The Best New Movies to Stream This Week
This week’s list of (mostly) new movies hitting streaming sites includes Orion and the Darkness , a Netflix original for the proverbial “whole family”; and Deeks: The Musical , an R-rated musical comedy aimed only at cool families. There’s also the horror holiday X , the criminally obscure romantic comedy Flaws , and a couple of classics that you should either watch or re-watch, depending on your life situation.
Orion and the Darkness (2024)
This animated Netflix original was written by Charlie Kaufman ( Being John Malkovich, Adaptation ), so don’t expect your standard kids movie. The main character in Orion and the Darkness , based on the children’s book by Emma Yarlett, is a shy elementary school student who is afraid of almost everything, but his greatest fear is the dark. When the embodiment of darkness appears, Orion will have to face his greatest nightmare and come to terms with the darkness.
Where to watch: Netflix
Dicks: The Musical (2024)
Dix takes musical theater tropes and gives them the South Park treatment, infusing the self-aware, trashy production with provocative adult comedy. Craig and Trevor are the title’s protagonists, a pair of alpha male salesmen who decide that they are actually “damn identical twins” even though they don’t look alike. Their next logical step is to trick “their” parents into getting back together. It’s like The Parent Trap if the father was gay. The cast includes Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Bowen Young and Megan Thee Stallion, which should really be enough to earn your click.
Where to stream: Max
Disadvantages (2023)
I’m a fan of indie comics, and Flaws caught my attention because it’s based on a graphic novel by Adrian Tomine, who also wrote the screenplay. Like Tomine’s comics, Flaws is all about subtlety and naturalism rather than bombast. It sets the tone through contrast, starting with a parody of Crazy Rich Asians and then following the lives of slightly crazy, not-so-rich Asians Ben and Miko as they try to straighten out their complicated relationship. San Francisco. If you like quiet, arthouse rom-coms, don’t miss Flaws .
Where to watch: Netflix
Up Next: An American Story (2024)
American legend Bill Bradley tells his own story in the documentary Rolling Along. Much of Rolling Along consists of footage from Bradley’s one-man show, in which he talks about his remarkable life. He was a Hall of Fame basketball player who led the Knicks to two championships. He then turned to politics and was elected to the US Senate, where he served three terms and changed American life at least as much as he changed basketball. If you want hard-won wisdom from a guy who crammed at least three lives into one, watch Rolling Along.
Where to stream: Max
Ghost Story (2017)
If you’re hoping for mindless horror movie thrills, A Ghost Story isn’t your best choice. If you’re looking for a fairytale movie about heartbreak and the passage of time, this is it. A Ghost Story has a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its smart pacing, outstanding acting and willingness to take cinematic risks. It’s strictly arthouse, but there’s a ghost in it. The ghost wears the traditional dress of “a sheet with holes cut in it for eyes” and looks more like an image of grief and loss than a traditional spirit, but a ghost is a ghost nonetheless.
Where to stream : Max
X (2022)
If you’re looking for horror that’s far removed from arthouse ruminations on woe, skip A Ghost Story instead and watch X. Fiercely violent and inventive, director Ti West’s film proves that the slasher genre isn’t really dead. He was just waiting, like Jason, to jump from the bottom of the lake and drag us to our deaths. The story takes place in the 1970s on a farm that was used as a set for a porn film called The Farmer’s Daughter. ” X ” is deliciously sleazy and unapologetically brutal, but it has a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so that’s good too. Take, for example , A Ghost Story .
Where to watch: Netflix
The Elephant Man (1980)
This is one of the best films ever made. In The Elephant Man, David Lynch tells the true story of John Merrick, a man with a facial deformity so severe that he can only survive by being cast as a freak in a London sideshow. Given a new lease of life by idealistic surgeon Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick soon becomes the toast of 1800s British society, but it’s just a different kind of freak show. Lynch reigns in the excesses of his surreal cinematic style, portraying Merrick and Treves with sensitivity, grace and humanity, but Lynchian madness is still evident in The Elephant Man’s dream sequences, first- person montages and in the corners of every frame. If Merrick’s impassioned defense of his dignity in the famous train station scene doesn’t make you cry, we probably shouldn’t be friends.
Where to watch: Prime
From Beyond (1986)
The insatiable thirst for streaming content allows you to watch movies you otherwise wouldn’t even know existed; If you didn’t know 1986’s From Beyond existed, here’s your wake-up call. Directed by Stuart “Re-Animator” Gordon, From Beyond combines Lovecraftian cosmic horror with creature effects from the make-it-gooey period horror, but it really shines because Gordon has a great eye and a unique, self-aware sense of trash cinema . humor.
