Loop Track: Movie Review

Hell is other people - until it's not in this feature debut from New Zealand comedian Tom Sainsbury.

But unlike Sainsbury's usual comedic fare, this tale is a somewhat darker affair. 

Sainsbury plays Ian, a troubled man who's ill-equipped but sets off anyway for a hike around one of New Zealand's longest tracks - the loop track. Dealing with his own demons and insecurities, Ian hopes to avoid anyone else on this romp through the woods.

However, his ambitions are thwarted when he sees another couple on the track and also a solo tramper Nicky (played with overzealousness by Hayden J Weal). On the edge of a nervous breakdown Ian tries to avoid them, but like limpets on the side of a boat, he can't avoid them sticking to him.

Pushing deeper into the track and with Ian's lack of sleep and paranoia coming to the fore, things get more complicated when Ian becomes convinced he can see a dark black shape in the woods...

Using black humour and suspense in equal measure, Sainsbury's debut feels confident and self-assured, even if its eventual denouement feels a little more silly than perhaps it should.

Mining much from the relationships between humans thrust upon each other and the tensions that ensue, Sainsbury and his small ensemble cast delve deep into the psyche of strangers and the banalities of common bonds.

While it's best to avoid any idea of the final twist in proceedings and go in cold, Loop Track largely works as a study of isolation among people, of alienation and of paranoia. Confident and comedic interactions between Weal and Sainsbury's character arise more from tension than obvious writing and occasionally uneasy laughs do much to mark proceedings as both enthralling and engaging.

Ultimately, Loop Track is another strong addition to New Zealand's film-making canon, proving once again that deep down in the woods, there always horror to mine - and sometimes the worst horrors of all are the people you have to spend time with.

What's on Shudder in November

Here's everything coming to Shudder in November.

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula – Shudder Original Series

Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

New Episodes Every Tuesday  

Horror’s new icons The Boulet Brothers are on the hunt to find the world’s next drag monster superstar in this brand new, star studded fifth season of their hit reality competition show. With new competitors, their challenges, special effects makeup,  costumes, and performances, it promises to be truly terrifying and out-of-this-world.  

The Tank – Shudder Exclusive Film

Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

Premieres Friday 10 November  

After mysteriously inheriting an abandoned coastal property, Ben and his family accidentally unleash an ancient, long-dormant  creature that terrorized the entire region-including his own  ancestors-for generations. Starring Luciane Buchanan and  Matt Whelan. 

Mastemah – Shudder Original Film

Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

Film Premieres Monday 6 November  

 After a traumatic accident during a hypnosis session, Louise, a young psychiatrist, opens a new office in the middle of nowhere. When she starts analysing Theo, a dark and mysterious man, people around her start to die. Starring Camille Razat and Olivier Barthelemy.

1 November  

  

I Saw the Devil  

A secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer through a series of captures and releases.  

A Tale of Two Sisters  

After spending time in a mental hospital, a girl is reunited with her sister and returns home, only to see some truly strange events start to happen.  

6 November  

Final Cut  

Things go badly for a small film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie when they are attacked by real zombies.  

13 November  

Cold in July 

When a protective father meets a murderous ex-con, both need to deviate from the path they are on as they soon find themselves entangled in a downward spiral of lies and violence while having to confront their own inner psyches.  

Nightmares 

Anthology of four horror tales with a supernatural twist based on urban legends.  

20 November  

Sons of Steel  

In a futuristic Australia, a scheme to blow up the Sydney Opera House is discovered. The only way to stop it is to send an agent back in time to prevent the plotters from hatching it.  

A Dangerous Summer  

When a crummy hotel burns down in Australia, the American co-owner tries to find out whether or not the fire was deliberately set or just an accident. 

Lords of the Fallen: PS5 Review

Developed by Deck 13 and CI Games
Published by Bandai Namco Games
Platform: PS5

In a year that has seen Baldur's Gate 3 triumph in terms of roleplaying games across platforms, Lords of the Fallen's release has quietly gone under the radar but achieved as much as the aforementioned title has.

A successor to the 2014 action roleplaying game, Lords of the Fallen gives players the chance to choose from one of nine character classes before getting into the world of Axiom.

It's a very similar formula to what has become a genre on console that's been taken over by FromSoftware's Dark Souls games - and Lords of the Fallen rarely strays enough from a template that would help mark it out.

But the game's darkness on screen sometimes makes it hard to engage deeply within the world around it. Combat is bone-crunching enough when it needs to be as you drift between the world of the alive and the dead. The dual realities mark it out as something different, yet Lords of the Fallen, with its fantasy setting and its endless parade of people to slaughter never quite feels like it seizes on its potential, preferring instead to offer a murkier game for those looking for a challenge.

Perhaps it's the fact the genre itself is over-saturated at the moment, but Lords of the Fallen feels like it has the potential to cut through. It's solid enough when it needs to be, and challenging if you're a newcomer to the genre as well, but it's never quite different enough to soar.

It would also have been best to do more with the Umbral, the otherly world and realm which you can slip back and forth in - rather than feeling like the second world is a door to ensuring a second play through of a level to ensure you've mopped up all the bits you need to.

Ultimately, Lords of the Fallen is playable enough, but in an over-crowded gaming genre, it doesn't quite do enough to stand out from all the other Dark Souls-wannabe games out there.

What's on Neon in November

Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in November.

Fargo (November 22)

FX's acclaimed anthology series Fargo returns with a fifth season set in 2019, featuring Jon Hamm as Sheriff Roy Tillman. The show continues its exploration of crime and intrigue in the Fargo, North Dakota, region, with a focus on questions surrounding kidnapping and marital fidelity. Fargo has travelled through decades, cities and families, and the fifth instalment will be no different: Set in 2019, when is a kidnapping, not a kidnapping, and what if your wife isn't yours? 

Starring: Jon Hamm, Juno Temple, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Joe Keery and Lamorne Morris. 

Fellow Travelers (November 6)

Set in 1950s McCarthy-era Washington, D.C, this epic love story and political thriller spans four decades, tracing the tumultuous romance between two men. Against the backdrop of a politically charged era dominated by figures like Nixon, Johnson, and McCarthy, recent graduate Timothy Laughlin, a devout Catholic, becomes entangled in a passionate affair with State Department official Hawkins Fuller. As McCarthy's power grab and investigations into government "sexual subversives" intensify, their double lives become increasingly perilous. The narrative shifts between the diplomatic world of Foggy Bottom and the front lines of NATO in Europe, creating a searing historical novel filled with political drama, unexpected humour, and genuine heartbreak. 

Starring: Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bailey and Allison Williams. 

Love Island Australia S5 (November 2)

With host Sophie Monk and a cast of gorgeous Aussie singles, the beautiful Spanish Villa is ready to rip open the spiciest twist ever. These sexy singles are on the trip of a lifetime, full of flirting, jealousy, romance and rejection, and the possibility of finding their soulmate. But ... there's a juicy new villain era in the mix. 

Time (November 19) 

A gritty anthology drama set in the British prison system. This season focuses on a women's prison and follows three very different inmates who arrive on the same day. Despite the ever-present threat of violence, they somehow find community. 

Starring: Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey and Tamara Lawrance. 

The Lazarus Project (November 15)

The three-week time loop that trapped the Lazarus agents at the end of last season is no ordinary loop. Each time they go back, the loops are getting shorter, and the mechanism is wound tighter. Eventually, it'll snap, like a rubber band and life as we know it will end. 

Starring: Paapa Essiedu, Caroline Quentin, and Tom Burke. 

Julia (November 17)

The charming series based on the life of the incomparable Julia Child returns, as Julia prepares for a second season of The French Chef, she travels to France to reunite with fellow cookbook writer Simca Beck. Along the way, Julia and Paul grapple with changes brought about by her ever- increasing fame. 

Starring: Sarah Lancashire, David Hyde Pierce and Bebe Nueworth. 

