If you're in the mood for escapism this weekend - and a lot of us are - quality science-fiction is a good vehicle to do it with.
Arrival has just opened in New Zealand cinemas to widespread critical acclaim as a thoughtful and intelligent take on what would happen if extra-terrestrials turned up on Earth.
It focuses on diplomacy rather than combat, and features some extraordinarily directed sequences of humans making first contact.
Knowing little of what to expect will yield the best viewing experience, but go in assured that Arrival makes an important and beautiful statement about humanity - like a lot of great sci-fi does.
The revelation Arrival builds to didn't land as strongly for me as it has with other critics, and I found the film occasionally dull, but it is absolutely worth seeing in-cinema nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Event Horizon is vastly different alternative available for home viewing that's brilliant in a more 'turn-your-brain-off' way - hugely unintelligent when compared to Arrival, the satisfaction instead comes through schlocky thrills and gory spookiness. And Sam Neill.
A dark 1997 horror that plays a bit like The Shining in space with a few Hellraiser elements thrown in, it's rough around the edges but lovably twisted and just plain super cool - a monumental achievement, considering it's made by the generally abysmal Paul W.S. Anderson.
The story follows a crew sent to rescue or salvage a spaceship that has been missing for a long period of time. When they find it, they uncover something unspeakable, bringing with it death and absolute terror for those onboard.
While the world events of this week have made some people wish they could leave the planet, Event Horizon is a graphic illustration of how things out there may just be far, far worse.
Newshub.
