Your weekend starts here: the Friday Five is your ultimate guide to all things lekker—from movies that move your soul to songs that set it on fire, binge-worthy series, and life-changing reads. Let’s dive into the good stuff and make this weekend unforgettable!
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 January 2025) – Ah, the Friday Five! It’s more than just a roundup; it’s the ultimate guide to kicking off your weekend on a high note.
Whether it’s movies, series, music, books, or life hacks, this is where I get to share all the lekker things that are lighting up my world. And trust me, this week’s list is packed with absolute gems that’ll make your weekend just that little bit brighter.
🎬 Movies You Cannot Miss
First up, “We Live In Time”. What an extraordinary piece of cinema. It’s not just a love story – it’s the love story! The kind that takes your breath away, breaks your heart into tiny pieces and then somehow manages to piece it back together in the most exquisite way.
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield deliver performances that feel so natural, so raw, that you’ll forget you’re watching a movie. Their chemistry doesn’t just light up the screen; it practically jumps out and wraps you in its warmth.
There’s one scene in particular – an ice-skating moment – that I can’t shake from my mind. It’s a fleeting moment of tenderness, so delicately handled, that it feels like watching life itself unfold. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause, take a deep breath… and just feel.
This movie isn’t just about love; it’s about the fragility of time and the beauty of embracing every fleeting second. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will leave you walking out of the cinema with a heart that feels just a little fuller.
In cinemas, and available to rent on AppleTV, PRIME and Google TV.
Then there’s “Conclave”, and let me tell you, this one’s not for the faint of heart. Set against the tense and secretive process of electing a new pope, the film dives deep into power struggles, hidden agendas, and the weight of morality. Ralph Fiennes is, as always, a master of his craft, carrying the entire film with a gravitas that’s hard to look away from.
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But here’s the thing about Conclave: it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a slow burn, thick with tension and intellectual intrigue. If you’re not in the mood to think, you might find yourself reaching for the remote. But if you’re like me and love a film that challenges your perspective, this one’s a masterpiece.
The drama is palpable, the stakes are high, and the questions it raises about power and faith will stay with you long after the credits roll. Love it or hate it, it’s a film you won’t forget.
In cinemas, and available to rent on AppleTV, PRIME and Google TV.
🍿 Series to Binge
I had the honour of previewing the first episode of “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth”, and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. This series is a gripping exploration of the devastating events surrounding the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, an incident that shook the world. But it’s not just about the facts or the aftermath—it’s about the people, the unanswered questions, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
What struck me the most was the depth of humanity woven into the narrative. There’s a scene, just 15 seconds long, where a mother is counting, and it’s one of the most harrowing, haunting moments I’ve ever witnessed on screen. Those seconds stretch endlessly, packed with grief, hope and the crushing weight of uncertainty. It’s a moment that encapsulates the raw emotional power of the series.
When it arrives on South African screens, make sure you’re ready – this is one for the watchlist.
And for something completely different, launching today on Disney+, we are getting “Goosebumps: The Vanishing”!
If you grew up with the original books or even the old TV series, prepare to dive back into the spooky, thrilling world that defined so many childhoods. This second season of the anthology series has taken the nostalgia factor and dialled it all the way up while keeping the stories fresh and modern.
With all eight episodes dropping at once, it’s the perfect weekend binge. From eerie settings to unexpected twists, Goosebumps brings the chills while managing to keep the fun alive.
So grab your snacks, turn off the lights, and get ready to be thoroughly creeped out—in the best way possible!
🎵 Songs That’ll Set the Tone
Let’s dive into the music scene this week because, wow, it’s been on fire!
First up, Teddy Swims is back, and he’s brought the incredibly soulful Giveon along for the ride on their new track, “Are You Even Real”.
If you’re not familiar with Teddy Swims, he’s this powerhouse vocalist with a voice that’s equal parts honey and grit. And Giveon? He’s the guy who can make heartbreak sound like poetry. Together, they’ve created something magical. This track is smooth, soulful, and oozes emotion in every note. The lyrics cut deep, the melody sticks in your head, and the harmonies? Absolute perfection.
I’ve had it on repeat all day because it’s one of those songs that demands to be felt as much as it’s heard. If you’re in the mood for something that stirs your soul, this is it.
Then there’s Julia Michaels teaming up with country-pop queen Maren Morris on “Scissors”. Julia is no stranger to crafting hits – she’s written for some of the biggest names in the industry, but when she steps into the spotlight herself, she’s pure magic.
Scissors is exactly what you’d expect from her: raw, honest, and dripping with vulnerability.
