This weekend is stacked. A Nigerian crime thriller returns on Netflix, a big romance opens in cinemas, a Nollywood film is already waiting on YouTube, and a spy thriller and an award-winning Korean drama land on the same day. No platform loyalty required — here is everything major, ranked, in one place.
1. The Covenant Part 2 — Netflix, from today
The one to start with. The Nigerian crime thriller is back for its second part, and it picks up exactly where the first left off: Dagogo, played by Gideon Okeke, is drawn deeper into gang conflict, family betrayal and revenge after his brother is seen alive two years after being declared killed in action. Sola Sobowale returns as Stella, the formidable matriarch holding the family together, alongside Uzee Usman, Bimbo Manuel, Segun Arinze, Ivie Okujaye and Tope Olowoniyan, with South African actors Vuyo Dabula and Sibusiso Jili joining the cast. It was created by Vincent Okonkwo of VSL Media and directed this time by South African filmmaker King Shaft. It streams on Netflix across Africa; viewers outside Africa will find it on Kava TV instead.
2. Loving Itohan — in cinemas nationwide, from today
The weekend’s big cinema night out. Nancy Isime executive produces and stars in this romantic drama about Itohan, a woman whose understanding of love, loyalty and past relationships is shaken by hidden truths and unexpected revelations. Uzor Arukwe stars opposite her, with Oberry Hovah, Martha Ehinome, Dorathy Bachor, Chioma Nwosu and Grace Dein Coker in support. It is directed by Orobosa Ikponmwen, and it is Nancy Isime’s first outing as an executive producer. If you are picking one film to see on the big screen this weekend, this is the one everyone will be talking about on Monday.
3. Caught in the Circle — YouTube, since Wednesday
The free one, and the easiest watch of the weekend. Biodun Stephen’s new film premiered on her own YouTube channel on Wednesday 4 November, led by Stan Nze and Angel Unigwe, alongside Cameroonian actor Ewane Leolidas. No ticket, no subscription, no waiting — it is already there. If the cinema and Netflix queues feel like too much planning, press play on this one tonight.
4. Black Doves season 2 — Netflix, since yesterday
The binge for the weekend. Keira Knightley returns as Helen Webb, the spy living a double life as the wife of a politician who is now Prime Minister, with Ben Whishaw back as Sam, her assassin best friend, and Sarah Lancashire as Reed, the handler pulling the strings. All six episodes of the new season arrived on Netflix yesterday, Thursday 5 November, so there is no waiting around for weekly episodes. Created by Joe Barton, it is dark, funny and properly addictive — the one to save for Saturday night.
5. Possible Love — Netflix, from today
The one for the patient viewer. Lee Chang-dong’s new film — his first feature since Burning in 2018 — follows two married couples from very different worlds: a laid-off worker and his wife, and a wealthy documentary filmmaker and her husband. When she sets out to film his story, their lives cross in ways neither couple expected. It won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at Venice, it runs 2 hours 47 minutes, and South Korea has put it forward for the Academy Awards. Starring Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong, it is the most acclaimed film dropping this weekend — just set aside a proper evening for it.
6. No Fury — in cinemas, still showing
The thriller that is already running. Jim Iyke and Nse Ikpe-Etim headline this Inkblot Productions revenge thriller, directed by Akay Mason, about a seemingly perfect marriage that shatters when a deep betrayal comes to light. It opened in cinemas on 23 October and runs throughout November, so if you missed it in its opening weeks, this weekend is a good time to catch it — especially if romance is not your thing and you want something tenser at the cinema instead.
How to choose
If you only watch one thing, make it The Covenant Part 2 — it is the biggest Nigerian release of the weekend, and everyone will be discussing it. If you are going out, Loving Itohan is the cinema pick and No Fury is the darker alternative. If you are staying in, Caught in the Circle costs nothing, Black Doves will eat your Saturday night, and Possible Love is the one to watch when you want a film, not just something on in the background.