Where to watch : Prime
Last week’s pick
King Richard (2021)
In this sports biopic, Will Smith plays Richard Williams, the father of tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams. Smith gives one of the best performances of his career (and won an Academy Award for Best Actor) as his daughters’ coach in this inspiring story that explores family, dedication, and the sacrifices that come with the pursuit of excellence. .
Where to watch : Hulu
The Imitation Game (2014)
Almost born for the role, Benedict Cumberbatch plays pioneering computer scientist Alan Turing in this historical thriller. Turing, along with a group of other cryptologists and outcasts, legitimately saved the world by breaking the Enigma code during World War II, and was rewarded with years of post-war persecution and bullying for being gay. The imitation game basically boils down to a more exciting game of “we have to crack the code!” part of Turing’s life story, not his depressing later days.
Where to watch : Hulu
Astro Kid (2019)
Astro Kid proves that great CG movies can’t just be made by Pixar or Illumination. This charming film hails from France, and its quieter style contrasts nicely with the over-the-top American animation. The main character of Astro Kid is Willie, a resourceful 10-year-old boy stranded on a distant planet with only a robot for company. Although it’s aimed at kids, parents will be delighted (or at least entertained) too.
Where to watch : Prime (FreeVee)
Another Zoe (2023)
A romantic comedy doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel, and The Other Zoey doesn’t try to do that. Instead, it focuses on using the beats that have worked particularly well since Shakespeare made them (cute, mistaken identities, lovers of nothing in common, etc.). Truly witty dialogue, charismatic acting and a fresh plot make for an above-average rom-com.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan stands out among the crowd of zombie films with its breakneck pace, interesting setting (the action takes place almost entirely on a train), and surprisingly heartfelt emotional core. Busan uses the rise of the dead to explore capitalism, class and the cost of modernity, but you can ignore this if you just want to enjoy the roaring explosion of the undead instead.
Where to watch : Netflix
Shoplifters (2018)
Shoplifters explores Japan’s petty underworld through a family who survive on five-finger discounts, stealing everything they need to survive in a cold world. The Shoplifters characters, living on the edge, are portrayed with rare compassion and humanity, leading to a conclusion that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Where to watch: Hulu
Fight (2020)
The American Civil Liberties Union has been busy during the Trump years. This documentary explores some of the battles the ACLU was fighting at the time, featuring four overworked, idealistic lawyers on the front lines of defending immigrant rights, transgender rights, election integrity, and even the rights of white supremacists to hold rallies (ACLU Knife cuts both). ways). It’s a fascinating look at the frontline struggle for rights that you’ll find fascinating if you can relive those tumultuous days.
Where to watch : Hulu
Hail Satan? (2019)
If you like civil rights documentaries, why not make it a double feature and watch Hail Satan? This film examines the activities of the Satanic Temple, which uses confrontational tactics to combat attacks on free speech and the separation of church and state. They also have a good time because defending our rights with Satan is much more fun.
Where to stream : Max
King of Comedy (1983)
If you haven’t seen Martin Scorsese’s 1982 masterpiece The King of Comedy in years, rewatch it tonight; the second or twelfth viewing is even better. The obvious inspiration for Joker, The King of Comedy eviscerates celebrity culture and the American myth of “making it” through ingenuity and courage. The film is not inspiring, but unforgettable.
Where to watch : Hulu
Baby Driver (2017)
Baby Driver features car chases and heists that are twice as exciting as any Fast and Furious movie, as well as smart and stylish. The little girl of the title is an expert at one thing: driving. He works as a driver for a gang of thieves, but Baby wants to leave. Everything behind it and freedom is the last job. Spoiler: things don’t go smoothly.
Where to watch: Prime (FreeVee)
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Forget Stephen King’s It ; Killer Klowns from Outer Space is the best killer clown movie ever made. This iconic horror-comedy is still relevant all these years later thanks to its superb design, inventive effects and crazy plot. If you’re a fan of movies that don’t take themselves too seriously, check out Killer Klowns .
Where to watch : Prime
Return to Seoul (2023)
French-Cambodian director Davy Chow explores and deconstructs widespread myths about identity and culture through protagonist Frederique Benoit’s journey to Korea. Born in Korea and adopted by a French family, Freddie (that’s her name) is now a 25-year-old traveler who accidentally ended up in a “homeland” with which she has little connection. If you’re hoping for a standard “search for cultural and personal identity” story, this isn’t it; it is much more subtle and complex.
Where to watch : Prime