☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [Film] Nowhere to Go, [Film] The Dollhouse, [K-Drama] Dear X, [U.S. Series] Beastly Hearts, [J-Drama] The Night Before the Scandal, [U.S. Series] Oil Baron Season 2, [Ireland] Death Notice Season 2, [Film] Space Lily Battle Sisters, [Talk Show] The Roundtable Season 8

A few exciting new trailers: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 new trailer, Beaver Metamorphosis Project official trailer, Moana live-action film first teaser, My Nezha & Transformers official trailer

A few entertainment updates: Bilibili’s 2026 domestic animation slate, Wicked 2 set for a December 24 release in mainland China, Witness for the Prosecution set for a December 5 release, Sony Pictures to produce a Labubu film, new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility dated for release

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[Film] No Other Choice

• Keywords: Drama / Crime / Comedy
• Also known as: 어쩔수가없다 / No Other Choice
• Runtime: 139 minutes; Douban link

• No further comment — just go watch it.

@SHY: Yoo Man-su, a self-proclaimed expert in the paper manufacturing industry, lives a comfortable and privileged life with his family—until he is suddenly laid off one day, sending his world into a free fall. After repeatedly failing in his job search, he decides to “strike first” to eliminate his potential competitors and change the impossible odds stacked against him.

Director Park Chan-wook, who was expelled from the WGA for secretly working during the writers’ strike, turns his gaze this time toward the scabs hiding within the wave of mass layoffs. With his trademark dark humor, he tells an absurd story set at the dead end of workplace hyper-competition. In some ways, the film mirrors Parasite, emphasizing the middle class’s terror over losing social status. The protagonist, who constantly insists he has “no other choice,” becomes trapped in his own obsession, overlooking the alternative path right within reach—yet the film still makes it easy to empathize with his plight.

Under Park Chan-wook’s masterful visual orchestration, clumsy criminal schemes intertwine with mundane life moments, making the balance between reason and emotion sway endlessly. In a sense, the film is a realist horror story—one that feels disturbingly plausible—revealing the grotesque forms ordinary people take on under capitalist alienation. Even when it seems like the protagonist has reclaimed the life he once knew, it is merely a fleeting illusion beneath the wheels of the times. The cold, hollow final shot is nothing short of biting satire. Watching this film during an economic downturn makes its chill cut even deeper.

[Film] Dollhouse

Keywords: Drama / Horror / Mystery
Also known as: ドールハウス / Dollhouse
Runtime: 110 minutes; Douban link

I’ll stay with you… forever and ever…

@SHY: After losing their daughter Mei in an accident, Yoshie and Tadahiko pour their grief into a doll that resembles her. With time, they slowly emerge from their sorrow and welcome a second daughter, Mai. Five years later, during playtime, Mai discovers the long-neglected doll—and strange events begin to unfold. Realizing something is terribly wrong, Yoshie attempts to throw the doll away, only to find that it isn’t so simple.

Director Shinobu Yaguchi, known for a lifetime of making comedies, delivers his first self-written and self-directed horror film—and it’s a genuinely startling one. Though traces of similar works can be spotted, the script blends its influences with remarkable finesse, transitioning seamlessly from an American-style killer-doll setup in the first half to Japanese folkloric horror in the second. The occasional bursts of dry humor work surprisingly well as tension breakers. Set in modern-day society, everyday appliances—washing machines, cameras, robot vacuums—become tools for building dread, creating a sharp contrast between the ordinary and the uncanny.

Masami Nagasawa, taking on her first major horror role, gives a Best-Actress-caliber performance, portraying a mother on the brink—hysterical yet deeply sympathetic. The haunted doll, her counterpart, remains utterly still throughout the film; without blinking, tilting its head, or any obvious gimmicks, it still manages to be profoundly unsettling. The main characters maintain rational thinking and act decisively, never dragging their feet when confronting danger. The final sequence delivers multiple twists, keeping the suspense alive until the very last moment. This tightly constructed and skillfully executed genre piece stands out as one of the most worthwhile Japanese horror films in recent memory.

