Life’s too short not to celebrate the good stuff! From festive flicks and binge-worthy series to music that hits your soul and local gems that bring communities together, this week’s Friday Five is packed with everything you need to make the days brighter and the moments better. Let’s dive in!
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 November 2024) – Welcome to The Friday Five – a weekly round-up of all the good things in entertainment, lifestyle, and everything in between.
This is week six, and I’m absolutely loving the chance to share my picks with you! From movies and series to music, apps, and local gems, this is where we celebrate the best things happening right now. Grab your coffee (or a festive cocktail) and dive in – you’ll want to add these to your to-do list!
🎬 Movies for Your Watchlist:
Let’s start with something I wasn’t sure I’d ever watch – “It Ends With Us.” The controversy surrounding it had me hesitant, but I finally gave in, and wow, what a film. It’s deeply moving and unapologetically real.
The story follows Lily Bloom, a dreamer who moves to Boston to open her own business. She meets the charismatic Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon who sweeps her off her feet. But as their love story unfolds, Lily begins to see parallels to her parents’ troubled relationship. When her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily faces an impossible choice that forces her to confront her past, her present, and what she wants for her future.
This movie tackles heavy issues like domestic violence, love, and identity with incredible depth. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s available now on AppleTV, Prime Video, and Google Play.
On the lighter side, the festive season has officially kicked off (don’t fight me – my Christmas tree is already up). This week, I dived into “Hot Frosty” – a movie that’s as cheesy as it sounds, but in the best way possible.
Kathy (played by the queen of Hallmark, Lacey Chabert) magically brings a snowman to life after losing her husband. Dustin Milligan stars as Frosty, the snowman-turned-heartthrob who teaches Kathy to embrace life again.
Sure, it’s over-the-top and predictable, but it’s a festive treat that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Available now on Netflix.
🎥 Series You Should Be Watching Right Now:
This week, I rediscovered one of the best series I’ve ever watched – “Kevin Can Go F**k Himself.” It’s a brilliant mix of comedy and drama, telling the story of Allison McRoberts, a woman stuck in a toxic marriage with her man-child husband, Kevin.
The series alternates between sitcom-style scenes with laugh tracks and gritty, single-camera drama as Allison plots her escape. It’s a fascinating commentary on the ‘sitcom wife’ trope, and the two-season arc gives the story complete closure. Available on Netflix and Prime Video, this is one to binge immediately.
And then there’s Silo, my top pick for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in science fiction. Set in a dystopian future, a community lives in an underground silo, following strict rules they believe are essential for survival. But as cracks appear in their utopia, the truth about their world begins to unravel.
Season one leaves you with more questions than answers, but the gripping detective storyline will have you hooked. And here’s the kicker: the first episodes of season two just dropped today. Start streaming now on AppleTV+ – you won’t regret it.
🎶 Music You Need to Hear:
Let’s talk music. If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the South African summer, Neon Gecko’s latest track, “December (Woza)”, is your anthem. It captures the pure joy of the Dezemba culture – that magical season where life slows down, and the festive vibes take over. It’s fun, upbeat, and impossible not to love.
On a completely different note, I stumbled across Jordan Hart this week, and I’m obsessed. His song “Whole” has been on repeat, and it’s giving me all the feels. Jordan is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter with a soulful sound that’s perfect for moments of quiet reflection. His music feels personal and raw, and I can’t wait for his new album dropping on 6 December.
📱Get Appy:
A few weeks ago, I lost my go-to app, Stocard, when it merged with Klarna (which doesn’t work in South Africa). Frustrated and venting online, I wasn’t expecting much. But then my friend Byron Rode swooped in and built a solution – an app that works just like Stocard but is proudly South African.
It’s called “Store(My)Cards” and you can get all the information here.
Since I published the article yesterday, there has been a lot of online chatter from people who were unaware of the “shut down” but since then, many have said that they have received the same message on the app, while there has also been confirmation online that the Stocard app will be completely shut down on the 15th of December.
Byron’s innovation is proof that when life throws you lemons, sometimes your friends make lemonade.
🍴 Places to Go:
Finally, let’s talk about a place that feels like it’s breathing new life into our community – The Leaping Frog Shopping Centre. After months of renovations, it’s finally reopened, and wow, what a transformation.
With a mix of familiar favourites and exciting new additions, it’s going to become a true hub for locals. The restaurants alone are worth the visit – from Hudsons and Wakame to Beira Alta and Humble Harry’s, there’s something for everyone. We ended up at The Baron, and the vibe was electric. The whole centre has this cool, “mini-Parkhurst” feel. Trust me, you’ll want to check it out.
That’s it for this week’s Friday Five. Whether you’re streaming a festive movie, diving into a gripping series, or soaking up summer vibes with new music, there’s plenty of good to keep you inspired. Remember, life’s better when we focus on the things that bring us joy – and there’s so much out there to love. Until next week, stay happy, stay hopeful, and keep spreading good things!
Sources: Brent Lindeque | Good Things Guy | Friday Five
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
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