their duties, of western imperialism and the moral quandaries are thrown in and left to wither as the usual rote CGI mayhem ensues.

An aloof Johnson floats around like some poor man's Zod, vowing never to kneel before others, and delivering his lines with such monotone and flatness there's a charisma vacuum following everywhere he goes.  The film also never really has any sense of threat thanks to scant characterisation. Adam is indestructible and unstoppable and so the feeling of what's at stake is never really forthcoming.

There's also a repetitiveness to proceedings - fight, mayhem, exposition, fight, mayhem ad nauseum as it all rumbles toward its 2 hour conclusion. Slow mo scenes and various CGI escapades draw things out and the tension crumbles within - perhaps it's the after effect of the Snyderverse excesses, but the franchise could use a shake up and a creative breath of fresh air.

More muddled than ultimately messy, Black Adam is fine for those looking for superhero bluster, but lacking for anyone looking for a cerebral outing.

What's on Disney+ in November

Save Our Squad (November 9)

Co-produced by BAFTA and RTS Award-winning production company Twenty Twenty, and Studio 99, the global content and production studio co-founded by Beckham, “Save Our Squad with David Beckham” is a heart-warming series that sees David Beckham return to his East London roots to mentor Westward Boys, a young, grassroots team who are at the bottom of their league, facing relegation. However, this isn’t just any league… this is the same league that David played in as a young boy. Working with the head coaches, he’ll try to turn the team’s fortunes around. 
 
David Beckham mentors the young squad, sharing stories from his own playing career which spanned over 20 years and saw him play for some of the most successful clubs in the world, to help them learn valuable lessons about practice, ambition and teamwork. Off the pitch, Beckham gets the chance to spend time with players and their families, learning about their lives, hopes and concerns and talking to them about the importance of collaboration, work ethic and community.
 
In the exclusive trailer, we see the first time the squad meet David Beckham, with one member of the team quizzing him on missed penalties. For David, this role is about giving back as we see him mentor the boys, give them inspiring team talks and even get his boots back on to try to score a trademark Beckham free kick against our young team.
 
“Save Our Squad with David Beckham” builds on the company’s commitment to source, develop and produce original productions.  Across EMEA alone, Disney’s International Content and Operations team plan to create 60 local productions by 2024 as it continues to work with outstanding creators and premium producers.

Here’s everything coming to Disney+ in November 2022.

Donna Hay Christmas  2 November

Disney+ Original

Series Premiere

In “donna hay christmas”, Donna shares her favourite tips and tricks for the ultimate festive celebration which will provide even the most-seasoned pro with the confidence to create their very own kind of Christmas magic.

From the ultimate glazed ham to a spectacular centrepiece pavlova, Donna shows us how to master her best time-saving tips and styling ideas to maximise your time spent with family and friends. Delicious gifts, a twist on nostalgic classics and contenders for your new festive favourites all come together to create a Christmas celebration like you’ve never seen before.

Welcome To Chippendales 22 November

STAR Original

Series Premiere

A sprawling true-crime saga, “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire—and let nothing stand in his way in the process.

“Welcome to Chippendales’” star-studded cast includes Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick”), Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”), Juliette Lewis (“Yellowjackets”) and Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”), with recurring guest stars Quentin Plair (“The Good Lord Bird”), Robin de Jesús (“tick, tick… BOOM!”), Andrew Rannells (“Girls5eva”) and Spencer Boldman (“Cruise”), along with guest stars Nicola Peltz Beckham (“Holidate”) and Dan Stevens (“Gaslit”).

Save Our Squad with David Beckham 

9 November

Disney+ Original

Premiere

Co-produced by BAFTA and RTS Award-winning production company Twenty Twenty, and Studio 99, the global content and production studio co-founded by Beckham, “Save Our Squad with David Beckham” is a heart-warming series that sees David Beckham return to his East London roots to mentor Westward Boys, a young, grassroots team who are at the bottom of their league, facing relegation. However, this isn’t just any league… this is the same league that David played in as a young boy. Working with the head coaches, he’ll try to turn the team’s fortunes around.

9 November

Zootopia+

Disney+ Original

Premiere

“Zootopia+” heads back to the fast-paced mammal metropolis of Zootopia in a short-form series that dives deeper into the lives of some of the Oscar®-winning feature film’s most intriguing residents, including Fru Fru, the fashion-forward arctic shrew; ZPD dispatcher Clawhauser, the sweet-toothed cheetah; and Flash, the smiling sloth who’s full of surprises.

