The Friday Five is your weekly dose of good vibes. A curated list of the movies, series, songs and places that lit up my week… and might just light up yours too.
South Africa (11 April 2025) – Fridays are for feel-good vibes, the promise of a weekend, and of course… The Friday Five!
It’s one of my favourite features on Good Things Guy – my little corner of the internet where I get to share the good things I’m loving lately. Think of it as your go-to guide for movies, series, books, events, tunes, and just about anything that’s added a bit of sparkle to my week.
Because here’s the thing: I’m lucky enough to be invited to movie premieres, get early access to the newest series, and attend some of the most exciting launches. It’s a whirlwind, and The Friday Five is where I get to pause, reflect, and pass on the joy. Consider this a hand-wrapped care package of recommendations – from my week to yours.
🎬 Movies I Loved This Week:
🍿 I’ll Be Right There
Yes, it came out in 2024. No, I don’t care. This week, I watched “I’ll Be Right There” and it absolutely melted my heart. It’s the story of a woman juggling the chaos of her pregnant daughter’s wedding, her mother’s health scare, her son’s future… and her own messy love life. It sounds like a lot (and it is) but it’s handled with such warmth, humour and charm that you find yourself rooting for everyone.
It’s real. It’s relatable. It’s layered with love. If you’re looking for a movie that feels like a warm hug (with a few unexpected gut punches), this one’s for you.
Available on Peacock, Apple TV, Google Movies, and Amazon Prime.
🍿 Sharper
Think Ocean’s Eleven but darker and more devious. Sharper is also a little older (2023) but it’s a slick thriller with more twists than a rollercoaster. Seriously, you think you’ve got it figured out, and then… plot twist!
Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan and Justice Smith are all phenomenal, but it’s the clever pacing and shadowy Manhattan backdrop that really pull you in. It’s a con movie, yes, but it’s also a smart meditation on trust, ambition and who’s really playing who.
Streaming now on AppleTV+.
📺 Series That Took Over My Screen:
🪷 The White Lotus – Season 3
I haven’t stopped thinking about the finale. No spoilers, promise… but if you’ve been watching, you know the emotional chaos I’m talking about. The Thailand resort backdrop was stunning, but the characters? Messy. Complicated. Brilliantly written.
I went down the Reddit rabbit hole after it ended. I’ve read the think-pieces. I’ve debated it with strangers online. I felt awe… and frustration. But maybe that’s the point. The genius of The White Lotus is that it doesn’t end – it lingers. It stays with you. And in a time when most series are forgotten before the credits roll, that feels special.
Available on HBO MAX, DStv, and Showmax.
🏡 Your Friends & Neighbors
Jon Hamm. Need I say more? Fine, I will. “Your Friends & Neighbors” is messy but so much fun. Hamm plays a hedge fund manager turned accidental burglarm trying to keep his family afloat by robbing his rich neighbours.
It’s dark, chaotic and surprisingly funny. Olivia Munn and Amanda Peet bring real depth, and the writing flips between satire and suspense like a dream. It’s one of those shows that makes you feel a little guilty for laughing… but you’ll laugh anyway.
Currently streaming on AppleTV+.
🧟♂️ The Last of Us – Season 2
If you haven’t seen Season 1 yet, this is your gentle nudge to drop everything. Based on the iconic video game, The Last of Us is post-apocalyptic storytelling at its finest. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are phenomenal, and the world-building is both beautiful and brutal.
Season 2 is finally landing this weekend and my excitement levels are through the roof. Whether you’re watching for the zombies, the heartbreak, or the layered humanity… you won’t be disappointed.
And if there’s just one episode you must watch before Season 2 drops, make it Season 1, Episode 3. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. A self-contained story that will wreck you… and reminds you that even in the darkest moments, love finds a way.
First episode dropping Sunday (US – HBO MAX) / Monday (SA – DStv) – time to catch up!
🎧 Music That’s Been on Repeat:
🎶 Ed Sheeran – “Azizam”
It’s tender, it’s a dance track… and it’s so full of heart. Ed Sheeran has a way of writing songs that feel like journal entries and Azizam is no exception. A soft, sweet love letter of a track.
🎶 Grace VanderWaal – ‘CHILDSTAR’
This album is a revelation. Proud, Call It What You Want, and What’s Left Of Me are instant favourites, showcasing her unique voice, both literally and lyrically. It’s experimental, emotional and completely captivating.
🎶 FINNEAS & Kacey Musgraves – “Giver/Taker”
What. A. Combo. This song is like floating. It’s gentle and melancholic in the most beautiful way. FINNEAS brings the moody brilliance, Kacey brings the country-soul warmth – together, it’s pure magic.
Also, I’ve now curated all these gems into a playlist on Apple Music! So if you’re looking for good vibes and soulful sounds to accompany your day, give it a spin. (Apologies to my Spotify peeps, but I’m team Apple.) Trust me, you’ll want these tracks on repeat all weekend.
🍷 Places I’m Loving:
Let’s talk about Franschhoek! The dreamy wine region tucked away in the Cape Winelands. It’s a place that feels like a postcard: rolling vineyards, world-class food and that unmistakable feeling of slowing down.
Here are a few of my go-to spots:
- La Motte – rich history and exceptional wine (don’t skip the museum).
- Tokara – award-winning everything, plus an unreal view.
- Vrede en Lust – picture-perfect and wildly romantic.
- Babylonstoren – the gardens alone are worth the trip.
- Grande Provence – modern meets classic elegance.
And when it comes to staying over, two absolute favourites:
- Le Franschhoek Hotel – nestled between the mountains and vineyards, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and your worries evaporate.
- The Last Word – intimate, luxurious, and oh-so-special. A true hidden gem.
🎙️ One More Thing…
IT’S BACK, BABY!
South Africa’s #1 Good News Podcast, Good Things with Brent Lindeque (that’s me), is back in 2025… and it’s bigger, better, and now in full video!
This season is proudly powered by the spicy legends at Nando’s, and we’re filming all our in-studio episodes at the iconic FLAME Studios on Constitution Hill. Expect more inspiring guests, heartwarming stories and that signature Good Things energy.
Episodes start dropping next week. So whether you’re watching or listening, make sure to tune in. These are the stories that remind us why we’re proud to be South African.
We live in a time where the news can be overwhelming but The Friday Five is my weekly reminder that there is still so much to smile about. There’s so much good stuff out there.
So go out, enjoy the good things and remember to find joy in the little moments.
by 