SPOTLIGHT | 'Aquaman' sequel on screens, along with family animation 'Migration'; 'Prime' coming to Netflix

Spotlight is our entertainment bite-sized snapshot featuring new entertainment releases in SA, exclusive film trailers and much more. New episodes are out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and on YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

The final episode of Spotlight for 2023 looks in on DC’s most anticipated film of the year, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and audiences can join the flight to new heights in the family animation, Migration. The episode also features highlights from the year that was.

With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Jason Momoa and friends return to cinemas (including 3D and IMAX) in the epic sequel to the 2018 box-office hit, Aquaman. Three years into his reign, Arthur Curry bears the responsibilities of being the King of the Seven Seas. As unfinished business from his past returns to haunt him, he must forge an alliance with an old enemy and call upon the power of the Lost Nation to defeat an attack on his family and kingdom.

Directed by James Wan (The Conjuring, Insidious) the full-throttle action fantasy also stars Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Patrick Wilson and Nicole Kidman. 

Also in cinemas, the 3D animation Migration from Illumination Entertainment (Minions, Despicable Me, Sing, The Secret Lives of Pets) sees a family of ducks leave their New England pond for a holiday in Jamaica, but instead find themselves lost in New York City. The experience expands their horizons as they open themselves up to making new friends and accomplish more than they thought they could. The voice cast includes Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Kumail Nanjiani and Danny DeVito.

Streaming from January 3 on Netflix is Prime, directed by Thabiso Christopher, an engineer turned filmmaker (The Turning Son, Offside). The film deals with his favoured themes of family, identity and social division.

A young man, traumatised by the childhood death of his mother, has his life of isolation again triggered when his abusive father dies, despite the young man having found love. As his relationship suffers, he must battle an ancient demon trying to take advantage of his plight to seduce him. It is an intriguing horror-drama, starring Nomsa Twala, Richard Gau and Jasmine Hazi.

• Spotlight resumes on January 19 2024.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies!

Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.

Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.

Competition giveaway: Double up for movie hampers 

This week we have two competitions: we’re giving away Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom movie merchandise hampers as well as Migration movie merchandise hampers. The competitions close on December 28 2023.

To stand in line to win, answer the competition questions via the Spotlight Facebook page, and DM your answers and contact details before December 14 2023.

Terms and conditions apply.

Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driver’s licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight South Africa on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.