Chucky Season 3 (November 24)

Chucky has found his way inside the White House as the new favourite toy of the president's young son. Jake, Devon, and Lexy must somehow find a way inside the world's most secure house to thwart the infamous killer doll before it's too late. 

Starring: Zackary Arthur and Brad Dourif. 

Rap Sh!t (November 10)

Rap Sh!t centres around Shawna and Mia, former high school friends from Miami, who come together to create a rap group. They grapple with the choice of remaining authentic or succumbing to the music industry's pressures. 

The series features Aida Osman, KaMillion, Jonica Booth, RJ Cyler, Daniel Augustin, and Jaboukie Young-White. 

Saviour Complex (November 9)

Feature on Renee Bach, a woman who was sued by Ugandan civil court over the deaths of children that were treated in the care center she ran with no medical training. 

The Golden Boy: Oscar de la Hoya (November 12)

This two-part documentary peels back the layers of controversial boxer Oscar De La Hoya. While celebrating his many triumphs, we also reveal a man struggling to come to terms with lifelong demons. 

Essex Murders (November 1)

On the 6th of December 1995, in a small English village, three drug dealers were shot dead inside a Range Rover. This three-part docuseries goes beyond the headlines and gets to the heart of a case that's still raising serious questions. 

Navajo Police: Class S7 (November 23)

Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Navajo Nation, this docuseries follows a group of recruits as they fight their way through the Navajo Police Training Academy. In the field, they must contend with rising crime to hold their people together. 

MOVIES

The Super Mario Bros Movie (November 5)

With help from Princess Peach, Mario attempts to prevent the all-powerful Bowser from conquering the world. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy. 

John Wick: Chapter 4 (November 3)

As the bounty on his life continues to rise, iconic hitman John Wick embarks on a worldwide mission to confront the most influential figures in the criminal realm, spanning from New York to Paris, Japan, and Berlin in his relentless pursuit of justice against the formidable High Table. Starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne. 

Magic Mike's Last Dance (November 10)

Broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida, Mike meets a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse. Heading to London and with everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he - and the roster of hot new dancers he'll have to whip into shape - be able to pull it off? Starring Channing Tatum, Salma Hayek, Manganiello, Matt Bomer. 

65 (November 30)

After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, Mills and Koa discover they're stranded on Earth... 65 million years ago. Now they must fight to survive in an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures. Starring Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt. 

Love in Taipei (November 27)

Ever Wong's summer veers unexpectedly when her parents spring a surprise trip to Taipei, immersing her in a cultural program she never saw coming. Starring Ashley Liao and Rick Woo. 

Allelujah (November 15)

As a small Yorkshire hospital's geriatric ward faces closure, it rallies the local community for support, ultimately inviting a news crew to document their efforts in preparing a concert to honour their most esteemed nurse. Starring: Russel Tovey, Jennifer Saunders and Judi Dench. 

The Pope's Exorcist (November 24)

The Pope's Chief Exorcist investigates a young boy's terrifying possession, and uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden. Starring Russell Crowe. 

Oink: Movie Review

Vocal cast: Hiba Ghafry, Kees Prins, Jelka van Houten

Director: Mascha Halberstad

At its core, Oink is a very simple film that's aimed at families and has a message of tolerance embedded deep within.

Knor is the tale of a pig gifted to Babs (Ghafry) by her errant grandfather (Prins) after he left his family behind. Encouraging her to rear it and seemingly supportive, Babs soon falls in love with the pig - but dark clouds are gathering as the annual sausage contest rears its head.

It may be simply told with the sort of twee animation that Aardman would vaguely be proud of, but Oink is a film that will hit a younger audience and imbue them with the message of veganism and love for all animals.

With some cutesy voicework and a stop motion animation that's seamless but unique, it does exactly what it sets out to do and no more. Blessed with brevity, Oink's central pig will appeal to those who like the odd fart and poo gag which forms most of the porcine punchlines when he appears on screen.

There's not quite the timeless quality to this animation unfortunately and while the film's watchable enough while it's happening, the low-scale nature of its tale and its ambitions make it a film that's worth a watch, as well as a discussion after about what animals deserve out of life.

SEGA Sonic Superstars: PS5 Review

Developed by Arzest / Sonic Team
Published by Sega
Platform: PS5

Sonic Superstars sees the little blue bundle bursting back and doing what he does best in a game that recaptures the highs of when Sonic first rolled onto the gaming scene.

Once again Sonic has to take on his arch nemesis, Dr. Eggman along with the help of pals Tails, Knuckles and Amy.

That involves zipping through 11 themed side-scrolling zones while doing the usual Sonic-related fare of collecting rings, beating bad guys and threats. There's nothing unusual here - it's more the core Sonic gameplay wrapped up in a 2023 graphics bundle that leads to proper old school platform gaming.

The collection of Chaos emeralds gives Sonic the chance to power up as well but in truth, a lot of that side of things distracts from the simplicity of the game's execution and the Sonic playability. There's a lot of dodging and avoiding baddies throughout as well in the boss battles, but Sonic Superstars feels like it's very much true to the 2.5D platforming ethos the series was originally born from.

It's also a nice touch to be able to play as other characters as well, and utilise different skillsets for them. But in all honesty, nothing can beat the purity of the Sonic experience and the desire to pulse through the levels - which all still hold up and feel both nostalgic and current thanks to some extra touches peppered throughout.

Co-op gameplay and online multiplayer don't quite hit the mark as well because at its heart, Sonic was all about core speed and the desire to race through zones. Being tethered to other characters holds that back a little but the gaming works yet it doesn't feel as essential as the single player game.

Sonic Superstars works as a piece of platforming nostalgia - it may hint at wanting to move away from the core Sonic experience at times, but the desire to pull it back into line proves to be the game's saving point.

EA Sports FC 24: PS5 Review

Developed by EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Published by EA Sports
Platform: PS5

The football simulator has predominantly been confined to the excellence of EA's FIFA titles through the years, but the complete rebranding of the genre in 2024 had some worried about whether the quality would drop.

Those fears are completely misplaced as the 2024 iteration of the brand new game is utterly brilliant, a triumph of what makes a football simulator such a success in the first place.

With slick simple gameplay, a compelling and challenging skills curve, EA Sports FC 24 lets the sport do the talking on the field, rather than off. However, what it does do off the pitch is offer such a wide variety of possibilities for the game, as well as showcase the depth of the players and the various franchises.

It's also worked to bring the women's game to the forefront as well, and the UEFA Women's League games feel as vital as their male counterparts and as challenging as any normal game, depending on the level of play you've set it up at.

Replays sizzle with the introduction of the Hypermotion V Technology that shows off details from either goals, strikes or players in general, offering up statistics of where on (or off) target shots have been. It's thrilling stuff that just adds to the realism of the game. And while some of the facial captures feel a little off in parts, the large majority of the likenesses feel like the people they're based on.

Of course, none of that matters if the game doesn't play well. 

But that's something EA Sports FC 24 doesn't have to worry about (despite that cumbersome title). Matches feel both lithe and alive, with tensions on the field spilling over into minor mistakes. Make one and the opposite seizes on it, leading to the frustration being both on the field and at home on the couch where you're playing.

If you've not picked up a football simulator in years then perhaps EA Sports FC 24 will feel like the best thing ever. And while EA has previously spent decades with the FIFA brand, churning out titles every year to varying degrees of success, this is the one that feels the most like it's done the best it can by every sub-genre within.

The atmosphere with EA Sports FC 24 is the thing - and this has it in spades. Whether you want to sink hours into a career style mode or just want to play some quick games, EA Sports FC 24 more than covers the bases. 

But more than that, for the 90 minutes simulator time you spend with the game, you feel deeply immersed and utterly swept up in the beautiful game. The games are so fluid, control feels a lot more responsive and slicker, and it's just enjoyable.