[K-Drama] Dear X

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: Dear X / 친애하는X
Runtime: ~60 minutes per episode × 12 episodes; Douban link

The purer the white lotus, the darker it is when you cut it open.

@潘誉晗: Adapted from the Korean webtoon of the same name, Dear X sparked considerable discussion the moment it aired. The story revolves around the life of the “villainess” Baek Yara, weaving together themes of revenge, crime, and even familicide—sensitive and intense topics by any standard. Adding to the anticipation is the casting of Kim Yoo-jung, long known as the “nation’s daughter,” taking on an uncharacteristically dark role.

To be fair, if you treat this series as a pure “revenge thrill ride,” it delivers a thoroughly satisfying experience. Despite its bleak tone, watching Baek Yara plan her every move to protect herself is undeniably cathartic. But at its core, the show’s biggest draw is exploring how Baek Yara descends into darkness. Sweet and adorable on the surface, she hides a past far more harrowing than anyone would expect. Growing up in a deeply abusive household—tormented by her biological mother, stepfather, and stepmother—she had no choice but to become tougher, crueler, and more ruthless just to survive. Yet, that alone cannot justify a person crossing the line into crime.

Directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for Goblin, the series is visually stunning, with beautifully composed frames throughout. If this kind of dark character study interests you, it’s well worth checking out.

[U.S. Series] The Beast in Me

Keywords: Drama / Mystery / Thriller / Crime
Also known as: The Beast in Me
Runtime: 45–50 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

In truth, each of us hides a beast within.

@潘誉晗: After losing her young son, writer Agga divorces her wife. For the past four years, she has lived alone—numb, adrift, and unable to produce any new work. Recently, a new neighbor named Nyle moves in nearby. Nyle is well-known, not only because he is a major figure in New York real estate, but also because he is suspected of murdering his first wife. Agga thinks: maybe this is the perfect material for her next book.

One is a Pulitzer-winning author; the other is a wealthy man desperate to redeem his reputation. The two quickly strike a deal—Nyle agrees to let Agga interview him, allowing her to write his biography and clear his name. But as the interviews grow deeper, Agga begins to realize that the arrogant, controlling man before her may indeed be a serial killer.

The weather in Long Island is far from bright, yet perfectly matches the series’ steady and serious pacing. The early build-up may feel a bit slow, but it effectively conveys the characters’ emotional shifts. Both Agga and Nyle have their own agendas, so every conversation between them becomes a tense, layered cat-and-mouse game. Beyond that, Matthew Rhys delivers an excellent performance throughout, making the show all the more gripping.

[J-Drama] Scandal Eve

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: スキャンダル イブ
Runtime: ~35 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

A sharp, satisfying workplace duel between two female leads.

@Sholmes: After leaving a major agency, Igoka Saki starts her own firm, with top-tier actor Fujiwara Kyu as her star client. Igoka secures a lead role in a drama for Fujiwara, but just before filming begins, she learns that a scandalous article about him is about to be published—claiming he had an affair five years ago. Igoka decides to strike first, holding an emergency press conference where Fujiwara clarifies what happened five years prior and asserts that his wife has forgiven him. Just when Igoka thinks she has successfully steered public opinion, Hirata delivers a fatal blow.

Scandals about celebrities cheating are hardly rare, but this drama does not focus on condemning morally flawed artists. Instead, it shifts its attention to the talent manager and the journalist covering the scandal. Unlike typical workplace dramas, the plot carries strong suspense elements, moves at a rapid pace, and is filled with twists. Igoka Saki and Hirata Kanade are both skilled manipulators of public opinion, and their head-to-head confrontation is riveting. The two actresses deliver powerful performances, portraying the decisiveness and intelligence of professional women with remarkable precision. The show not only highlights their battles in the workplace but also subtly reveals their respective professional beliefs and moral boundaries. The costumes and styling are also noteworthy—short haircuts and crisp professional attire accentuate the leads’ elite career-woman personas perfectly.

[U.S. Series] Land Man Season 2

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: Land Man
Runtime: ~45 minutes per episode × 9 episodes
Where to watch: Paramount+; Douban link

The oil business… is really, really tough.