Add Maren Morris to the mix, and you’ve got a song that’s not just good – it’s goosebump-inducing. The way the two voices blend is like they were meant to sing together. This track is an emotional punch in the best possible way and shows why both of these artists are absolute masters at what they do.
And then, there’s the collab we didn’t know we needed: Anyma and Ellie Goulding on “Hypnotized”. This track is, quite simply, a vibe.
Ellie Goulding’s ethereal voice, paired with Anyma’s hypnotic beats, is a match made in musical heaven. It’s one of those songs that you can’t help but move to. The pulsing rhythm feels like it’s pulling you into another world, and Ellie’s voice? Utterly captivating, as always.
This is the Dezemba anthem (for Januworry) we’ve all been waiting for – the perfect blend of summer energy and chilled-out cool. It’s got me daydreaming about sunsets, beach parties, and late nights with friends. Is this the tune that will carry us through to the rest of summer? Absolutely. Double yes.
📝 Things To Do This Weekend
Friends, it’s the start of the year, and you know what that means: time to tackle the boring but oh-so-important task of life admin. Yes, I’m talking about sitting down with a cup of coffee, pulling out those bank statements and going through them with a fine-tooth comb.
You’d be surprised how many sneaky little debit orders are quietly ticking away each month – R10 here, R20 there – and before you know it, that’s money down the drain for things you don’t even use! Mobile game subscriptions, random services you don’t remember signing up for, or that “free trial” you forgot to cancel?
Cancel them. Right now.
It’s like giving yourself a mini pay raise!
And while we’re on the subject of January resolutions, let’s debunk a myth: getting your (insert New Year’s resolution here) doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.
One example is the gym thing.
Friends, you don’t need an expensive gym membership to start moving your body. Go for a walk. Grab your dog, your kids, or even just your headphones and hit the pavement. The fresh air and endorphins are free, and trust me, they do wonders for your mood.
Here’s something to consider: around 12% of all new gym memberships are signed in January. It makes sense, right? New year, new me. But here’s the kicker – 80% of those people stop going within five months. And worse still? About 67% of memberships are never used at all. That’s money flowing out of your pocket every month without a single workout to show for it. Don’t get caught in the hype if you know you’re not going to stick with it.
Instead, think about sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. Start small, keep it simple, and – most importantly – make it enjoyable. Whether it’s a YouTube yoga class, a casual park run (it’s happening tomorrow), or a kitchen dance-off while cooking dinner, the point is to move your body and have fun doing it.
January might feel like the longest month of the year (hello, Januworry), but it’s also a chance to get intentional about your time and money. A little effort now can set you up for a smoother, smarter year ahead. Let’s be clever with our choices – and keep those R10s in our own pockets where they belong. You’ve got this!
📚 Book of the Week/Month/Year
Let’s talk about Mel Robbins’ new book, Let Them – a game-changer for 2025. If you’re looking for a mindset reset, this might just be the book you didn’t know you needed. The concept behind it – letting people be who they are and do what they will without stepping in to control, influence, or micromanage – isn’t exactly revolutionary.
You’ve probably heard whispers of it before, from Cassie Phillips’ poetry to the timeless wisdom of The Beatles’ Let It Be. But here’s the thing: Mel takes this age-old idea and breathes new life into it, packaging it in a way that feels fresh, actionable, and completely transformative.
At its core, Let Them is about freedom – not just for others, but for yourself. How much time and energy do we waste trying to get people to think, act, or feel the way we want them to? The answer, as Mel puts it, is far too much. And the truth is, it’s exhausting. Her approach isn’t about giving up or being passive; it’s about reclaiming your emotional energy and refocusing it on what truly matters – your own happiness, growth, and peace of mind.
I posted about the book yesterday, and the response was nothing short of wild. It clearly struck a chord with so many of you and honestly, I get it. There’s something so liberating about the idea of simply letting go – letting others live their lives as they choose, and in turn, giving yourself permission to focus on your own. Maybe it’s the New Year energy, or maybe we’re all just ready to leave the chaos of the past behind, but Let Them feels like the right message at the right time.
So if you’re looking for a way to simplify your life, reclaim your peace and start 2025 with a fresh outlook, this is your starting point.
That’s it… this week’s Friday Five is brimming with good vibes, and I hope it’s inspired you to dive into something new. Whether it’s a movie that moves you, a series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or a song that becomes your weekend anthem, remember to soak up the moments. Life’s about the little things, after all.
Until next week, stay lekker and keep chasing the good things!
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