HBO takes suspense and mystery to new heights with its original drama series, True Detective: Night Country. Premiering on January 15, the series promises to be a captivating blend of intrigue and drama.
Stellar Cast: Academy Award® Excellence Meets Dynamic New Talent
The series boasts an impressive cast, headlined by the talented Jodie Foster and the dynamic Kali Reis. Their characters, Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, delve into a chilling case set in the remote reaches of Alaska.
The Enigmatic Plot: A Mystery as Cold as Ice
In Ennis, Alaska, the eerie disappearance of eight men from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station sets the stage for this gripping narrative. The detectives’ journey is not just about solving the case but also confronting their inner demons and the haunting truths of their past.
A Blend of Familiar Faces and Rising Stars
Joining Foster and Reis are Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw, Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star LaBlanc, and John Hawkes, among others. The series is helmed by Issa López, who brings her unique vision as the showrunner, writer, and director.
A Collaborative Endeavor of Industry Giants
The show’s production team includes notable names like Mari Jo Winkler; Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak for PASTEL, Chris Mundy, Alan Page Arriaga, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Nic Pizzolatto. Producers include Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Cathy Tagnak Rexford and Sam Breckman.
Where and How to Watch
True Detective: Night Country will be available on HBO and HBO GO starting January 15. Viewers can subscribe to HBO GO through various platforms, including the official website, App Store, Play Store, and through partners like Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. The series will also be accessible on multiple smart TV platforms.
A Must-Watch for Drama Aficionados
This series is a thrilling addition to HBO’s roster, offering a deep, character-driven story. Mark your calendars for January 15 and prepare to be engrossed in the world of True Detective: Night Country.
Get ready for an exhilarating start to 2024 as Disney+ Philippines unveils an exciting lineup of movies and series this January. From gripping dramas to thrilling adventures, there’s something for every viewer to enjoy on Disney+Philippines this month.
A Shop For Killers Starring: Lee Dongwook , Kim Hyejun
Premiering on January 17
Set in modern-day Korea, A Shop For Killers sees college student Jeong Jian diving for cover in her childhood home after a series of highly skilled assassins get her in their sites. Desperately fighting to survive, Jian will begin to remember invaluable lessons her uncle taught her before his apparent suicide, drawing on them to help her stay alive. Confused and cornered, Jian will have to work fast to uncover her uncle’s hidden past and figure out why so many people are desperate to gain access to the house and the extensive arsenal hidden inside.
Echo Starring: Alaqua Cox, Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Cody Lightning, Graham Greene, Zahn McClarnon, Vincent D’Onofrio
Five-episode premiere on January 10
This series spotlights Maya Lopez as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy.
Death and Other Details Season 1 Starring: Violett Beane, Mandy Patinkin, Lauren Patten, Rahul Kohli, Angela Zhou, Hugo Diego Garcia, Pardis Saremi and Linda Emond
Premiering on January 16
Set amidst the glamor of the global elite, Death and Other Details centers on the brilliant and restless Imogene Scott (played by God Friended Me‘s Violett Beane), who finds herself in the wrong place/wrong time (okay, it was kinda her fault) and becomes the prime suspect in a locked room murder mystery. The setting? A lavishly restored Mediterranean ocean liner. Suspects? Every pampered guest and every exhausted crew member. The problem? To prove her innocence, she must partner with a man she despises: Rufus Cotesworth (Homeland‘s Patinkin), the world’s greatest detective.
COMING Soon
Flex X Cop Starring: Ahn Bohyun (Yumi’s Cells, Itaewon Class) as conglomerate heir and new police inspector Jin Isoo and Park Jihyun
Premiering on January 26
A chaebol cop joins forces with a gritty detective to take down criminals with a touch of wealth and a whole lot of wit.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Finale Starring: Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri
Premiering on January 31
Based on Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a Disney+ Original series that tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.
Fresh Beginnings
There’s something for anyone on this platform.
BTS Monuments Beyond the Star Finale
Last 2 episodes premiering January 10
2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Now Available
The Last Repair Shop
January 23
WWE Royal Rumble (Live)
January 28
Start the Year Right
New Year, new shows to binge-watch.
