#OnTheBigScreen: A tick-tocking heart, forgiveness, and an extraterrestrial symbiote

The Forgiven

The drama follows Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s (Forest Whitaker) work as president of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa, and his struggle with a brutal murderer Piet Blomfeld (Eric Bana) over concession and redemption.

The Forgiven - A post-apartheid story of redemption and forgiveness

Daniel Dercksen  4 Oct 2018

This British drama was filmed in South Africa and is based on the play The Archbishop and the Antichrist by Michael Ashton that tells a story involving Archbishop Desmond Tutu‘s search for answers during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and his meetings with the fictional character Piet Blomfeld.

It is directed by Roland Joffé, who also co-wrote the script with Ashton.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

The magical adventure tells the spine-tingling tale of 10-year-old Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro) who goes to live with his eccentric uncle (Jack Black) in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart.  But his new town’s sleepy façade jolts to life with a secret world of warlocks and witches when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead. Lewis is not sure which is more astonishing: the wondrous, sprawling house or his oddball Uncle Johnathan and Jonathan’s best friend, verbal sparring partner and neighbour Mrs Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett).

Based on the first volume in the beloved children’s series of books written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is directed by master frightener Eli Roth and written by Eric Kripke.

For more on The House with a Clock in Its Walls click here.

Venom

One of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters takes centre stage as Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) becomes the host for the alien symbiote Venom.

There’s a reason why Venom is one of the most popular characters in Marvel history.  He’s dangerous, he’s scary, he’s unpredictable, his dark wit is matched only by his predilection for violence and it’s all wrapped up into a package with huge, white eyes, a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, and a long, writhing, muscular tongue.

As a journalist, Eddie has been trying to take down the notorious founder of the Life Foundation, genius Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) – and that obsession ruined his career and his relationship with his girlfriend, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams). Upon investigating one of Drake’s experiments, the alien Venom merges with Eddie’s body, and he suddenly has incredible new superpowers, as well as the chance to do just about whatever he wants.

Twisted, dark, unpredictable, and fueled by rage, Venom leaves Eddie wrestling to control dangerous abilities that he also finds empowering and intoxicating. As Eddie and Venom need each other to get what they’re looking for, they become more and more intertwined — where does Eddie end and Venom begin?

Directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay crafted by Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, and Kelly Marcel. Based on the Marvel Comics.

For more on Venom click here.

Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!

When a mischievous little racing car called Ace passes through Sodor on his way around the world, Thomas is inspired to embark on his own ambitious trip. Travelling full steam ahead across five continents, Thomas discovers magnificent new sights and experiences exciting places and cultures.

Along the way, he makes friends with an inspiring and fun Kenyan engine called Nia. With so much for Thomas to learn about the world, will Nia be successful in teaching him a lesson about the true meaning of friendship? Featuring a world of wonder, curiosity and amazing animal friends, join Thomas on an epic adventure, fulfilling his dream of seeing the world.

Read more about the latest film releases: www.writingstudio.co.za.