@潘誉晗: Season 2 picks up right where the previous season left off. After the sudden death of his boss Monty, Tommy becomes the new president of the oil company. But for him, the promotion is far from a blessing. Monty left behind a project with dim prospects, and when Tommy fails to convince Monty’s widow, Kami, to drop it, he has no choice but to forge ahead. Meanwhile, the oil field Tommy’s son invested heavily in is showing great promise—if all goes well, it could earn ten million dollars in a year.

But the high-intensity, fast-paced world of oil isn’t easy. Tight-knit Mexican workers, turf fights with local cartel groups… Tommy already carried a massive workload for years, and now, forced into the top job, he also has to spar with Wall Street financiers, environmental lawyers, and Mexican drug traffickers.

Taylor Sheridan’s “oil universe” remains as gripping as ever. With Tommy’s new position, the show escalates its pacing and tension, delivering even more thrilling scenarios. Meanwhile, the slightly melodramatic subplot involving Tommy’s ex-wife and daughter adds a touch of harmless humor to balance the intensity.

[Ireland] Obituary Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Crime
Also known as: Obituary Season 2
Runtime: ~45 minutes per episode (exact episode count TBD)
Where to watch: Hulu; Douban link

Kill someone, write their obituary, get paid—simple as that.

@潘誉晗: Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 ended. After her father’s death, Elvira is plagued by torment. She barely sleeps and keeps having the same dream every night. She knows she’s on the verge of a mental breakdown, so she decides on a way to restore her life to “normal”—kill again. Her target: the intern threatening her position. But just as she is about to act, she witnesses a mysterious figure in black killing the intern first.

The Irish dark comedy Obituary may be niche, but its quality is genuinely impressive. Elvira, an obituary writer at a local newspaper, has her pay withheld by her boss. To earn the $200-per-obituary commission she desperately needs, she begins committing murder. One wrong step leads to another, and eventually the string of killings seems to awaken something primal within her—not only does she find it impossible to stop, it becomes the very thing that calms her nerves.

The distinctively cold Irish scenery, paired with its retro-style production design and soundtrack, gives the series a rich suspenseful atmosphere. The lead actress also delivers a standout performance—expressionless during her crimes, yet full of vitality when writing obituaries—creating a striking and memorable contrast.

[Film] Lesbian Space Princess

Keywords: Sci-Fi / Comedy / Romance
Also known as: 女同太空公主 / Lesbian Space Princess
Runtime: 87 minutes; Douban link

♥️🌈🦄🚀🌙

@SHY: Just after being dumped, introverted space princess Syrah barely has time to collect herself before learning that her ex-girlfriend Kiki has been kidnapped by the aggressively straightforward “Straightsians,” who demand that she be the one to rescue her. Having never stepped outside her home planet, Syrah must cross the galaxy within 24 hours—and on this rainbow-colored journey, what encounters await her, and will she be able to win Kiki back?

The two directors—who came up with the title first and crafted the story backward—draw inspiration from stereotypes they’ve personally experienced, weaving together queer jokes that poke fun at everyone. The degree of offensiveness is measured just right—enough to sting, but not enough to kill off the conservatives. The entire film is packed with puns nearly impossible to translate: from the 21st-century “Problematic Ship” Syrah travels on, to the villainous “Straight White Maliens” who once ruled the universe. Any throwaway term might hit your funny bone.

Despite inevitably carrying metaphors about identity politics, the creators hope this film will be a lighthearted, affectionate adventure. Beneath its cheerful macaron color palette and musical mashups, the story avoids spiraling into endless deconstruction and maintains a surprisingly earnest core. Even the coolest of cool lesbian space princesses needs to shake off anxiety, understand herself, and learn to love who she is before trying to save others. This supposedly “simple” coming-of-age story about a girl’s growth deserves to be seen by many more people.

[Talk Show] The Roundtable Season 8

Keywords: Talk Show
Runtime: 90–120 minutes per episode × 12 episodes
Where to watch: Youku; Douban link

A small round table, waiting for you to take a seat.