Ishura
Now Available
Synduality Noir Season 1 Part 2
January 8
A Real Bug’s Life Season 1
January 24
Lost Cities Revealed withAlbert Lin Season 1
January 24
Get ready to kick off the year with unforgettable entertainment on Disney+ in the Philippines. With a lineup that promises to captivate audiences of all ages, January 2024 is set to be a month filled with wonder and delight. Don’t miss out on the magic – start streaming on Disney+ Philippines today.
Film is, first and foremost, a visual medium. For this alone, writer and director Emerald Fennell’s second full-length feature ‘Saltburn’ is a delectable banquet for the eyes. It’s luscious cinematography and production design fill each frame with something gorgeous to look at: if not the extravagant excess of the British mansion Saltburn, for which the film takes its name, than the beautiful faces and bodies of its characters, most notably that of its lead stars Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Fennell pushes for a lot of earth tones and through the lens of cinematographer Linus Sandgren, manages to turn the skin tone of all the actors into exquisite textures. Every freckle, every strand of body hair, every drop of sweat that trickle down on any of the performer’s skin becomes a tantalizing, arousing spectacle that highlights this tale of obsession and of excess.
I wonder what ‘Saltburn’ would look like in the cinema – the luscious cinematography and production design projected in a giant cinema screen – rather than my little iPad screen as I stream the film on Amazon Prime Video. The delicious excess and indulgences that Fennell delivers in her 131-minute psychological drama feels like it is bursting out of the tiny screen of my iPad. There’s a bigness in the world that Fennell creates in ‘Saltburn’ that feels claustrophobic when seen in such a small screen. The effect in the big screen must be so different.
While there’s a masterful use of visual language, the story that inhabits this visual treat is a bit harder to swallow. It’s a tale of obsession, for sure, as Barry Keoghan’s Oliver finds himself alone in Oxford in 2006. Feeling like an outcast, he manages to befriend Jacob Elordi’s Felix Catton, a popular boy in school. He’s handsome and rich and everyone flocks around him. The less privileged Oliver feels invisible but by Felix’s side, a bond is formed.
It’s so strong that Felix invites him to his British mansion Saltburn for the summer. And it is here that the mind games begin. Felix’s sister, Virginia, is outed as a sexual misfit and Oliver catches her walking just under his window of his room late at night in a see-through lingerie. Felix’s cousin, Farleigh never stops putting Oliver in his place, reminding him constantly that he does not belong in that world. Felix’s parents attempt at being cool and progressive but are unable to hide their elitist prejudices and fragile fears.
All of this proves to be too tempting for Oliver, who begins to entrench himself into the Catton household and the schemes and plans start to unfold.
As a social commentary, ‘Saltburn’ seems to have a lot to say about the British class divide, but there’s a fantastical, almost fanfiction like approach to how Fennell depicts British aristocracy. There’s no grounding element here – what is present is an idea of upper-class excess and indulgences. The Catton parents – played by Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant – are the type of people who’ll throw a 200-guest party for their son’s friend, whom they only met that week. They live in a castle that replaces a broken mirror the very next day that it is destroyed. Each character living in that house is broken and are either in denial that they are ruined to the core or completely oblivious to it.
This is the sort of innocence that makes the upper class in ‘Saltburn’ so despicable and somehow allows you to keep your eyes glued to the screen as Oliver twists and turns this family inside and out. The family is unaware of their effect on the world around them and even with all their good intentions, they seem unaware of the damage that they do and Fennell understands our need to sympathise with these people, because in truth, Fennell posits that, like Oliver, we want their level of excess. It makes us curious. It arouses us. We hate them. We hate this world, but we are also very much fascinated by it.
It’s what makes ‘Saltburn’ not an easy film to digest. It’s a visual treat but it’s also overwritten but it connects with all our basic desires – whether it is wealth, power, or beauty – which is represented by the Cattons. It’s why sex becomes a focal point of the film, it’s primal and without reason. It’s infused in the film’s visual language, and in the way the camera is obsessed with the physicality’s of its characters. So, while the story and even lines of dialogue is meant to shock you – sometimes even in ways that are so obviously scripted or staged and not at all organic – it is still something you cannot take your eyes off of.
Unfortunately, there is a big narrative twist at the end, one that is clunkily handled. The reveal is on-the-nose, and its lack of cleverness finishes the film on a sour note (though saved by its visually stunning final image). ‘Saltburn’ is bold and daring and brave; a true scintillating visual treat that serves as a mirror of our ugliest desires in relation to beauty and wealth and power. It’s not an easy film to watch but it is spellbinding in its allure.
