This weekend offers a variety of new cinematic options across major streaming platforms and Video on Demand (VOD), catering to diverse tastes from action blockbusters to chilling horror. Whether you prefer to stay home or venture out digitally, there are plenty of choices for movie enthusiasts.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Still the year's highest-grossing film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now available for digital purchase. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the action film follows Peter Parker, portrayed by Tom Holland, as he navigates young adulthood in New York, reconnects with friends, and confronts new adversaries. The movie expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Spider-Man proving his resilience. Polygon's review highlighted how the film incorporates new elements like enhanced senses and natural webbing for Holland's Spider-Man, drawing comparisons to the early Sam Raimi films with its depiction of power discovery and a notable slow-motion sequence.
Insidious: Out of the Further
For horror fans, Insidious: Out of the Further, the sixth installment in the franchise, is available on VOD. The film introduces a new family and a new demon. It centers on Gemma, played by Amelia Eve, who experienced a traumatic childhood and is determined to provide a better one for her daughter. However, when new neighbors move in, Gemma's nightmares begin to blur the line between dreams and reality. According to Polygon's review, the movie features inventive scares, including unique dental horror elements and a memorable pillow fort sequence that balances jump scares with claustrophobia.
Disclosure Day
Steven Spielberg's return to the alien and sci-fi genre, Disclosure Day, is now streaming on Peacock. The film stars Josh O’Connor as a whistleblower and Emily Blunt as a meteorologist who team up to expose a conspiracy about the existence of aliens. Polygon's review noted that the film blends thriller elements with a sentimental tone, reminiscent of Spielberg's earlier works like E.T. rather than the action-thriller approach of War of the Worlds.
Onslaught
Director Adam Wingard returns to his horror roots with Onslaught, now available on VOD. The film follows an army veteran, portrayed by Adria Arjona, who must protect her daughter when supersoldiers target her trailer park. She bands together with her neighbors to survive the night. Polygon's review described the film as a blend of sci-fi horror, drawing comparisons to John Carpenter and the Terminator franchise, with a strong focus on violence and action.
Colony
From Yeon Sang-ho, the director of Train to Busan, comes Colony, a new horror film available on VOD. The story unfolds at a biotech conference where a scientist's self-infection triggers a rapid outbreak, leading to violent behavior among those infected. The film stars Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hyun-been.
Animals
Ben Affleck directs and stars in Animals, a thriller now available on Netflix. The film follows a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose marriage is strained when his son is kidnapped. As they scramble to raise ransom money, they risk uncovering secrets that could jeopardize their lives. Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson also star.
Matchbox: The Movie
Based on the popular toy car brand, Matchbox: The Movie is available on Apple TV. The action film features John Cena as a CIA agent who, after a night out, wakes up drugged and framed for stealing a nuclear bomb. He must lead his civilian friends on an international mission to clear their names.
Don’t Look Back in Anger
This documentary, available on Disney+, chronicles the reunion of the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, for the first time in 15 years. The film captures their global tour and features emotional moments between the siblings, serving as a tribute to their fans and the enduring legacy of Oasis.
Late Fame
Available on VOD, Late Fame stars Willem Dafoe as a post office worker and former poet whose passion is reignited when young creatives discover his work and hail him as a genius. The comedy-drama is directed by Kent Jones.
V/H/S Mixtape
Shudder presents V/H/S Mixtape, a new entry in the found footage horror franchise with a music theme. Directed by various filmmakers, including musicians like RZA and Flying Lotus, the anthology explores the darker aspects of the music industry.