@潘誉晗: As if wishing to avoid the noise of excessive publicity, Season 8 of The Roundtable arrived quietly and without much promotion. Host Dou Wentao continues his familiar tradition: inviting both old and new friends to sit around the table and talk about life—observing it, unpacking it, and imagining its future.

Is short-form video truly meaningful? A conversation with Hu Anyan about his past work experiences. Exploring art and life through nature and plants. Reflecting on Lei Diansheng’s legendary journey walking across China. What does “involution” really mean? How do we relieve our own burdens? How do we bring death back into life? Each episode chooses a small, specific angle as its entry point, and from there, through seemingly casual, wide-ranging conversations, the discussion gradually expands into broader and deeper territory. What resonates most is the absolute sincerity of the host and guests: Xu Zidong opens by recounting his near-drowning in Tahiti; Dou Wentao candidly admits that his love of reading has made him intensely anxious—reminding us that, in fact, we are all remarkably similar.

This gentle, effortless style of conversation presents profound ideas without pressure. And in these reflections drawn directly from life itself, we once again find ourselves re-examining what it means to live.

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[Taiwanese Series] Floating in Love @潘誉晗: Zhou Xiaoqi, who knows how to make good use of her beauty, doesn’t mind having an older, wealthy lover—until she unexpectedly falls for someone else, who unfortunately already has a girlfriend. Meanwhile, Pan Xintong, freshly dumped by her ex, accidentally meets a rich second-generation heir on her birthday and begins a romance no one believes will last. Double affairs, lovers from vastly different backgrounds—this adaptation of Hou Wenyong’s novel explores the tangled emotional lives of urban men and women. Love, desire, money… adult relationships are impossibly hard to navigate.

[Japanese Series] Samurai Deathmatch @潘誉晗: During the Meiji era, Japan’s government issued the Sword Abolishment Edict, leading to the gradual decline of the samurai class. To support his family, Saga Shujiro decides to participate in a competition held by Tenryu-ji Temple, where he must battle 291 other samurai for the prize money. Created by the Rurouni Kenshin team, the series feels like a samurai version of Battle Royale meets Squid Game. The political conspiracies lurking beneath the tournament add extra intrigue. The life-or-death struggles of the samurai reflect the fading glory of this once-honored class.

[Taiwanese Series] Prison Life Diary @利兹与青鸟: Gao Zhiyao is sent to work as a prison administrator by a triad boss to pay off his debts by “taking care of” his younger brother—doing anything he’s told, earning money per task. Zhiyao seems cursed with perpetual bad luck; from the moment he enters the prison, everything goes wrong. He’s bullied by seniors, injured by inmates by accident, and constantly pranked by those who hired him. The series is filled with clever callback jokes as well as more questionable below-the-belt humor. Blending prison misadventures with an internal corruption investigation, it features a lively ensemble cast and serves as a lighthearted, high-visual comedy.

[Documentary] Starting Five Season 2 @潘誉晗: This season of Starting Five reflects on the NBA 2024–2025 season, focusing on five stars: Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, James Harden, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Through intimate player perspectives, extensive interviews, and captivating behind-the-scenes stories, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the spirit of basketball each player upholds. Highly recommended for basketball fans.

📅 New Trailers This Week

“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” Season 2 – New Trailer

On November 20, the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 released a new trailer, announcing that the ending theme will be performed by milet. The season will premiere on January 16, 2026. Adapted from the manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, the season features Keichiro Saito (director of Season 1) as directing advisor, Tomoya Kitagawa as director, and MADHOUSE as the animation studio. The story continues the journey of the elven mage Frieren. Source

“The Beaver Transformation Project” – Official Trailer

On November 21, Pixar released the official trailer for The Beaver Transformation Project, set to hit North American theaters on March 6, 2026. Directed by Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears), the film features voice performances by Pepper Coda, Jon Hamm, and Bobby Moynihan. It follows teenage girl Mabel, whose consciousness is uploaded into a robotic beaver, allowing her to explore the animal world and thwart a real estate developer’s destructive plans. Source