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth 

16 November

Disney+ Original

Series Premiere

Chris Hemsworth is on an epic mission to discover how to live better for longer. With the help of world-class experts, family and friends, he’s embarking on a series of immense challenges to push himself to new limits and stop the diseases of old age before they take hold. Chris will discover how we all can unlock our potential to stay fitter, healthier and happier throughout our lives.

16 November

The Santa Clauses

Disney+ Original

Series Premiere

Scott Calvin is back! After being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.

Disenchanted 

18 November

Disney+ Original

Premiere

It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

Willow 

30 November

Disney+ Original

Premiere

An all-new sequel series to George Lucas's 1988 fantasy adventure "Willow". The Nelwyn sorcerer returns, years after rescuing the infant empress Elora Danan, to lead group of misfit heroes on a harrowing rescue mission through a world beyond imagination.

"Willow" features Warwick Davis returning in his titular role, with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers.

17 November

Fleishman Is In Trouble

STAR Original

Series Premiere

Fleishman Is In Trouble is the story of recently divorced 41-year-old “Toby Fleishman” (Jesse Eisenberg), who dives into the brave new world of app-based dating with the kind of success he never had dating in his youth, before he got married at the tail end of medical school. But just at the start of his first summer of sexual freedom, his ex-wife, “Rachel” (Claire Danes), disappears, leaving him with 11-year-old “Hannah” (Meara Mahoney Gross) and 9-year-old “Solly” (Maxim Swinton) and no hint of where she is or whether she plans to return. As he balances parenting, the return of old friends “Libby” (Lizzy Caplan) and “Seth” (Adam Brody), a potential promotion at the hospital that is a long time coming — and all the eligible women that Manhattan has to offer — he realises that he’ll never be able to figure out what happened to “Rachel” until he can finally face what happened to their marriage in the first place.

Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special 

25 November

Disney+ Original

Premiere

In the “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” the Guardians, who are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, head to Earth in search of the perfect present.

The Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation stars Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn and The Old 97’s with Michael Rooker and Kevin Bacon.

Also in November…

1 November

STAR Original

God Forbid: The Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty

2 November

Series

Damages: Season 1-5

Grown-ish: Season 5 Eps 1-9

American Horror Story: Double Feature

3 November

Disney+ Original

Marvel Studios' Assembled: The Making of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

4 November

Disney+ Original

Director by Night

Marvel Studios Legends - Season 1 (‘King T’Challa’, ‘Princess Shuri’, ‘The Dora Milaje’)

9 November

Disney+ Original

Los Montaner: Season 1

STAR Original

The Next Thing You Eat: Season 1

International

The Stolen Cup: Season 1

Series

Good Trouble: Season 4, Episodes 10-18

11 November

STAR Original

The Great American Tag Sale with Martha Stewart

Movies

Mary Poppins Returns (Sing-Along Version)

Fire of Love

Special

Two Men at War

16 November

STAR Original

Ben Gri: Season 1

Series

Me & Mickey (Shorts): Season 1

18 November

Disney+ Original

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse

The Wonderful Summer of Mickey Mouse

Best in Snow

STAR Original

Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind

Byron Bowers: Spirtual N***a

Special

Shortsgiving

23 November

Disney+ Original

Marvel Studios Legends - Season 1 (‘Drax’ and ‘Mantis’)

International

Papas Por Encargo: Season 1 (Mexico)

STAR Original

The D'Amelio Show: Season 2

The Come Up: Season 1

International

Big Bet (aka King of Savvy): Season 1 (South Korea)

Limbo: Season 1 (Argentina)

Series

Ally McBeal: Season 1-5

25 November

Disney+ Original

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

30 November

Disney+ Original

El Club De Los Graves: Season 1

STAR Original

Wild Crime: Season 2

Series

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Minute by Minute: Season 1

Bleach: Season 1-16

Rescue Me: Season 1-6

New Episodes

Andor: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 16 November

The Kardashians: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Thursdays

Grey's Anatomy: Season 19 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Station 19: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: Season 2 2 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

The Simpsons: Season 34 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Abbott Elementary: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

American Dad: Season 17 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 2 November

Big Sky: Season 3 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Because We Forget Everything New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Children of Atom: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Little Demon: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 16 November

Men on a Mission: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

The Villains of Valley View - Season 1 New episodes

One Dollar Lawyer New episodes weekly on Fridays

Pink Lie: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Reasonable Doubt: Season 1 - New episodes weekly on Tuesdays, finale 22 November 

Reservation Dogs: Season 2 - Finale 2 November

Revenge of Others New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Shadow Detective New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Season 2 New episodes 2 November and 30 November

Summer Time Rendering: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 16 November

Sumo Do, Sumo Don't: Season 1 - New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

The Golden Spoon - New episodes weekly on Fridays

Women in Taipei New episodes weekly on Wednesdays