My Rating:
‘Saltburn’ is now streaming on Prime Video, watch it here!
Riot Games and Fortiche Productions proudly announce the much-anticipated return of the groundbreaking animated series, Arcane, with its second season set to premiere on Netflix this November. After a dazzling first season that set new standards in animated storytelling, Arcane Season 2 is poised to mesmerize audiences once again.
The Stellar Cast Returns
Reprising their acclaimed voice roles are the talented Hailee Steinfeld as Vi, Ella Purnell lending her voice to the enigmatic Jinx, and Katie Leung as Caitlyn Kiramman. Fans can also look forward to exciting new additions to the voice cast, which will be revealed soon.
A Legacy of Excellence
Season One of Arcane made history by clinching four Primetime Emmy Awards, including the prestigious title of Outstanding Animated Program – a first for any streaming series. The show’s unparalleled artistry was further recognized with three additional Emmy Awards for individual achievements in animation, spanning color, background design, and production design.
Moreover, Arcane dominated the ANNIE Awards, sweeping all nine categories it was nominated in. This remarkable feat includes accolades for Best TV/Media – General Audience, Best FX, Best Character Design, and Best Direction, among others. The series also triumphed at The Game Awards, winning the inaugural Best Adaptation category, underscoring its unique blend of gaming and cinematic storytelling.
What Lies Ahead
As anticipation builds, fans are eagerly awaiting what Arcane Season 2 will unveil. With its proven track record of stunning visuals, compelling characters, and immersive storytelling, the upcoming season promises to be an unforgettable journey. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of this animated masterpiece’s continuing saga.
Remember to mark your calendars for November and prepare for a visual feast with Arcane Season 2 on Netflix.
For director Will Gluck, Anyone But You was a chance to make a romantic comedy that was as funny as any in recent memory. “Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are simply two of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with,” says Gluck. “You put them on the big screen together, and magic happens.”
In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play romantic enemies Bea and Ben, respectively, who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at Bea’s sister’s wedding. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
“As much as Bea hates Ben, and vice versa, it’s important to Bea not to wreck her sister’s wedding. So, she hatches her plan: these two people who actually hate each other will pretend to like each other,” says Sweeney. “But as she and Ben are drawn together, they start to actually love each other, but can’t admit it to themselves.”
Of course, it’s not long before they get in over their heads. “Sometimes, I wonder if Will was just rubbing his hands together, thinking about all of the messed-up situations and crazy stuff he could make Glen and me do,” Sweeney continues. “On the other hand, it was all incredibly funny. So we did it. You’re welcome, Will.”
“I am really excited for the world to see Sydney in this movie,” says Powell. “She’s obviously proven herself to be a powerhouse dramatic actress, but being the female lead in a romantic comedy is not an easy task. You are the audience surrogate so the world has to really root for you to fall in love. There is something vulnerable and honest about Sydney that makes this movie come to life. Without that current of humanity running through this genre, it would fall flat. But this movie sings (literally and figuratively) because Sydney can stand in front of a camera and offer up her heart in a way that feels heroic.”
Sweeney has nothing but great things to say about her costar as well. “Glen is handsome, charming, funny, talented, and thoughtful. He’s also an incredibly loyal friend and a true pro,” says the actress. “That’s everything you could possibly ask for from an acting partner playing your fake boyfriend.”
Sweeney, who is also the film’s executive producer, gives credit to the movie’s writers for making it relatable for audiences. “You see it all the time – people are so afraid of being vulnerable, of opening themselves up to another person, that they sabotage the best relationships they’ve ever had,” says Sweeney. “Bea and Ben have a connection that is so real, deep, and immediate that they are going to do everything they can to deny it – until they can’t anymore.”
In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold – until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.
Directed by Will Gluck, co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. Produced by Gluck, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth, and executive-produced by Sweeney.
Cast includes Sweeney, Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
Opening in Philippine cinemas January 17, Anyone But You is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnyoneButYou
Gyeongseong Creature returns with an enthralling second season, extending its narrative from the tumultuous spring of 1945 to the bustling streets of 2024 Seoul. This continuation, set against the backdrop of monstrous creations born from human greed, further entwines the fates of Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok.