“Moana: Voyage” – First Live-Action Trailer

On November 18, Disney unveiled the first trailer for the live-action film Moana: Voyage, scheduled for release in North America on July 10, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail, the movie stars Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returning as Maui from the animated original. The film centers on a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and showcases the cultures, community, and traditions of the Pacific Islands. Source

“My Nezha & Transformers” – Official Trailer

On November 20, the official trailer for My Nezha & Transformers, a 52-episode China–U.S. co-produced animated series, was released. The show is slated to premiere on December 6, airing nightly at 20:30 on CCTV Children’s Channel. Co-produced by CCTV and Hasbro, the series brings together two iconic IPs—China’s mythological Nezha and the U.S. franchise Transformers—to tell a story in which they join forces to defeat evil.

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“Return to Silent Hill” – Official Trailer On November 21, the film Return to Silent Hill released its official trailer and is scheduled to premiere in North America on January 23, 2026. Christophe Gans returns to direct, with Jeremy Irvine and Hannah Emily Anderson starring. Adapted from the game Silent Hill 2, the story follows James, who is summoned back to Silent Hill by a mysterious letter to search for his beloved Mary—only to discover that the town has been twisted by an unknown evil force. Source

TV Anime “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World” Season 4 – Official Trailer Supervised by original author Tappei Nagatsuki, directed by Masahiko Shinohara, with Masahiro Yokotani handling series composition and WHITE FOX producing. After barely surviving the battle in the Watergate City, Subaru Natsuki and his companions head to the Pleiades Watchtower, home of the Sage. The new season begins airing in April 2026. Source

“Like Father and Son” – Release Date Trailer Directed by Qiu Sheng and starring Song Yang, Sun Ning, and Sun Anke, with Tong Chenjie, Luo Weichen, Ko Chia-yen, and Zhao Jiali in supporting roles. The film won the Artistic Contribution Award in the Main Competition of this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival and will hit theaters on December 6.

“The Devil’s Chef: Culinary Class War” Season 2 – Trailer
Netflix’s Korean gourmet competition reality show returns on December 16. The grand culinary showdown begins once again, with a new lineup of “black spoon” chefs facing off against the elite “white spoon” masters.

📽 Weekly Film & TV News

Bilibili Announces 2026 Lineup of Domestic Animated Projects
At the MADE BY BILIBILI 2025–2026 animation showcase held on November 15, Bilibili revealed progress on 40 in-production titles. Chinese Strange Tales 2 will premiere on January 1, 2026; Link Click Season 3 arrives in October 2026; Memory Administration and Capsule Project: Miracles will arrive in summer 2026; A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality New Year Season launches in Q2 of 2026. The Legend of Luoxiaohei: Preschool Arc returns after four years. Classic IPs such as Chinese Paladin 4, Shang Shan, and Trash Sweeper in the Wasteland World will receive animated adaptations. Source

“Wicked 2” Sets Mainland China Release for December 24
On November 20, the film Wicked 2 released its China release-date trailer and poster, confirming a December 24 theatrical debut. Jon M. Chu returns as director, with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and others reprising their roles. As the storm engulfs the mystical land, Elphaba and Glinda stand at a crossroads of fate. Source

“Witness for the Prosecution” to Release in Mainland China on December 5
On November 21, the 1957 classic mystery film Witness for the Prosecution announced its China release date with a new poster. The film, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton, is adapted from Agatha Christie’s short story of the same name. Centered on the defense of a murder case, it holds an impressive 9.6 rating from 690,000 viewers on Douban. Source

Sony to Produce a Labubu Movie
On November 14, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively revealed that Sony Pictures has acquired the film rights to Labubu, the character under POP MART. The project is planned as a film series and is currently in early development with no creative team attached. Designed by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu skyrocketed in popularity through blind-box releases, with limited editions reaching six-digit resale prices. Source

New Adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” Sets Release Date
On November 18, a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility announced its release dates: September 11, 2026 in North America, and September 25 in the U.K. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as elder sister Elinor, while Esme Creed-Miles (Hanna) plays Marianne. Directed by Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean), the film is produced in collaboration by Focus Features and Working Title.