This week in the Watchlist, an Icelandic couple get an unusual new addition to their family, there’s a quirky new drama about a pair of unassuming murderers, a modern classic for lovers of the outdoors and much more. Here we go people it’s time for The Weekend Watchlist.
“Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable.”
– Oz, The Wizard of Oz
In Cinemas
Lamb (15)
Those in the market for something a bit different from West Side Story the big release of the week, might want to check out this unsettling Icelandic horror movie. It follows married couple Maria and Ingvar (Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snaer Guðnason) as they unhappily carry out living on their remote farm after the loss of their only child.
After an otherworldly visit, one of their ewe’s becomes pregnant with an animal-human hybrid that offers the couple the chance to be a family once more. But this new child has to be kept away from prying eyes, something made more difficult when Ingvar’s brother Pétur arrives to stay.
The film plays out like a strange ethereal fairytale all set against the stunning scenery of Iceland, with Rapace particularly outstanding here in a very different role. It’s not your typical filmgoing fare, but it’s original and those who give this Lamb a try will be rewarded.
Stream It
Landscapers (Sky Atlantic)
This gripping new drama will be a hit with any of you who live and breath true crime. The four-part series stars brilliant Brit actors Olivia Colman and David Thewlis as Susan and Christopher Edwards a seemingly mild-mannered couple who become the focus of a disturbing police investigation. A phone call from Chris to a relative leads to the discovery of two dead bodies in the back garden of their Mansfield home and a terrible crime that remained undiscovered for over a decade comes to light.
This one is far from your typical drama series with it’s dark comic edge and interesting visuals. Anchored by two outstanding performances by the leads, this one is genuine a must watch.
Did You Know?
Panem is the fictional country in which the dystopian film series The Hunger Games takes place. The name ‘Panem’ makes up part of the Latin expression ‘Panem et circenses,’ which means ‘bread and circuses.’ It referred to Emperor Caesars’ strategy in Ancient Rome to stop any public discontent by providing them with plenty of food and entertainment. In the Hunger Games the gladiatorial games of Roman times are replaced by reality television.
From the Vault
Into the Wild (Amazon Prime)
Having landed to stream on Amazon this month it would be remiss not to look back at Sean Penn’s heartbreaking and poignant tale of a drifting dreamer. Into the Wild tells the true story of privileged graduate Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who rejected the materialist nature of the modern world to explore a simpler life and live off the grid in the Alaskan Wilderness.
The issues raised are at times harrowing as McCandless rejects his family and all those who care for him in his search for enlightenment, only to realise it’s impossible without them. Expertly led by the brilliant and consuming performance of Hirsch, Into The Wild is an emotional exploration of the meaning of happiness.
New Trailer
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
With the brilliant animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse being such a hit, it’s little wonder the green light was given to a sequel. What we know from the trailer is that Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) is back and it looks like he’s going to be adventuring to lots of other realities.
It also seems like he’ll be joining forces with with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and a new team of Spider-People. We can’t wait. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, will swing into cinemas on October 7, 2022.
Quick Question Answer: Last week we asked you, which Burt Reynolds film included a Basset Hound character named Fred? It was of course, the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit. Reynolds was actually the one responsible for casting the canine. He settled on that particular dog because it refused to follow any commands.
This week we’d like to know, in which sci fi classic did the space ship Nostromo first appear? We’ll give you the answer in next week’s special bumper Christmas Watchlist.
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