It feels in many ways like the series has gone back to basics, has upped some of the skills that made it work, and just concentrated on being the best it can be and being a game that's about what's on the pitch, and avoided all and any other distractions.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Movie Review

Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, Mary Stuart Masterson
Director: Emma Tammi

There are parts when Five Nights at Freddy's works.

A melange of atmosphere and a mix of portent and dread gift proceedings with the perfect mix of spooky location use, upsetting moments and some impressive jump scares.

But unfortunately those don't come until at least 90 minutes of the 110 minute run time.

Though doubtless if you're a fan of the video game franchise, you'll get a buzz from the build up - but for others not au fait with Scott Cawthorn's machinations, it's a bewildering exercise.

The Hunger Games' Josh Hutcherson plays Mike, a troubled security guard who begins working at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza amid a bitter family court battle. 

But on his first night on the job, things start to go somewhat awry as the 80s style pizza arcade arena comes to life....

Five Nights at Freddy's suffers from extremely long prolonged periods where little happens, except a devotion to Mike's troubled past and his continual dream-like state desire to revisit a traumatic moment in his life. In fact, as the film unspools, it becomes more like a psychological mystery movie, rather than an outright horror.

It's pertinent, because it's mainly bloodless, with the suggestions of slicing and dicing achieved through sound, jump scares and cutaways. Well-shot sequences of the animatronic machines, which play like Care Bears mixed with menacing Furbies, help greatly to portray a sense of dread in these 80s dancing and singing creatures.

From squinting eyes to glowing red eye moments, there's a real sense of unease throughout as the Westworld-like creatures threaten to go like Itchy and Scratchy land inhabitants at any one moment.

Yet halfway through this extended examination of the impact of trauma, there comes such a heavy dump of plot and exposition that it all threatens to fall over in its own absurdity and long sequences feel like they're ripped from a video game (explore Mike's past, get back into Freddy's without being seen, escape the bad guys) - it all plays like some kind of faithfully adapted quicktime event that has no real flair or point of difference.

Director Emma Tammi tries, with some parts genuinely flitting into the unsettling - but much like M3Gan did earlier this year, the bloodless edges of Five Nights at Freddy's feel like an unhinged truly demented film is out there somewhere, begging to be made.

It also suffers from a somewhat nondescript ending that's clearly baying for a sequel which is fine if a franchise commitment comes, but will leave most audiences with a distinctly unresolved feeling that's likely to cloud proceedings.

Spending Five Nights at Freddy's is somewhat more of a commitment - unless you're a fan - because based on this, even One Night at Freddy's is something of a tonally, muddled ask.

What's on Disney+ in November

Here's everything streaming on Disney+ in November

Doctor Who (November 25)

With David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate reprising her role as Donna Noble the popular duo will make their spectacular return to mark the shows 60th anniversary with three special episodes running each Saturday, starting November 25, just 2 days after the show's birthday.

Get set for three epic adventures starting with The Star Beast (25th November) where the Doctor and Donna will come face to face after all these years but just how, and why, is about to be revealed. Followed by Wild Blue Yonder (2nd December) and The Giggle (9th December) viewers are about to go on an otherworldly adventure through space and time.

Joining David Tennant and Catherine Tate is a stellar cast including, Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble, Miriam Margolyes as the voice of the Meep, Jacqueline King as Sylvia Noble, Karl Collins as Shaun Temple, Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne-Bingham, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker, set to cause all kinds of mayhem.

29 November

The Artful Dodger

Star Original Series

Premiere

Set in 1850s Australia, in the lively colony of Port Victory, Jack Dawkins is The Artful Dodger, whose fast, pickpocketing fingers have turned into the skilled hands of a surgeon. Dodger’s past returns to haunt him with the arrival of Fagin, luring him back into a world of crime. A greater threat – to Dodger’s heart – is Lady Belle, the Governor’s daughter, determined to become the colony’s first female surgeon. From heists to life-and-death surgeries, to the harsh realities of the criminal world mingling with the middle ground and gentry. This is a tale of reinvention, betrayal, redemption, and love with a twist.

1 November

Black Cake

Star Original Series

Premiere

Based on The New York Times-bestselling book by Charmaine Wilkerson, “Black Cake” is a family drama wrapped in a murder mystery with a diverse cast of characters and a global setting. The story takes place in Jamaica, Italy, Scotland, England and Southern California. In the late 1960s, a runaway bride named Covey disappears into the surf off the coast of Jamaica and is feared drowned or a fugitive on the run for her husband’s murder. In present day California, a widow named Eleanor Bennett, loses her battle with cancer, leaving her two estranged children, Byron and Benny, a flash drive that holds previously untold stories of her journey from the Caribbean to America. These stories, narrated by Eleanor, shock her children and challenge everything they thought they knew about their family’s origin.

From 26 November

Doctor Who: Specials

Disney+ Special

Premiere

“The Star Beast” 26 November

“Wild Blue Yonder” 3 December

“The Giggle” 10 December

The three new “Doctor Who” 60th  anniversary specials are set to debut on Disney+. The three specials, titled “The Star Beast” (Nov. 26), “Wild Blue Yonder” (Dec. 3) and “The Giggle” (Dec. 10) will reunite the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Temple-Noble (Catherine Tate) as they come face-to-face with their most terrifying villain yet: the Toymaker (played by Neil Patrick Harris in his “Doctor Who” debut).

14 November

FX's A Murder at the End of the World

Star Original Series

Premiere

"A Murder at the End of the World” is a mystery series with a new kind of detective at the helm – a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named Darby Hart. In the new limited series, Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire to participate in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must put to use all of her combined skills to prove it was in fact murder, all against a tide of competing interests and before the killer takes another life.

8 November

The Santa Clauses: Season 2

Disney+ Original Series

Premiere

The beloved franchise returns! Scott Calvin, after 28 years, reigns true as Santa Claus, leader of the North Pole and Christmas. With his family - Carol, Sandra, and Cal - by his side, and his elves at the reins, Scott Calvin contends with a changing world to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for a new generation.

15 November

Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1© Story

Star Original Series

Premiere

Witness one of the most incredible sagas in Formula 1 history, the story of Brawn GP. In 2008, Honda’s racing team fell into administration, in an unprecedented first for the sport, their rivals united and returned the team to the racetrack. With Ross Brawn at the helm and the team rebranded as Brawn GP, all was well until they realized they had inadvertently created a fierce competitor. Interviewed by Hollywood actor and Formula 1 superfan Keanu Reeves, this gripping four-part series offers exclusive first-hand insights from racing legends, providing the drama both on and off the track. From the formation of Brawn GP see their remarkable journey through strategic maneuvers and financial trials during an exceptionally competitive chapter in the annals of the sport.

26 November

Faraway Downs

Star Original Series

Premiere

The story centers on an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) who travels halfway across the world to confront her wayward husband and sell an unusual asset: a million-acre cattle ranch in the Australian Outback called "Faraway Downs." Following the death of her husband, a ruthless Australian cattle baron, King Carney (Bryan Brown), plots to take her land and she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) to protect her ranch. The sweeping adventure romance is explored through the eyes of young Nullah (newcomer Brandon Walters), a bi-racial Indigenous Australian child caught up in the government's draconian racial policy now referred to as the “Stolen Generations.” Together the trio experiences four life-altering years, a love affair between Lady Ashley and the Drover, and the unavoidable impact of World War II on Northern Australia.

3 November

Quiz Lady

Star Original Movie

Premiere

In “Quiz Lady,” a brilliant but tightly wound, game show-obsessed young woman, Anne (Awkwafina), and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny (Sandra Oh), must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild, cross-country trek to get the cash the only way they know how: by turning Anne into a bona-fide game show champion.

