This Fourth of July weekend, streamers have a wealth of new cinematic options, including major box office hits and intriguing genre fare. Prime Video, Netflix, and HBO Max are all adding significant titles, offering something for every taste.
Headlining the releases is "Project Hail Mary," now streaming on Prime Video. The sci-fi adventure, based on Andy Weir's novel, follows a high school teacher turned astronaut on a mission to save Earth. Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the film has been praised for its blend of humor and emotion, with Polygon noting its ability to balance scientific concepts with a strong narrative core. Ryan Gosling stars as the protagonist Ryland Grace.
For horror enthusiasts, "Obsession," a surprise box office hit, is available for digital rent and buy. This supernatural thriller from director Curry Barker explores the dark side of a granted wish. An unleashed version of the film includes a 19-minute bonus feature delving into the production process. Another horror entry, "Lee Cronin’s The Mummy," is available on HBO Max. This film focuses on a family dealing with a daughter’s return after disappearing in Egypt, only to find her possessed by a demonic entity.
Netflix adds to its library with "Enola Holmes 3," continuing the adventures of Sherlock Holmes's clever sister. The latest installment sees Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown, facing a new mystery when her brother is kidnapped, just as she is preparing for her own wedding. The sequel has been lauded for building upon the strengths of its predecessor.
Other notable additions include "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come," which continues the survival game from the first film and is available on Hulu. "Crime 101," inspired by heist films like "Heat," stars Chris Hemsworth as a jewel thief on the verge of retirement and is available on Prime Video. "Silent Friend," a critically acclaimed historical drama spanning multiple timelines, can be found on VOD. For martial arts fans, "Blades of the Guardians," set in ancient China, is also available on VOD. The crime thriller "The Get Out," starring Russell Crowe, and the horror film "Smothered," about a memory-loss victim encountering a mysterious old woman, round out the weekend's offerings on VOD and Shudder respectively.