Season 2 takes a dramatic leap through time, as revealed in the intriguing post-credit footage of Season 1. In this pivotal scene, a character called “Ho-jae”, bearing a striking resemblance to Jang Tae-sang, turns to reveal a mysterious scar, igniting a flurry of questions about his identity and the scar’s origin. This moment is a gateway to the series’ time travel element, transitioning the setting to Seoul of 2024. The released stills amplify the mystery, capturing Chae-ok at a critical juncture and suggesting a season brimming with enigmatic events and connections. Director Chung Dong-yoon shares his vision for this new chapter, stating, “Season 2 presents a story with a completely different charm. The change in space and time period will provide a clear distinction, offering an expanded universe feel.”
Season 1 captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of period drama and fantastical elements, earning high praise from international media. CNN hailed it as “[it] deserves to be a monster hit,” while TIME magazine noted, “it is also about the world we live in today.” Just 3 days after release, Season 1 gained a spot in the Global TOP 10(Non-English) to rise up to the third place and appear in the TOP 10 list of 69 countries across the globe including Brazil, Japan, Singapore, France, and Australia.
The suspense around the series is further fueled by the cliffhanger from Season 1’s finale and the anticipation of how the characters’ narratives will evolve. Actors, including Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, have hinted at the deeper character developments and emotional depth of the upcoming season, continuing its legacy as a global sensation and delving into the mysteries of time travel and destiny.
Gyeongseong Creature Season 2, set to premiere exclusively on Netflix, is all poised to reveal a larger, more dynamic story.
As we step into 2024, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) embraces its mission with renewed vigor, presenting a bold and compelling collection of new theater performances. Under the banner of “CONTROL + SHIFT: Changing Narratives,” PETA sets out to redefine stories, challenge assumptions, and transform toxic narratives, ultimately reclaiming and reshaping the stories of the Filipino people.
The Visionaries Behind the Revolution
PETA artists, in collaboration with creative partners and collaborators, have passionately crafted eight new works, blending devised performances with the re-staging of the acclaimed “KUMPRONTASYON.” This groundbreaking collection will grace the stage at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14 and 19-21, 2024.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024.
Unveiling the Narrative Alchemy
Momsilogues: A Savory Journey of Life and Love
Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim.
Directed by Gold Villar-Lim, “Momsilogues” takes center stage, unraveling the intricate tales of single mom foodie vloggers. In this interactive vlog about tapsilog, the audience is invited on a savory journey delving into the realms of career, love, and motherhood.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z: Rethinking Monster Myths
Directed by Norbs Portales, Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z” weaves a gripping narrative. A journalist interviews recovering “halimaw” as they reintegrate into society, uncovering shocking revelations that could reshape humanity’s destiny. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos.
Albularyo: A Movement Journey into Folk Healing
Direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra
Carlon Matobato’s creation, “Albularyo,” is a mesmerizing movement performance delving into the world of Filipino folk healing. It aims to heal not only the ills of the body but also the nation, offering a unique exploration of our cultural roots.
Children of the Algo: Navigating Gen Z Realities
Directed by John Moran, Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo” explores the hidden realities of Gen Z content creators in the digital age. With wit and vulnerability, the play challenges viewers to see beyond the algorithm, unveiling deeper truths.
Kislap at Fuego: A Fairytale Amidst Revolution
Directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu
Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego” transports audiences to an unexpected fairytale set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The play seeks to reshape conversations about love, rebirth, and revolution.
/ (Slash): Navigating Influencer Culture
Directed by Meann Espinosa
Liza Magtoto’s “/ (Slash),” directed by Meann Espinosa, delves into the complex world of influencer culture. As an influencer’s best friend faces cancellation, the play explores loyalty, righteousness, and branding in the industry.
Ang Parangal: A Humorous Take on Inept Governance
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Directed by Eric dela Cruz, “Ang Parangal” adapts Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball. The play unfolds as a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration, showcasing the dire ineptitude in governance, proving that spectacles and good intentions aren’t enough.
Nakatala Sa Tubig: Women’s Roles in Times of War
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading) collaborates with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza to present a performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war. In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute for their retired barangay captain but crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance.
Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?: Dark Twists in Childhood Games
Directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra
In this devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with guiding insight from Ian Segarra, Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” explores the dark twists in childhood games that the residents of Barangay Pinapili must conquer to leave an obscure playground.
KUMPRONTASYON: Theater as a Platform for Difficult Conversations
Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” presents three plays – Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow.” This production serves as a powerful platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events.