Also in November…

1 November

Disney+ Original

Behind the Attraction: Season 2

International

The Three Detectives: Season 1

Series

Big City Greens: Season 3

3 November

Disney+ Original

Marvel Studios Legends: Season 2: New Episodes

Star Original

The Mill

6 November

Series

JFK: One Day in America: Season 1

8 November

Disney+ Original

International

Daddies on Request: Season 2

Star Original

Love in Fairhope: Season 1

International

Final Trip: Season 1

International

Vigilante: Season 1

Series

Farm Dreams: Season 1

13 November

Star Original

The Lady Bird Diaries

15 November

Star Original

International

Interpreter of Silence: Season 1

International

I'm Your Fan: The Party Continues: Season 1

Series

The Doc and Bella Are In!: Season 1

16 November

Star Original

Drive with Swizz Beatz: Season 1

17 November

Disney+ Original

Dashing Through the Snow

Movies

Shohei Ohtani - Beyond the Dream

23 November

Movies

The Naughty Nine

29 November

Disney+ Original

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Loki Season 2

New Episodes

Loki: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Fridays, finale 10 November

Goosebumps: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Fridays, finale 17 November

The Kardashians: Season 4 New episodes weekly on Thursdays, finale 30 November

FX’s Welcome to Wrexham: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 15 November

The Simpsons: Season 35 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures: Season 1 6 x new episodes 8 November

Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Season 2 6 x new episodes 22 November

Tokyo Revengers: Season 2 New episodes weekly on Tuesdays

Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends: Season 2 1 x new episode 1 November

T.O.T.S.: Season 3 12 x new episodes 8 November

My Home Hero: Season 1 New episodes weekly on Tuesdays

The 2023 Terror-Fi Film festival kicks off

This year's Terror-Fi Film festival returns to the three main centres again over the coming weeks with audiences getting the chance to see films unlikely to get a general release.

Leading the pack and opening the festival is the highly-anticipated Five Nights at Freddy's based on the popular gaming series.

Josh Hutcherson's security guard sets out to cast an eye over  Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria at night but finds he has bitten off more than he can chew thanks to spooky tales about the animatronic critters lurking within.

The festival will close off with one of the films destined not to be played on New Zealand big screens, but one which has a New Zealand connection - Cobweb.

Starring The Boys star and Kiwi Antony Starr, it's the story of eight-year-old Peter who is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination... but may not be.

Also of interest during the festival's run is the winner of Best Picture at the 2023 Fantasia Festival Red Rooms, which gets its NZ premiere and promises a tale about a serial killer, which is "unique and gripping thriller draws you in with incredible performances and keeps you guessing right to the very end."

Coming highly recommended from TIFF 2023, Demian Rugna's film When Evil Lurks will probably be one to put the willies up people looking for a few scares in the fright night period.

When brothers Pedro and Jimmy discover that a demonic infection has been festering in a nearby farmhouse. They attempt to evict the victim from their land - but as you can probably guess, it doesn't quite go to plan - and chaos reigns in their rural community.

Also notable are Heather Graham's Suitable Flesh, Jon Hamm and Tina Fey in double murder tale Maggie Moore(s), and there's plenty of buzz around indie thriller The Artifice Girl.

But the festival's not just about the current and the quirky.

There are also screenings of cult movie Killer Klowns from Outer Space, a 1988 slice of silly that's hoping to attract an audience willing to dress up.

Less silly is the Kurt Russell starring sci-fi Stargate, which kicked off a small screen franchise - and there's also a chance to see a range of genre short films in Wellington and Auckland for free.

But perhaps the film aiming for the cult audience and one best to see with a load of mates is the NZ premiere of Hundreds of Beavers that Slashfilm says "exists at the crossroads of Looney Tunes, Benny Hill, Cannibal: The Musical, Blazing Saddles, and Adult Swim."

You can find more about the Terror-Fi Film Fest at https://terrorfifest.com/films/ and it all kicks off on Wednesday October 25 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

What's on Netflix in November

Here's everything streaming on Netflix in November.

Cigarette Girl 2/11/2023 Indonesia A gifted artisan's journey of love and self-discovery unfolds as she defies tradition within Indonesia's clove cigarette industry in the 1960s.

All the Light We Cannot See 2/11/2023 United States In the final days of WWII, the paths of a blind French girl and a German soldier collide. Based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller.

Ferry: The Series 3/11/2023 Belgium Desperate for funds, Ferry Bouman stumbles upon a golden opportunity when a high-profile bust leaves a vacant position among Brabant's top dealers.

The Tailor: Season 3 3/11/2023 Turkey Peyami's feelings for Esvet intensify, forcing him to make the difficult choice between their love and his lifelong friendship with Dimitri.

Selling Sunset: Season 7 3/11/2023 United States The agents hustle to move houses in a tough market, but bad blood and unfinished business could bring down what they've built. Can they keep it together?

Daily Dose of Sunshine 3/11/2023 Korea A kind-hearted nurse working in psychiatry goes above and beyond to be a ray of light for those under her care, despite the challenges coming her way.

At the Moment 10/11/2023 Taiwan This anthology series set during the pandemic follows 10 unique love stories of passion and heartache.

Criminal Code 14/11/2023 Brazil To crack the code of an investigation into a larger-than-life robbery, federal agents need to get creative.

Suburræterna 14/11/2023 Italy While chaos rules over Rome, established alliances are at risk as tensions rise with emerging clans. The world of "Suburra" takes a new turn.

Feedback 15/11/2023 Poland A former rock star with a faulty memory and a family in shambles, all due to his addiction problem, sets off on a frantic search to find his missing son.

The Crown: Season 6 Part 1 16/11/2023 United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her legacy and lineage as Diana dazzles the public in the final weeks of her life and the monarchy faces a reckoning.

Sagrada Familia: Season 2 17/11/2023 Spain Haunted by the past, Gloria will stop at nothing to carve out a future for her family while new schemes and mysteries bubble up in the neighborhood.

The Railway Men 17/11/2023 India After a deadly gas leaks from a factory in Bhopal, brave railway workers risk their lives to save others in the face of an unspeakable disaster.

Squid Game: The Challenge 22/11/2023 United Kingdom 456 players. $4.56 million. One winner. The global phenomenon comes to life with games inspired by the original series and all new challenges.

A Nearly Normal Family 24/11/2023 Sweden The world of a seemingly perfect family shatters when a shocking murder proves that they're willing to make desperate moves to protect each other.

My Demon 24/11/2023 Korea Chaebol heiress Do Do Hee is an adversary to many, and Jung Koo Won is a powerful entity superior to humans. However, one day, Jung Koo Won loses his powers. Forced to collaborate with Do Do Hee to regain them, sparks of romance begin to fly between them as they embark on this journey together.

Comedy Royale 28/11/2023 Korea Hand-picked by Korean comedy icons, five teams of rising comics battle for a chance to host in a Netflix show — delivering nonstop, zany laughter.

Love Like a K-Drama 28/11/2023 Japan Four actresses from Japan go to South Korea to audition and act alongside Korean actors for roles in a series of love stories. Will true romance follow?

Obliterated 30/11/2023 United States An elite special forces team must thwart a deadly threat in Las Vegas in this high-octane action-comedy series from the creators of "Cobra Kai."

Virgin River: Season 5 Part 2 30/11/2023 United States Mel adjusts to a different pace of life, Jack works to grow his business, and the town faces new threats as secrets begin to surface in Virgin River.

Replacing Chef Chico Coming soon Philippines When a head chef falls into a coma, it's up to his devoted sous-chef to keep their Filipino fine dining restaurant from closing down.

Wingwomen 1/11/2023 France Tired of life on the run, a pro thief decides to retire — but not before one easy last job with her partner in crime and a feisty new getaway driver.

Nuovo Olimpo 1/11/2023 Italy In 1970s Rome, a casual encounter between Enea and Pietro at a movie theater turns into an unforgettable romance — until destiny pulls them apart.

