Stop Scrolling and Start Watching: Spling’s WKNDwatchlist is Here

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With so much to watch these days, deciding on a movie can be overwhelming. That’s where Stephen Aspeling, known as Spling, comes in. This film critic, based in Cape Town, has become a go-to source for recommendations in South Africa, turning the weekly question of “what should we watch?” into a carefully chosen experience with his WKNDwatchlist series.

The Friday Ritual: WKNDwatchlist

Each Friday, Spling shares the WKNDwatchlist, a quick and helpful guide to what’s worth watching. It covers everything from new releases in cinemas like Ster-Kinekor to streaming options on platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Disney+, helping you find both popular blockbusters and hidden independent films.

The WKNDwatchlist stands out because it doesn’t just tell you what movies to watch, but explains why they’re worth your time. Spling provides background and context, and recent episodes have included:

Explore the nominees for the SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards), including compelling titles like Old Righteous Blues, A Kind of Madness, and Death of a Whistleblower. Stream them now!

I’m really excited about the Oscars this year! There’s a great series breaking down all the movies that could win Best Picture, and it’s been super helpful for me to understand what’s happening and who to root for. I’m watching it now, and you can too!

“Don’t WING it, SPL!NG it!”

The saying isn’t just a play on words – it actually reflects a deliberate way of looking at things.

Spling started his film criticism journey in 2007 by challenging himself to review one movie every day for a year. This daily practice helped him develop a unique approach, focusing on the immersive experience of film and treating all movies with respect, no matter how big or small their budgets are. He intentionally avoids being elitist, preferring to judge each film based on its own qualities, whether it’s a massive blockbuster or a small, independent production.

A Multi-Platform Authority

Beyond the WKNDwatchlist, Spling is a fixture of South African media:

Broadcasting: He has hosted over 650 episodes of Talking Movies on Fine Music Radio.

He wrote a book called The Essence of Dreams, which collected his popular film reviews and included imaginative illustrations.

He’s a strong voice for quality filmmaking, both in South Africa and internationally. As the founder of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA) and a member of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), he actively champions the art of cinema.

The Critic as a Collaborator

A particularly interesting part of Spling’s work in 2026 is his involvement with ReviewMyScript.com, where he provides feedback on film scripts. This allows him to go beyond simply watching and reviewing movies – he now actively helps to make South African films better, offering his insights before they’re even completed.

With so many streaming services suggesting shows based on your past choices, Spling provides a refreshing change – genuine human recommendations. His WKNDwatchlist isn‘t just a list of films; it’s like getting advice from a knowledgeable friend who’s seen countless movies, helping you choose something great to watch without relying on chance.

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2026-03-20 22:43