Spotlight is our bite-size entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.
Click here to find previous episodes of Spotlight with all the movie news you need, and follow the show on Facebook for all the latest news and giveaways.
There is something for everyone this week with Spotlight, from complicated love and deadly secrets to the wildest corners of Africa and all the action from Comic Con Africa 2026.
Love collides with real life in the romantic drama Charlie Harper, now at cinemas. A young couple tries to hold onto their relationship as ambition, identity and growing apart begin to pull them in different directions. Directed by Mac Eldridge and Tom Dean, the film stars Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson. With Charlie Harper asking big questions about love and relationships, Spotlight decided to ask a few questions of our own.
Secrets turn deadly in Verity, the psychological thriller adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. A struggling writer moves into the home of a famous author to complete her books, only to discover a hidden manuscript filled with disturbing confessions. As she digs deeper, she quickly realises that nothing is quite what it seems. Directed by Michael Showalter, known for The Big Sick and Hello, My Name Is Doris, Verity stars Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett and Anne Hathaway. This film marks Hathaway’s fifth release of 2026. The closer you look, the less you know. Verity is showing at cinemas nationwide.
From dark secrets to the wildest corners of our continent, National Geographic takes us deep into the African wilderness in Africa Earth’s Wild Home. The new series explores some of Africa’s most remote landscapes, revealing extraordinary animals and even creatures new to science. Premiering on National Geographic, DStv channel 181 and Disney+ on October 3 and 4. One expedition heads deep into the forests of Gabon in search of the elusive dwarf crocodile. Spotlight caught up with crocodile conservationist Matt Shirley to learn more about these fascinating reptiles and the work being done to protect them.
Johannesburg came alive as Comic Con Africa 2026 brought four days of pop culture, gaming and fandom to life. Fans of all ages came out for gaming, cosplay, food and plenty more, with this year’s local and international lineup including Jazzara Jaslyn, Alexander Maniatis, Richard T Jones and Spencer Grammer. Spotlight was there to meet the stars, catch up with fans and jump straight into the action. Catch what went down at Comic Con Africa 2026.
For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.
Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.
Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.
Competitions and giveaways
Uncover the secrets beneath the pages and stand a chance to win a Verity movie merchandise hamper.
For full competition details and the question, go to the Spotlight SA Facebook page and DM your answers and contact details by October 9 2026.
Terms and conditions apply.
Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driving licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering, participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight SA on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.
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