Read on for some of the Film and TV tie-ins we're most excited about at the moment!
Secrets at Red Rocks Rachael King
The book: When a boy finds a sealskin in a cave, he unlocks an ancient spell that tips him into a terrifying adventure. Selkie mythology meets Wellington's rugged, windswept south coast in this spine-tingling novel. With its beautiful writing and eerie atmosphere, middle-grade readers will be thrilled and moved by this captivating and award-winning story by the author of The Grimmelings.
The series: This beautiful world class-local production of Secrets at Red Rocks is perfect family TV series viewing. Filmed on Wellington’s wild south coast, the series brings to life Rachael King’s novel, staring NZ Television Award-winner Dominic Ona-Ariki (One Lane Bridge), stage and screen veteran Jim Moriarty MNZM (Mahana) and Phoenix Connolly (The Brokenwood Mysteries), with Zeta Sutherland (Power Rangers: Dino Fury) as ‘Jessie’, and newcomer Korban Knock as ‘Jake’, and featuring animatronic seals created by Weta Workshop. Secrets at Red Rocks will air weekly on Sundays on Sky Open from 7.30pm, 9 March, with all episodes available to stream on Neon from this date. Watch the trailer here.
The Salt Path Raynor Winn
The book: An unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.
The film: Due to release in cinemas in April 2025, this adaptation staring Gillian Anderson (The X Files; Sex Education) and Jason Isaacs (The Patriot; Harry Potter) is sure to be a compelling and tear-jerking film. Watch the trailer here.
The Thursday Murder Club Richard Osman
The book: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are four friends in a quiet retirement village who meet every Thursday to investigate cold cases. But when a murder takes place on their doorstep, the gang must solve their first live case. This warm, witty mystery is the first in best-selling series that has won a legion of loyal fans.
The film: We have high hopes for this film adaptation, which is coming to cinemas and Netflix later this year. Not only is it directed by Chris Columbus, of Harry Potter and Home Alone fame, but it is also produced by Steven Spielberg and has a star-studded cast. Helen Mirren plays former spy Elizabeth; Sir Ben Kingsley plays ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim; Celia Imrie plays joyful former nurse Joyce; and Pierce Brosnan plays cantankerous activist Ron.
Conclave Robert Harris
The book: Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals are tasked with selecting the next Pope from among themselves. These are holy men, but they are equally ambitious and ruthless. As the group splinters into rival factions, the men use strategy and political games to undermine their opponents. But only one will become the most powerful figure in the Catholic Church.
The film: Robert Harris’ 2016 novel is now an award-winning film featuring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. The film won a series of BAFTAs, including for Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay and Outstanding British Film. It was also nominated for several Oscars, including for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Penguin Lessons Tom Michell
The book: The heart-warming true story of an unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth… When schoolteacher Tom Michell pulls a penguin from an oil slick off the coast of Uruguay he has no idea what to do. Back at his apartment, Tom cleans him, but upon returning to the beach the penguin refuses to return to the ocean. Tom has one option: to smuggle the penguin over the Argentinian border to the prestigious boarding school Tom calls home.
The film: Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant dramedy adaptation from director Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty, Military Wives) is coming to cinemas April 17th. Watch the trailer here.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Helen Fielding
The book: Everyone’s favourite singleton returned in 2013, in Helen Fielding’s third book in the Bridget Jones series. Following the death of Mark Darcy, 50-something Bridget is a single mother trying to navigate social media, dating apps, and a casual affair with a younger man. Like previous books in the series, it’s a timely story told with a refreshing sense of humour.
The film: The film is simultaneously a tender look at grief, a hilarious exploration of modern parenting, and an uplifting romance story about starting over. Renée Zellweger returns as Bridget Jones, with Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Sally Phillips reprising their roles as Bridget’s no-nonsense friends. Plus, One Day’s Leo Woodall and Love Actually’s Chiwetel Ejiofor join the cast as Bridget’s competing love interests.
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