The Claus Family 3 8/11/2023 Belgium When the delivery of presents goes wrong and Grandpa Noël gets in trouble, siblings Jules and Noor must work together to save Christmas. Can they do it?

Locked In 1/11/2023 United Kingdom A kindly nurse tries to unlock the secrets of a coma patient's injuries — and discovers the bitter rivalry, infidelity, betrayal and murder behind them.

Vacaciones de verano 3/11/2023 Spain When two friends lose their jobs and find gigs as children's entertainers at a luxury hotel, they sneak in their kids to give them a summer vacation.

Hurricane Season 1/11/2023 Mexico When a group of kids finds a corpse floating in a canal, the brutal reality behind the perverse crime unravels a town's hidden secrets.

NYAD 3/11/2023 United States Athlete Diana Nyad sets out at 60 to achieve a nearly impossible lifelong dream: to swim from Cuba to Florida across more than 100 miles of open ocean.

The Queenstown Kings 17/11/2023 South Africa After his father's death, a washed-up soccer star returns to rural Queenstown and struggles to connect with his son, a promising player with big dreams.

The Killer 10/11/2023 United States After a fateful near miss, an assassin battles his employers — and himself — on an international hunt for retribution he insists isn't personal.

The Netflix Cup: Swing to Survive 14/11/2023 United States N/A - Live Event

Best. Christmas. Ever! 16/11/2023 United States After a twist of fate brings their families together for Christmas, Charlotte sets out to prove her old friend Jackie's life is too good to be true.

In Love and Deep Water 16/11/2023 Japan Romance, mystery and mayhem unfolds aboard a luxury liner heading for the Aegean Sea when a butler and a passenger try to solve a baffling murder.

All-Time High 17/11/2023 France A con artist in dire need of cash and a woman with a crypto fortune hit it off. Is she the target of his dreams, or is the scammer about to get scammed?

Elena Knows Coming soon Argentina As her Parkinson’s disease progresses, a woman leads a relentless investigation into finding those responsible for the sudden death of her daughter.

Rustin 17/11/2023 United States Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

Believer 2 17/11/2023 Korea A determined detective continues his search for the truth behind Asia's largest drug organization and its elusive boss he has unfinished business with.

Crime Diaries: The Celebrity Stylist 22/11/2023 Colombia When an up-and-coming stylist is found stabbed to death in his home, a young detective is given 20 days to solve the case. Inspired by true events.

Last Call for Istanbul 24/11/2023 Turkey A chance meeting at the airport leads two married people to an unforgettable night full of excitement, desire, and temptation in New York City.

DOI BOY 24/11/2023 Thailand A refugee builds a new identity as a sex worker in Thailand and gets caught up in a client's risky scheme that might lead to a better life.

Wedding Games 24/11/2023 Brazil When Alex and Eva choose to exchange vows at the very spot they first crossed paths, a series of hilarious missteps derails their journey to the altar.

I Don't Expect Anyone to Believe Me 24/11/2023 Mexico A writer's career — and entire life — suddenly goes off script when he falls prey to a dangerous web of criminals right before moving to Barcelona.

Family Switch 30/11/2023 United States A family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids.

Hard Days 30/11/2023 Japan Already running from a mess of problems, a desperate cop thinks he's gotten away with a hit-and-run. But there was a witness, and they've got his number.

The Improv: 60 and Still Standing 7/11/2023 United States The Improv turns 60 with original performances from today's most celebrated artists and biggest concert acts, along with exclusive and rarely seen moments from one of the largest comedy archives. It's a one-night event to honor artists who defined comedy and culture for decades... all while standing in front of a simple brick wall.

Matt Rife: Natural Selection 14/11/2023 United States A new stand-up special from comedian Matt Rife.

Verified Stand-Up 28/11/2023 United States 10 comics. 10 sets. Discover your new favorite comedian in this stand-up comedy series.

Mysteries of the Faith 1/11/2023 United Kingdom Believed to hold miraculous powers, sacred treasures are kept under lock and key. Uncover the history — and mystery — behind these Catholic relics.

Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom 1/11/2023 Germany Did Jens Soering murder his girlfriend's parents in 1985 — or was she the killer? This docuseries digs into questions that still swirl around the case.

Temple of Film: 100 Years of the Egyptian Theatre 9/11/2023 United States Guillermo del Toro, Rian Johnson and other film luminaries look back at LA's historic Egyptian Theatre as it returns to its former movie palace glory.

Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion 2/11/2023 Colombia From poverty to soccer legend, this documentary captures the rise of Colombia's René Higuita, his revolutionary career and the birth of "The Scorpion."

Sly 3/11/2023 United States His love of film began as an escape from a rocky childhood. From underdog to Hollywood legend, Sylvester Stallone tells his story in this documentary.

Robbie Williams 8/11/2023 United Kingdom After 25 years of his record-breaking solo career, Robbie looks back on his younger self and reflects on a lifetime spent in the spotlight.

Escaping Twin Flames 8/11/2023 United States A couple built a spiritual business to help people find true love. Now, former followers are sharing their disturbing practices in this docuseries.

The Billionaire, the Butler and the Boyfriend 8/11/2023 France How did a conflict between the world's wealthiest woman and her daughter spiral into national scandal? This riveting docuseries tells the whole story.

Cyberbunker: The Criminal Underworld 8/11/2023 Germany This documentary reveals how a group of hackers powered the darkest corners of the internet from a Cold War-era bunker in a quiet German tourist town.

How to Become a Mob Boss 14/11/2023 United States This darkly satirical how-to guide explores the rise and fall of history's most notorious mob bosses and their tactics for success.

The Dads 17/11/2023 United States On a fishing trip with Matthew Shepard's father, five disparate dads discuss their love, hopes and fears for their trans kids in this short documentary.

Stamped from the Beginning 20/11/2023 United States Using innovative animation and expert insights, this documentary based on Ibram X. Kendi's bestseller explores the history of racist ideas in America.

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America: Season 2 22/11/2023 United States Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield breaks bread with cooks and scholars while exploring Black cuisine's history and flavorful contributions to America.

American Symphony 29/11/2023 United States N/A

Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife 29/11/2023 United Kingdom This shocking docuseries about one of the biggest frauds in modern medical history exposes a thoracic surgeon famous for  groundbreaking achievements in the field of regenerative medicine.

Unicorn Academy: Chapter 1 2/11/2023 United States When a dark force threatens to destroy Unicorn Island, a brave teen and her five schoolmates must rise up to protect their beloved magical academy.

Erin & Aaron 3/11/2023 United States Erin and Aaron's names may sound similar, but they couldn't be more opposite — and through music these new stepsiblings are learning to live in harmony.

CoComelon Lane 17/11/2023 United States Join your favorite "CoComelon" characters on imaginative adventures as they explore feelings — and the world around them — in this story-driven series.

Leo 21/11/2023 United States Adam Sandler is a lizard named Leo in this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet.

My Little Pony: Make Your Mark: Chapter 6 23/11/2023 United States Opaline has captured nearly all the power of Equestria, and time's running out! Can the ponies team up with the dragons to save magic and restore peace?

Go Dog Go: Season 4 27/11/2023 United States Tag and her best friend Scooch love lending a paw to their friends around Pawston, whether it's delivering cookie boxes or hosting the Dogcathalon!

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday 30/11/2023 United States Mr. Wolf and his crew of animal outlaws realize they'll need to restore the city's Christmas spirit to keep their annual holiday heist afloat.

Onimusha 2/11/2023 Japan With a demonic weapon in hand, a wandering swordsman-for-hire and a samurai brotherhood take on an uprising of the undead.

BLUE EYE SAMURAI 3/11/2023 Japan Driven by a dream of revenge against the white father who made her an outcast in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior cuts a bloody path toward her destiny.

