The days are drawing in, and a comforting darkness descends. It’s a signal – a permission slip, almost – to retreat indoors, draw the curtains against the early sunset, and lose yourself in the captivating world of film. As awards season approaches, a wave of compelling stories is breaking onto screens, beginning this week with a gripping new thriller from the acclaimed director of *The Hurt Locker*.
This week’s global charts reveal a diverse landscape of entertainment, from heart-stopping suspense to chilling horror, heartwarming dramas, and unsettling true crime investigations. Two films are locked in a tight race for tenth place, each garnering 3,300,000 views. *Taken In Plain Sight* is a relentless thriller following a mother’s desperate search for her kidnapped daughter when official investigations stall. Simultaneously, *Attack 13* unleashes a Thai horror story set within a high school, where a new student ignites a brutal rivalry with a bullying volleyball captain – a rivalry that extends beyond the grave.
Moving up the ranks, *27 Nights* has captivated 3,900,000 viewers. This Argentine drama, initially showcased at the Toronto Film Festival, centers on an 80-year-old art patron admitted to a psychiatric clinic by her daughters. But is she truly unwell, or simply determined to savor the freedom of her remaining years? The story is powerfully inspired by the real-life experience of artist Natalia Kohen, who faced a similar misdiagnosis and fought for her autonomy.
A gentle counterpoint to the suspenseful offerings, *Caramelo* has resonated with 6,700,000 viewers. This Brazilian drama tells a profoundly moving story of connection. A chef facing a terminal illness finds an unlikely companion in a caramel-colored dog rescued from the roadside. Their bond blossoms at a time when both desperately need a friend, a testament to the healing power of companionship.
A blast from the past arrives at number seven, with *Don’t Say A Word* drawing in 7,600,000 viewers. This 2002 thriller stars Michael Douglas as a psychiatrist whose world is shattered when his daughter is kidnapped. To secure her release, he must unlock the secrets held by one of his patients, a woman haunted by PTSD, who unknowingly possesses the key to a stolen gemstone coveted by a dangerous abductor.
Perfect timing for half-term, *The Twits* continues to delight audiences with 8,100,000 views. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1980 novel, this animated adventure follows two orphans who team up with magical animals to liberate their city from the spectacularly unpleasant Mr. and Mrs. Twit. Featuring the voices of Emilia Clarke and Natalie Portman, it’s a whimsical escape for the whole family.
Slipping from the top spot but still commanding attention, *The Woman In Cabin 10* has amassed nearly 10 million views. Journalist Laura “Lo” Blacklock, played by Keira Knightley, witnesses a shocking event aboard a luxury yacht – a passenger falling overboard. But when no one believes her, she’s forced to risk everything to uncover a disturbing truth hidden beneath the glamorous surface.
A new entry at number four, *The Elixir* has spooked 11,400,000 viewers. This Indonesian horror film, released just in time for Halloween, unfolds in a remote village where a struggling herbalist discovers a potion with the seemingly miraculous ability to reverse aging. But as with all things that seem too good to be true, the elixir unleashes a terrifying chain of events, plunging the family into a desperate fight for survival.
Still a phenomenon after 19 weeks, *KPop Demon Hunters* continues to dominate with 14,600,000 views. The story follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, members of the successful band Huntr/x, who lead a double life as demon hunters. Their unique skills are put to the test when a mysterious new boyband arrives on the scene, hinting at a darker force at play.
Holding strong at number two, *The Perfect Neighbour* has captivated 20,200,000 viewers with its chilling true crime narrative. The film delves into the tragic events that unfolded in Ocala, Florida, in the summer of 2023, when Ajike Owens was fatally shot by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. Utilizing bodycam footage, the documentary explores the escalating neighborhood disputes that culminated in a devastating act of violence. It’s a deeply unsettling, yet undeniably compelling watch, already generating Oscar buzz.
Claiming the top spot with a resounding 22,100,000 views is *A House Of Dynamite*, the latest political thriller from Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director. The film unfolds in real-time, presenting a tense and multifaceted account of the US government’s response to an unexplained missile launch on Chicago. Featuring a stellar cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Jared Harris, Jason Clarke, Gabriel Basso, and Idris Elba as the President, it’s a brilliant and thought-provoking cinematic experience, even if its ambiguous ending sparks debate.