The Power of Theater
These thought-provoking performances aim to use the power of theater as a platform for collective meaning-making and social transformation. PETA invites everyone to join this theatrical revolution and witness the empowering stories come to life! For more information and ticket reservations, visit tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a narrative transformation that might just change the world.
As the chilly air of January settles in, Starbucks Philippines welcomes the season with a heartwarming selection of winter beverages and treats. Starting January 3, 2024, Starbucks stores across the country are transforming into havens of warmth and comfort, offering a range of delightful drinks and food items perfect for the season.
Starbucks’ Winter Beverage Bliss
Honey Plum Pure Matcha Latte
Experience the delicate blend of fruity and earthy flavors with the Honey Plum Pure Matcha Latte. This beverage combines the subtle sweetness of honey plum with the rich, velvety taste of matcha, topped with a cloud of plum cold foam and a sprinkle of sweet plum.
Vienna Creamy Latte
Indulge in the creamy richness of the Vienna Creamy Latte, a fusion of Starbucks’ signature espresso with vanilla mascarpone cheese, topped with a drizzle of mocha sauce and a cloud of mascarpone cheese foam.
NEW! Coconut Double Mocha Macchiato
Savor the tropical twist of the Coconut Double Mocha Macchiato, a luscious blend of espresso, white mocha sauce, and coconut milk, finished with a mocha drizzle for an indulgent treat.
Pair Your Sips with Winter Treats
RETURNING FAVORITE! Mango Float Cake
Delight in the Mango Float Cake, a buttery cake layered with mango mousse and crunchy meringue, topped with mango buttercream icing.
My Valentine Doughnut
The My Valentine Doughnut is a soft, fluffy treat filled with creamy vanilla custard, perfect for pairing with your favorite Starbucks beverage.
Acai Berry Bowl Cheesecake
For a fruity indulgence, try the Acai Berry Bowl Cheesecake, layered with acai berry and blueberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious mousse.
Starbucks Winter Merchandise Collection
Guardian Dragon and 2024 Zodiac Collection
Embrace the Year of the Dragon with Starbucks’ Guardian Dragon and Zodiac Collection, featuring mugs and lifestyle items inspired by this majestic creature.
Philippine Exclusive! FY24 Coffee and Tea Tumbler
Reduce your environmental footprint with the stylish and practical FY24 Coffee and Tea Tumbler, complete with 10 FREE Tall vouchers for your favorite beverages.
Every city has its own captivating characteristics. What better way to capture each fascinating and majestic scenic views and festivities in the area than our PH exclusive festive mugs.
Starbucks’ Single-Origin Coffee Selection
Starbucks® Single-Origin Guatemala Casi Cielo™
Discover the floral aromatics and citrus notes of the Guatemala Casi Cielo™, a single-origin coffee sourced from Guatemala’s high-altitude volcanic region.
Starbucks® Single-Origin Honduras Marcala
Taste the dedication of Honduran coffee farmers in every cup of Honduras Marcala, with its orange blossom and macadamia nut notes.
Starbucks Reserve™ Costa Rica Tres Rios
Enjoy the rich flavors of Hazelnut Chocolate and Cara Cara Orange in the Starbucks Reserve™ Costa Rica Tres Rios, a testament to the resilience of Costa Rican coffee farmers.
Starbucks Rewards Card: Year of the Dragon
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the exclusive Starbucks Rewards Card, available at all stores with a minimum activation of Php 300.
Starbucks Philippines‘ winter selections for FY24 are not just about comfort; they’re an invitation to savor the season’s beauty. Whether it’s through a warm cup of coffee, a delightful snack, or a unique piece of merchandise, Starbucks is ready to make your winter captivatingly cozy. Visit your nearest Starbucks store or order online to experience the joy of winter with Starbucks!
After leaving fans on a breathtaking cliffhanger, Synduality Noirwill return with all new episodes starting January 8.
Set in the year 2242, part one of Synduality Noirstunned viewers with the disappearance of fan favorite characters Aoi Koga and Noir, only to double down on the shock factor with the exciting unveiling of a new Magus called Mystere at the end of the last episode. Powerful and skilled enough to best even Silver Storm, not much else is known about this dangerous new character.