Akuma Kun 9/11/2023 Japan Akuma Kun, a boy raised by a demon, works with his half-human partner Mephisto III as paranormal investigators to solve various murder and mysteries.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off 17/11/2023 United States Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her. Then things get even more complicated. 

My Daemon 23/11/2023 Japan To save his mother, a kind-hearted boy and his tiny daemon friend set out on a journey across post-apocalyptic Japan as dark forces close in.

Onmyoji 28/11/2023 Japan In the gilded enclave of the imperial court, a gifted mystic befriends a brilliant musician, and together they solve cases rising from the demonic realm.

Don't Breathe 2 3/11/2023 United States A self-reliant blind veteran trains his adopted daughter to face any danger, but they're both ambushed when a vengeful stranger arrives from the past.

Nganu 8/11/2023 Cameroon Villagers advise an abusive husband to channel his rage in the army. There, he must come to terms with violent urges that have deep and painful roots.

Untameable: Season 1 9/11/2023 Ireland In 1980s Spain, TV and movie star Bárbara Rey and circus personality Ángel Cristo fell for each other. This is the tale of their tumultuous relationship.

Downton Abbey: A New Era 13/11/2023 United Kingdom Glitz and glamour abound as the Crawleys and their beloved staff film a silent movie at Downton and embark on new adventures in the south of France.

What's on Prime Video in November

Here's everything that's coming up on Prime Video in November.

The final episode of Gen V (from the world of The Boys) releases Friday 3rd November. Prepare yourself for an epic ending all in just another day at Godolkin University. 

Brian Cox is The Controller, the on-screen mastermind behind game, 007: Road To A Million, where nine pairs of everyday people take on James Bond-inspired challenges to take a shot at winning £1,000,000. 

Other titles in November include the second season of Invincible; a nod to his mother's love, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story; Twin Love is a social dating experiment that explores the love lives of identical twins; BTS: Yet To Come showcases BTS' massive free show at Busan's World Expo in October; stand-up special Trevor Wallace: Pterodactyl and more...

GEN V FINALE 

SEASON FINALE AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

Episode 108: THE GUARDIANS OF GODOLKIN: In a surprising season finale twist, Sam teams up with Cate, spreading terror on campus. Andre has a life or death choice to make while Marie and Emma learn new ways to utilize their powers. It’s a show stopping civil war of supe against supe, friend against friend showdown, and nothing will ever be the same for our young heroes. 

Gen V stars  Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Lizze Broadway, Shelley Conn, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Marco Pigossi. Gen V also features guest stars Clancy Brown and Jason Ritter, as well as appearances from Jessie T. Usher, Claudia Doumit, Colby Minifie, and P.J. Byrne.

007: ROAD TO A MILLION 

SEASON 2 AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

From the Hollywood producers behind the James Bond movies comes 007: Road to a Million. Nine pairs of everyday people are unleashed on an epic adventure through a series of James Bond-inspired challenges, to find questions hidden around the world, all for a shot at winning a life-changing £1,000,000 prize. The Controller (Brian Cox) is the on-screen mastermind behind the game, he dictates where the pairs go, and what they must do and sets their questions. He watches on from the shadows following the pair’s every move, revelling as his often merciless and punishing plans unfold in front of him. In total, The Controller has hidden 10 questions around the world for each pair, who each have a chance of winning a £1,000,000. Find them, answer them, win…But it won’t be that easy! To reach these questions, the pairs face gut-wrenching Bond-inspired challenges which will push their physical strength and mental reserves to the limit.  Each question is worth an increasing amount of money, if answered correctly, they bank the cash and continue to the next question, get it wrong their journey is over. From the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and the remote Chilean desert to the bustling streets of Venice and the luxurious Caribbean coastline of Jamaica. Packed with drama, epic locations, nail-biting challenges, and emotions running high, 007: Road to a Million promises a series that will have you on the edge of your seat.

INVINCIBLE

SEASON 2 AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

Based on the groundbreaking comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, the story revolves around 18-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age—except his father is (or was) the most powerful superhero on the planet. Still reeling from Nolan’s betrayal in Season One, Mark struggles to rebuild his life as he faces a host of new threats, all while battling his greatest fear - that he might become his father without even knowing it.

Invincible Season 2 stars Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Chris Diamantopoulos, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Seth Rogen and J.K. Simmons. 

MAXINE’S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER

Writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media titan, Tyler Perry, is America’s consummate multihyphenate. But underneath this entertainment behemoth is a man working humbly to heal his childhood trauma by transforming his pain into promise. Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, a nod to his mother’s love, is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry: his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him. With unfettered access, directors/filmmakers Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz lead us into the inner-world of a man, whose story has never fully been told, as he becomes a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. The product is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go.

TWIN LOVE

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER

Hosted by TV personalities Brie and Nikki Garcia, Twin Love is a social dating experiment that explores the love lives of identical twins. Ten sets of twins will be split up and placed into two houses of "identical" casts, where they'll begin a unique and compelling search for love. With double the fun and drama, the series will discover if their inherent similarities extend to their romantic desires. When separated from their twin brothers and sisters—some for the first time ever—will they pursue the same identical partners? Or will their choices be dramatically different?

BTS: YET TO COME 

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER

BTS: Yet to Come, took place in October 2022, when the seven-member band performed in Busan, South Korea. As a part of Busan’s World Expo 2030 bid, the concert was held at the Asiad Main Stadium with approximately 50,000 people in attendance. BTS features RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. The concert film, produced by HYBE, CJ 4DPlex, and Trafalgar Releasing, will include 19 performances of their hit tracks, such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “RUN,” “MIC Drop,” “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” and more. Touching speeches, electrifying stages, spectacular fireworks, and more will be palpable as consumers get a concert-like experience through watching BTS: Yet to Come on Prime Video. Prime Video consumers can enjoy the captivating show from anywhere, anytime, and rewatch it on their compatible devices.

TREVOR WALLACE: PTERODACTYL

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

You know Trevor Wallace from the relatable characters he’s unleashed across the internet, which have amassed billions of views. In his first stand-up special, he introduces you to the real-life characters he’s come face-to-face with, as Wallace navigates male birth control, smoking oregano, his unique birds-and-the-bees talk, experiencing his first Buc-ee’s, the red flags of dating, and the worst thing you could ever order on a date.

EXMAS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER

When Graham decides to surprise his family by traveling home for Christmas, he is shocked to discover them already celebrating with an unexpected guest of honor, his ex-fiancée, Ali. The two exes battle it out to see who the family will pick to stay through Christmas Day and who must go. Let the holiday chaos begin!

Exmas stars Leighton Meester, Robbie Amell, Michael Hitchcock, Kathryn Greenwood, Veronika Slowikowska and Steven Huy.

THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER

In the tense thriller The Marsh King's Daughter, a woman with a secret past will venture into the wilderness she left behind to confront the most dangerous man she's ever met: her father. In the film, Helena's (Daisy Ridley) seemingly ordinary life hides a dark and dangerous truth: her estranged father is the infamous Marsh King (Ben Mendelsohn), the man who kept her and her mother captive in the wilderness for years. When her father escapes from prison, Helena will need to confront her past. Knowing that he will hunt for her and her family, Helena must find the strength to face her demons and outmaneuver the man who taught her everything she knows about surviving in the wild.

