It feels like the American summer, with its stuffed movie calendar, is tapering off. Because it’s a subdued week at South African cinemas this week, with just three new movie releases in addition to the Throwback return of Robert Rodriguez’s over-the-top Desperado, starring Antonia Banderas and Salma Hayek.
Below you’ll find what’s trying to tempt you out of your home and into your local movie house.
South African action thriller Hunting Jessica Brok stars Danica De La Rey Jones as the title character, a retired special forces operative who has adopted an alias, and is leading a quiet life with her young daughter. That is until she’s found by vengeful ghosts from her past, and the band of psychopathic mercenaries not only hunt our heroine across the African bush, but also use her child as bait. Big mistake.
Into a world of franchises and film adaptations releases original thriller Relay. Keeping his identity secret, Tom (Riz Ahmed) specialises in brokering lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and whistle blowers. All is good and well until he’s approached by potential client Sarah (Lily James) who needs Tom’s protection just to stay alive, forcing him to get personally involved. Also with Sam Worthington.
Rounding out the week’s new movie offerings is animated adventure The Myth of Marakuda, made in Russia. Leaping back in time to the Stone Age, the son of a tribal chief needs to prove himself. Failing as a warrior, he sets out to find his own path to greatness, and while exploring, befriends a unique sacred bird. Together, they learn valuable lessons about courage, humility and compassion.