Slated to return with new episodes on January 8, Synduality Noir part one followed a group of humans forced deep underground in the wake of a terrible catastrophe known as the “Tears of the New Moon” incident. After life in their underground city began to collapse, the humans were once again pushed to the surface, where a threat known as the Enders roamed, looking to kill any humans they discovered. With their lives at risk, groups of people came together to create tight-knit settlements in various locations on the surface, relying on unique energy sources to power them and keep them safe. But with resources ever-dwindling, a group of brave individuals known as Drifters ventured out into the open, battling the Enders and mining energy sources.
Synduality Noirpart two will join an ever-growing library of exciting Japanese anime content available on Disney+. Fans of unmissable Japanese storytelling can subscribe to Disney+ today to enjoy access to other captivating series including: PHOENIX: EDEN17, an adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s seminal work that takes viewers on a dangerous extraterrestrial adventure to a new planet filled with nothing but misery; Ishura about a chaotic world experiencing a power struggle between demigods following the death of the Demon King; Gannibal about a newly relocated police officer who discovers a horrifying secret about the residents of his village,and much more!
Stream part one of Synduality Noirnow on Disney+ and begin streaming part two on Disney+ starting January 8.
“Migration” tells the story of a duck family that takes flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other. While dad Mack (voiced by Nanjiani) is content to keep his family, the Mallards, safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam (Banks) is eager to shake things up and show their kids – teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal) – the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
But as the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other – and themselves – than they ever imagined.
An adventure for the entire family…
Nanjiani joined the movie because he felt that the film is something that families can enjoy together. “I just thought that, at its base, ‘Migration’ was a really good family movie,” he says. “And I felt that we are at a time when films like this, that are for everybody, just don’t get made anymore.”
Plus, it didn’t hurt that he got to work with people he admired! “To be able to work with [Illumination founder and CEO] Chris Meledandri, [writer] Mike White and Elizabeth Banks was very exciting to me,” continues Nanjiani. “Then Awkwafina, Keegan Michael-Key and Danny DeVito got cast, which was a great bonus that I hadn’t expected, but the main reason I wanted to do it was because I felt it was a movie everyone could enjoy.”
Banks was also excited to be part of the Illumination family because of the studio’s previous works – especially because they are movies that everyone can enjoy. “I wanted to be a part of ‘Migration’ because I think Chris Meledandri is a genius and Illumination films speak for themselves,” says Banks. “They are all just incredibly distinct, so I knew ‘Migration’ would be really funny and subversive, and that it would be both for kids and adults.”
… that’s also a love story!
Family dynamics aside, also at the heart of the movie is the relationship between couple Mack and Pam, whose philosophies about how best to live life happen to be polar opposites.
Says Nanjiani, “I think Mack is proven right in that there is a lot of danger out there, but Pam is also right about the need to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. They really learn from each other, and I believe that most great movies with two main characters are about that – about completing each other. So, I find ‘Migration to also be a romantic story with parts where I get emotional because it’s about a husband and wife finding ways to reconnect and rediscover their passion for each other. It’s truly about two people who love each other, falling in love again.”
Banks agrees and adds that the adventure the Mallards go on is the key to Mack and Pam achieving a balance. “I believe the story is about that sense of adventure as much as it is about this couple truly connecting and leaving the sort of humdrum of daily life,” she says. “And almost in the style of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith,’ their adventure brings out the notion of them having to work together to solve the problems they will encounter along the way. There is a real tango in the film to achieve that because I feel they have become a bit disconnected. One of the things I most enjoyed about the film is that I think a lot of couples will see themselves in this movie, apart from the family adventure.”
A life-affirming message
Apart from bringing joy to audiences, Banks also points to the movie’s message as an inspiration. “I also wanted to be a part of a movie that had this message about shaking ourselves out of our nest and getting back out into the world, showing how necessary adventure is for the soul – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is when we made the bulk of the film,” she shares. “I truly believe in the message of this film. I love it!”
Nanjiani agrees. “This film talks about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and living your life, and also about how relationships and families have to keep evolving,” he says. “Here we see that even though this couple has been together for many years, they end in a new place.”
And just as important, the film is visually stunning and fun to watch. “Migration is so fun!” says Nanjiani. “And it truly is a gorgeous movie.”
Watch “Migration” with your family and loved ones when it lands in Philippine cinemas January 17, 2024, from Universal Pictures International. #MigrationMovie