NOVEMBER 2023 TOP PICKS:

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS (MOVIE) 1/11/23

THE NIGHT BEFORE (MOVIE) 1/11/23

THIS CHRISTMAS (MOVIE) 1/11/23

KNUCKLE GIRL (JAPAN) (MOVIE) 2/11/23

JOHN WICK 4 (MOVIE) 3/11/23

INVINCIBLE S2 (TV) 3/11/23

ROMANCERO S1 (TV) 3/11/23

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (MOVIE) 5/11/23

BTS YET TO COME (MOVIE) 9/11/23

COMEDY ISLAND: INDONESIA S1 (TV) 9/11/23

007: ROAD TO A MILLION S1 (TV) 10/11/23

TREVOR WALLACE: PTERODACTYL S1 (TV) 14/11/23

ALLELUJAH (MOVIE) 15/11/23

CREATION OF THE GODS (MOVIE) 17/11/23

WILD SWORDS (MOVIE) 17/11/23

NEVER SAY NEVER (MOVIE) 17/11/23

FULL RIVER RED (MOVIE) 17/11/23

TWIN LOVE S1 (TV) 17/11/23

LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND (MOVIE) 17/11/23

EXMAS (MOVIE) 17/11/23

MAXINE'S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY (MOVIE) 17/11/23

COMEDY ISLAND: JAPAN S1 (TV) 22/11/23

ELF ME (MOVIE) 24/11/23

POLITE SOCIETY (MOVIE) 26/11/23

THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER (MOVIE) 27/11/23

MAVKA: THE FOREST SONG (MOVIE) 28/11/23

65 (MOVIE) 30/11/23

What's on DocPlay in November

Here's what's new on DocPlay in November.

This month, explore boundary-pushing creativity, and the possibilities of interplanetary travel. Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV celebrates the trailblazing legacy of the father of video art, Korean-born artist Nam June Paik. In Squaring the Circle, director Anton Corbijn demystifies the world of renowned design studio Hipgnosis, who created some of the most iconic album covers of all time. Meet astronauts and psychologists preparing for NASA’s most daunting mission yet - a trip to Mars - in the Sundance-premiering Space: The Longest Goodbye.

Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV 

|  6 Nov  |  Exclusive

A creative and captivating portrait of the father of video art, the trailblazing Korea-born artist Nam June Paik, with actor Steven Yeun (Minari) reading Paik's own words. 

Space: The Longest Goodbye  

|  9 Nov  |  Exclusive

Premiering at Sundance Film Festival, this absorbing documentary considers the modern-day realities of space travel to probe the most unpredictable element of cosmic exploration: the vulnerability of the human mind. 

Crimes That Changed the World  

|  13 Nov  |  Series  |  Exclusive

Spanning from the Age of Enlightenment to the end of the 20th Century, this three-part series examines spectacular crimes, including Lincoln's assassination, Jack the Ripper, the Dreyfus affair, and the murder of Sharon Tate, whose impact rippled across the globe.

Squaring the Circle  

|  30 Nov |  Exclusive

From director Anton Corbijn (Control), Squaring the Circle tells the story of design studio Hipgnosis, the creators of some of the most iconic album covers of all time, including Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Paul McCartney and Wings' Band on the Run. 

Carmen: Blu Ray Review

There's a lot of brooding dreaminess in Carmen, a film that occasionally sizzles with passion, but also seems to lack a narrative drive at times to propel it on to greatness.

Paul Mescal is Aiden, an inert and wayward marine whose life is going nowhere and Melissa Barrera stars as Carmen, a girl on the run constantly and whose escape puts her on a collision course with Aiden.

When the pair meet during a heated border patrol moment in Mexico, a split second decision pushes them further on the run - but with dark forces closing in, can the duo find the peace they need in each other?

Superbly cinematographed and sumptuously choreographed, Carmen is more a film that feels like an experiment on screen than a fully fleshed out narrative to engage.

 

But thankfully, Barrera and Mescal sizzle on screen together, igniting fires where really there should be none. It will feel aloof to many, with a somewhat stilted ebb and flow at times, yet most of what transpires in Carmen is visually compelling and hits at a more soulful level than perhaps expected - if you're in the right mood.

Choreographer Benjamin Millepied’s first film takes Bizet’s opera Carmen and tries to do something with it - but there are moments when it feels drawn out over a 2 hour run time, moments when expeditious editing could have eased out some more drama and less artfully shot scenes.

Yet, in moments such a dance during a fight or Barrera's appearance during a club, the movie soars, content to let its imagery do the talking and its characters less so.

Perhaps herein lies the rub of Carmen - it's not quite sure which way it wants to go and as a result it ends up being a watchable yet occasionally unfulfilling experience.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Blu Ray Review

Propulsive, urgent and tense, eco-thriller How to Blow Up a Pipeline's clever mix of a seemingly disparate group coming together to fight back against climate change and human drama works together to create a compellingly enjoyable edge of your seat drama that's well worth the time.

Reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt's Night Moves in terms of narrative, How to Blow Up a Pipeline principally works by building a picture of what's going on and deploying into a wider story - even if occasionally the use of flashbacks at particularly tense moments can frustrate.

Inspired by Andreas Malm's book of the same name, everyone in the drama has an axe to grind and is angry over one thing or another. From a grieving daughter whose mother died in climate change-led heatwave to a landowner angry at corporate requisition of his land for oil, everyone has an axe to grind here, but through subtle storytelling and a jigsaw puzzle of pieces, none of this is rushed or feels thrown together to propel a message through to its own ends.

While there are moments of heightened drama that seem to come at the right moments, director Daniel Goldhaber manages to pull together a realistic portrait of the disillusionment of youth and a society largely apathetic to general change.

Mostly sympathetic to the cause throughout, Goldhalber's compelling camera work and direction doesn't falter for being one-sided; whilst it's been compared to Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs for its narrative, How to Blow Up a Pipeline deserves to stand on its two feet and via its own accomplishments throughout.

Highly engaging, this edge of your seat drama tackles a subject in a humane and impressive way - it's easily one of the festival's best dramas.

Ross Marquand of The Walking Dead talks Marvel, TWD and scouting

Ross Marquand of The Walking Dead talks fans weird art and scouting

Ross Marquand is in Auckland for the Armageddon Expo this Labour Weekend.
He was available to chat under SAG-AFTRA restrictions which were adhered to throughout the interview.

DB: Ross Marquand welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. Are you enjoying it so far? 

Ross Marquand: I'm loving it and I'm trying to figure out how I can move here immediately.  

DB: What's taken your eye so far?  

RM: Rotorua was beautiful. Waitomo caves too. I spent all day there yesterday with the glow worms. And then there was another cave that I found about a 5 - 10 minute drive from where the where the main caves are. And I found, like, an alternate tinier one that was like, I think actually in some respects more impressive. I mean, - Hobbiton too - I mean, like everything's just perfect here. I feel like I'm in a video game. That's how that's how clean and perfect this country is. I feel like, I don't know. It's incredible. 

DB: And you're heading down to Queenstown next, so that'll probably blow your mind as well.  

RM: I've heard it's just as, if not more beautiful. 

DB: How has the convention scene been for you? I mean, obviously the screen actors strike and all that stuff is coming up to over 100 days now, is that tough for you personally?  

RM: It's been really tough because, of course, we're not able to work right now. But also on top of that, we're not allowed to talk about projects that we've been working on for the last few years. And, you know, some of the things that I've been working on specifically in the last two years, I'm very, very proud of, and I can't wait to share them with the world. But, you know, we were going to be announcing it in New York Comic-Con, some of these things, and now we have to wait until the strikes over. So, yeah, it's it's a it's a delicate dance you do in this industry. 

DB: It must be it must be hard mentally to know each day that you're watching it unfold through the media, you're watching over social media as well, and the different viewpoints.  

RM: Absolutely. I mean, I know I fully support the strike and I think it's time that we we stood up and did something because we were seeing our residuals and our our, you know, things being just siphoned away and a little bit more and more each each year. We really do have to protect and make sure the people who make these performances and the stories come to life get paid adequately and appropriately.

DB: It's particularly pertinent for you because you're not just an actor in terms of on TV, you do voiceover work as well. There's talk of a video game strike heading this way as well.

RM: Yeah, And I think again, you know, we have video games. That's a multimillion dollar industry, sometimes eclipsing movies, oftentimes the cost of movies depending on the year. So the fact that there's no profit sharing for the actors who are bringing this to life is just frankly absurd. You know, they should absolutely be compensated for that because they're the ones oftentimes in the mocap shoots, you know, bringing these characters to life. So. Yeah. 

