Weekend popcorn plans: Discover what to watch in theaters and on streaming platforms during the first weekend of November.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (USA, directed by Kelly Marcel)
Where to watch: theaters
The final chapter of the incidents involving a journalist who becomes the host of an extraterrestrial life form. Venom is a symbiote that merged with Eddie Brock while he was attempting to uncover the secrets of the Life Foundation corporation. The parasite granted Eddie superhuman abilities, but forced him to constantly battle the cannibalistic urges of his new identity.
In “Let There Be Carnage,” the symbiote is hunted by “his own” – alien monsters consider Venom a defector. Meanwhile, Eddie Brock (traditionally played by Tom Hardy) is pursued by authorities: there will be no peace for the couple and anyone who crosses their path.
“Madmen” (Ukraine, directed by Denis Tarasov)
Where to watch: theaters
Kiev, 1970s. Andrey speaks Ukrainian, listens to rock music, and values freedom above all. At that time, there were no articles for dissent in the Criminal Code, so individuals like Andrey were often sent to psychiatric hospitals and given a fictitious diagnosis of “chronic schizophrenia.” Large doses of psychotropic drugs, along with constant humiliation and torture, took their toll – patients gradually lost the strength to resist the system. Andrey was faced with a choice: collaborate with it or endure in the hope of one day telling the world the truth.
Denis Tarasov’s film exposes one of the most disgraceful and terrifying practices of the USSR – punitive psychiatry, which the KGB used to combat political and religious dissidents.
“The Diplomat” (Season 2)
Where to watch: Netflix
The new U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, Kate Wyler, tries to resolve an international crisis while navigating a personal one. As she forges strategic alliances in London, the character also attempts to save her marriage, but as we saw in the finale of the first season, which was marked by a Golden Globe and an Emmy, things are not going according to plan.
In the new episodes of this political thriller, the situation between the U.S. and the U.K. continues to escalate, and tensions rise in Kate’s relationship with her husband. “The Diplomat” has such high ratings that the second season has just premiered, and a third is already announced.
“The Wild Robot” (USA, directed by Chris Sanders)
Where to watch: theaters
Roz is a robot who lands on a deserted island and learns to survive in the wild. The new environment conceals many dangers, even if you have a sturdy body. On the island, Roz meets wild animals and takes in orphaned goslings.
“The Wild Robot” is an adaptation of Peter Brown’s touching novel in the adventure fantasy genre, where technology and nature intertwine closely without harming each other. The main characters of the new animation from DreamWorks are voiced by Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave,” “A Quiet Place: Part I”) and Pedro Pascal (“Game of Thrones,” “The Last of Us”).
“Kill Consciously” (Season 1)
Where to watch: Netflix
Talented lawyer and mafia attorney Bjorn is on the brink of burnout. In his attempts to find balance between work and personal life, the hero enrolls in mindfulness and awareness classes. Afterward, he unexpectedly discovers an effective way to combat stress – murder.
This new German series, based on the bestselling novel by Karsten Dusse, successfully combines elements of a crime thriller and dark comedy. “Kill Consciously” satirizes popular spiritual techniques, as such a method of relieving tension is definitely not what you would expect from meditation and mindfulness practices.
“Time to Live” (France/UK, directed by John Crowley)
Where to watch: theaters
Promising chef Almut accidentally hits recently divorced Tobias with her car. The accident drastically changes the lives of these two young people and marks the beginning of an incredible romance, proving once again that love can unite seemingly incompatible individuals.
Director John Crowley adds another poignant love story to his creative legacy; he was previously nominated for an Oscar for the romantic drama “Brooklyn.” The lead roles are played by Florence Pugh (“Midsommar,” “Little Women,” “Oppenheimer”) and Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”).
“Therapy” (Season 2)
Where to watch: Apple TV
Psychotherapist Jimmy Laird, after a significant personal loss, radically changes his approach to working with patients. Instead of traditional methods, he decides to be brutally honest and tell people exactly what he thinks, even if it conflicts with professional ethics.
This change in Jimmy's working style creates many comedic, but sometimes dramatic situations, as his candor impacts the lives of patients and colleagues (one of whom is played by Harrison Ford). The executive producers include lead actor Jason Segel (you may remember him as Marshall from the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother”) along with co-creators of the series “Ted Lasso.”
“The Apprentice: The Rise of Trump” (Canada, etc., directed by Ali Abbasi)
Where to watch: theaters
“Attack, never admit anything, always proclaim victory”: these three principles were taught to young Donald Trump by lawyer Roy Cohn when the future 45th president of the USA helped his father's company fend off legal challenges due to accusations of racism. The ambitious heir of developer Frank Trump aimed not only to save his father's empire but to build his own by any means necessary.
The world premiere of “The Apprentice” took place at Cannes, and Trump’s lawyers immediately began threatening legal action to prevent the film's wide release. However, no actual lawsuits were filed, and the release began just before the U.S. elections. Trump is played by Sebastian Stan – an American actor of Romanian descent, known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel franchise “The Avengers.” To embody the mogul on screen, Stan reviewed a plethora of archival materials and gained weight.
“Lincoln Lawyer” (Season 3)
Where to watch: Netflix
Mickey Haller is a successful lawyer from Los Angeles, running his practice from the back seat of his own Lincoln. The series, based on Michael Connelly's bestselling novels, perfectly balances elements of courtroom drama and an engaging narrative about the hero's personal life, boasting a large fan base.
In the new season, Haller returns to the game after a horrific accident. The lawyer takes on the case of the murder of an old acquaintance and finds himself at the center of a dangerous conspiracy.
“Smile 2” (USA, directed by Parker Finn)
Where to watch: theaters
In 2022, Parker Finn's feature debut became the highest-grossing original horror film. “Smile” mimicked the concept of horrors like “The Ring” and “It Follows,” where characters suffered from an unknown “virus” that forced them to commit horrifying acts. The sequel continues to explore the influence of an unknown entity that manifests as a creepy smile on the faces of those who encounter it.
Global pop sensation Sky Riley is about to embark on a worldwide tour. A horrific suicide occurs before her eyes, and since then, strange and terrifying events start happening around Riley. The film features Jack Nicholson's son, who carries an ominous smile – just like his father.