DB: In terms of the conventions, I've talked to a few other actors and they've said it's been kind of nice in a way to talk about different facets of life. So do you find it a bit worrying, revealing so much of yourself outside of the acting? 

RM: Oh no, I love it. I mean, because for me it's been great the last couple of months of doing conventions with since the strike because people are digging a little deeper and asking questions that they normally wouldn't ask because they just never thought to. And I've been getting some really creative questions about, you know, what kind of artists I like, what kind of music I like. And it's just it's just fine. It's it's it's taking on a different feel, you know, not so not quite so profession focused. 

 

DB: So what's been the most surprising question? 

RM: Well, someone did ask where I lived and I was not going to reveal that information, but they were they were they were good hearted about it. But I but I was like, I'm not going to tell you that. But that's that's private information.

DB: So you've got to try, though, haven't you? 

RM: Yeah, I suppose so. (laughing)

DB: So my next question is, where do you live? (laughing)

RM: I live in Nashville, Tennessee. That's about all I can tell you. Yeah. Yeah. (laughing)

DB: You're obviously known for a lot of Walking Dead stuff. I have to ask what you make of the spin offs and whether you're likely to feature in some of those. 

RM: Well, I sure hope so. I mean I you know, they kept a lot of us alive at the end of that show. And I think that the reason why is because they wanted to have the option down the road. If they do decide to make other movies or alternate spinoffs to be able to draw from those characters, a lot of us were sort of hoping for like a very Shakespearean bloodbath for the finale..

DB: So many of those finales though threatened that, right? 

RM: Yeah, I mean, even some of the producers were like, 'Let's just have a bloodbath and kill off 90% of the cast.' And I thought that was a great idea. But they really did just want to keep people alive for the sake of these spin offs. So yeah, we'll see what happens. I'm hoping so. I'm hoping. 

I'm not even being remotely coy. I have no idea. I really have no idea what they have planned. And if they called me up and said they've got a good story, I'd certainly consider it. Yeah. 

DB: You've done a lot of these conventions before. What have you made of the Auckland scene and the Auckland Conventions? This is your first time here. 

RM: First time here. And I just got into Auckland late last night. So I couldn't really tell you much. I haven't seen anything other than the hotel and this convention center that I just arrived at. So probably don't have a very clear answer on that just yet. But so far everyone's been wonderful. I love the indoor outdoor aspect of it and it's it's great. Everyone's having a great time. And you can tell when people are having genuine fun versus, you know, going through the motions. And I feel like everyone here seems to be having a really good time.  

DB: You are obviously one actor that's attracted one or two cosplayers in the time - have you enjoyed what you've seen?

RM: Oh yeah. Well, I mean, I'm a huge Star Wars fan. I grew up with Star Wars and Marvel. Those were kind of my two biggest fandoms as a kid. So for me, I get to act like a kid every single week. And when I come to these and see people's costumes and their art, the bigger the artwork, oh my God, Every time I go to a convention, I wind up buying way too much stuff and not being able to take home a half good. But I love this stuff, you know.  

DB: Also another thing that a lot of people may not know you for possibly is as your voice, work and impressions. And I understood that came from you doing stuff in your scouting years and and sort of entertaining people?

RM: Yeah Boy Scouts was a big part of that. You know, campfire ceremonies, we're always, you know, we go on a camping trip every month and we would be constantly pushing each other to come up with new skits and and sometimes would do impressions of this Scoutmasters And I loved it. I mean, it was a it was a very rough time as a kid because I got picked on a lot for being in scouting. But I'm really grateful for all the lessons I learned in that camp.  

DB: You're quite high up in the scouting world in terms of what you achieved in your time in the organisation. Did you find that shaped you as a youngster and shaped you in later life perhaps?  

RM: I mean, I think for me there was no choice in the matter. I mean, my my two older brothers became Eagle Scouts and my dad and his brothers were Eagle Scouts. So it was just kind of expected that you're going to do this, too. But I'm glad they pushed me because a lot of the leadership skills and things that I learned during that were very invaluable for later in life. 

DB: Do you think do you think youngsters these days get a lot of pushback and this kind of stuff they don't want to do it as much? 

RM: Yeah, I think it's unfortunate that kids nowadays are grown up way too fast and they're not allowed to be children, you know, to just be innocent in the world. And they're exposed to so much content from social media and the Internet. And I just really wish there was a way to protect children from all that until they're like 16, 17. You know, I just I think there's too much stimulation going on and it's unmitigated. It's not control. So I think I just urge parents to to let their kids be kids for as long as possible, because you'll be an adult for the majority of your life and you'll be wishing you could have been more of a kid. And yeah, you can't get that back, you know? So I just I always think of my cousins and my my godson, who's 13, and I always say, 'You're in such a rush to be an adult. Don't - be a kid for as long as you can.'

DB: You would have been no stranger to social media through your time on The Walking Dead. What's been the best thing about outside the fandom and the appreciation and the love for that franchise? It's been incredible. 

RM: None of us on the show or would have had the career that we've had would have lasted for as long as we did on that show without the interaction with the fans. Let's look at the convention, for example. I mean, we we are only allowed to be on that show for 12 seasons because of the the enormous importance of fans who keep coming month after month of discussions. And there's a real, you know, sense of family that we had with with that show. And I'm always going to be grateful for that interaction, you know, always. 

DB: What kind of stuff do you like to see the conventions? What do you enjoy doing? 

RM: I really love the art. I love going around looking at the art, the merchandise together. I travel with two very small backpacks and I never check my bag, so I can't bring a bunch of stuff back. But I like to buy thin, you know, pieces of like art that I can take back. All mostly abstract. A lot of the stuff here, I just like really interesting crossovers. Like you'll see like Star Wars with Rick and Morty and Aliens with Disney and just weird stuff that you wouldn't normally think of to see. And then you see an artist put it out on their table and you're like, 'Wow, I need that in my house'. You know? That's my  kind of stuff. 

DB: Have you got any artworks of you of your own, of your own characters. What's the weirdest one you've seen?  

RM: Uh, well, not the weirdest, but the most fascinating, I think was a lovely, lovely gentleman in Kansas City who made a Lego portrait for me. And it's half my face, half Red Skull, all Legos. It's amazing. And that's my prized possession. I've got some amazing artwork from friends, but that to me is like every time I see it, I'm like, 'Man, that took an incredible detail and time and ingenuity', you know?  

DB: You mentioned Marvel earlier, and that's one of the things you've been part of. Would you be keen to go back and revisit some of those roles?

RM: Yeah. I mean, there's never going to be a time where I don't want to work with in that universe, because again, it was my childhood when I was nine, ten years old, I started collecting those comics and comic cards and drawing those characters that I later played, which is the most surreal thing in the world, to be able to play something that used to draw and kind of like. You know, dream about as a kid, you know, this would make any sense. I still feel like I'm living some very grand dream right now. 

DB: It's not a bad dream to have that, you know?  You would encourage people to maybe follow their dreams and look to do what they want to do, even though this is rough times with the strike and learn that the benefits outweigh the downside?

RM: There are always going to be tough times;  there's the benefits which will always outweigh the hard times if you go at it hard enough. I always tell younger actors who come to my table, if they if they're really serious about wanting to pursue that, you know, you've got the best time in the world to be putting your work out there. You got social media, got TikTok, you've got all this stuff, you've got ways to get your stuff out there in a way that we just didn't have. And now there's a democratization of content. You know, you don't have to be a big studio to get your stuff out and you can be filming your stuff on your phone in your basement. And as long as it's interesting enough and you as long as you put it out consistently enough, people will take notice. 

Ross Marquand will be at the Auckland Armageddon Expo at the ASB Showgrounds on Saturday through to Monday October 23rd