Every week, Polygon brings you a curated selection of the most significant new releases available for streaming and Video on Demand (VOD), showcasing the standout films that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
This week introduces Smile 2, the chilling sequel to director Parker Finn’s breakout horror hit, which has recently ventured onto VOD after its theatrical premiere in September. For those who are looking to explore beyond supernatural scares, consider diving into the fresh sci-fi horror offering Alien: Romulus. Directed by the renowned Fede Álvarez, this latest chapter in the iconic Alien franchise slithers onto Hulu, alongside the heartfelt Nick Jonas-led comedy-drama The Good Half and the gripping historical drama Firebrand, featuring a stunning performance from Alicia Vikander.
Additionally, streaming services overflow with a variety of options this weekend. Viewers can immerse themselves in the gripping historical survival drama Blitz on Apple TV Plus; catch The Piano Lesson, starring John David Washington from Tenet; enjoy the latest animated feature from Shrek director Vicky Jenson, titled Spellbound, now available on Netflix; and explore the intriguing Blink Twice on MGM Plus, among many other enticing new releases.
Here’s a comprehensive list of everything new that awaits your viewing pleasure this weekend!
Where to watch: Available to stream on Netflix
The Piano Lesson. (L-R) John David Washington as Boy Willie and Skylar Smith as Maretha in The Piano Lesson. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix Image: Netflix
Genre: Drama
Run time: 2h 5m
Director: Malcolm Washington
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher
This film marks the feature directorial debut of Malcolm Washington, adapting the acclaimed play by August Wilson for the cinematic landscape. Centered on the complexities of family dynamics in post-Great Depression Pittsburgh, The Piano Lesson highlights the internal strife within the Charles family over their treasured heirloom—a piano adorned with intricate designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. As tempers flare and conflicts escalate, the struggle over the piano threatens to unearth deep-rooted resentments and long-standing family tensions.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Netflix
Image: Netflix
Genre: Biographical drama
Run time: 1h 55m
Director: Ben Taylor
Cast: Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton
Joy paints the poignant tale of the first test-tube baby and the revolutionary journey of in vitro fertilization during the 1970s, told through the perspectives of nurse Jean Purdy, scientist Robert Edwards, and surgeon Patrick Steptoe. They face significant pushback as religious fanatics label their path as unnatural; however, they persist against all odds. Although Purdy’s critical contributions to IVF remained largely overlooked for decades, she has finally begun to receive the recognition she rightfully deserves.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Netflix
Image: Netflix
Genre: Fantasy comedy
Run time: 1h 49m
Director: Vicky Jenson
Cast: Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis
From the visionary director behind Shrek, Spellbound tells the enchanting story of a young princess striving to break a formidable spell that has turned her parents into terrifying monsters and divided her kingdom. Acclaimed composer Alan Menken provides the musical score, ensuring that the soundtrack will resonate with audiences, especially with Rachel Zegler leading the cast. Initially titled Split before undergoing several title changes, the film finally secured its current name, Spellbound, after transitioning between multiple streaming platforms.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Netflix
Image: Netflix
Genre: Musical rom-com
Run time: 1h 27m
Director: Peter Sullivan
Cast: Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff
Magic Mike meets a cozy Christmas movie in this delightful new Netflix holiday special. A determined dancer sets out to save her family’s performance venue by orchestrating a sultry all-male dance revue to raise the necessary funds. In her quest, she assembles a group of attractive men from her small town, teaching them the ropes of hip thrusting and shirt tearing—all while unexpectedly finding romance with one of her new recruits. Will she manage to rescue her parents’ beloved venue in time for Christmas? Given the genre’s predictable tropes, it’s likely; however, expect to see an abundance of bare torsos along the way.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Hulu
Image: 20th Century Studios
Genre: Sci-fi horror
Run time: 1h 59m
Director: Fede Álvarez
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Isabela Merced
Set two decades following the pivotal events of Ridley Scott’s Alien, Fede Álvarez’s thrilling sci-fi horror film follows three pairs of siblings grappling with their harrowing existence of indentured servitude to the formidable Weyland-Yutani megacorporation. As they embark on a desperate scavenging mission aboard a desolate space station, the siblings uncover horrors far surpassing their wildest nightmares instead of the freedom they seek.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Hulu
Image: Utopia
Genre: Comedy drama
Run time: 1h 36m
Director: Robert Schwartzman
Cast: Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, David Arquette
Starring Nick Jonas, the latest film The Good Half follows a writer who grapples with his emotional distance from family as he returns to Cleveland, Ohio, for his mother’s funeral. Avoiding his complicated familial ties for years, he finds himself forging new connections and re-examining old ones. Through this journey, he confronts his grief head-on while tackling the intricate dynamics of family drama. The film first graced the screen at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Hulu
Image: Vertical Entertainment
Genre: Historical drama
Run time: 2h 1m
Director: Karim Aïnouz
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
In this gripping historical drama, renowned King Henry VIII, infamous for his six marriages—two of which ended decidedly tragically—has Alicia Vikander starring as Katherine Parr, his sixth and final wife. The film delves into her struggle for survival amidst the increasingly erratic and paranoid behavior of her husband as his reign nears its tumultuous end.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Max
Image: DC Entertainment/Warner Bros. Animation
Genre: Superhero drama
Run time: 1h 23m
Director: Brandon Vietti
Cast: Troy Baker, Adrienne Barbeau, Corey Burton
In a refreshing revival, Watchmen returns as a dynamic multi-part animated film series. Set in an alternate 1985, the narrative follow a government-sponsored superhero’s mysterious murder, prompting the determined vigilante Rorschach to reunite with his estranged allies. Together, they plunge into the dark underbelly of New York City in pursuit of the truth surrounding this conspiracy that puts the entire world at risk. Will Rorschach be able to uncover the sinister forces before it spirals out of control?
Where to watch: Available to stream on Apple TV Plus
Image: Apple TV Plus
Genre: Drama
Run time: 2h
Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan, Harris Dickinson
In Blitz, Saoirse Ronan delivers a powerful performance as Rita, a resilient young mother determined to safeguard her son George (Elliott Heffernan) by sending him to the English countryside, hoping to evade the impending onslaught of Nazi Germany on London. However, when she discovers that her son has not reached his destination safely, Rita embarks on a harrowing quest to locate him, driven by maternal love in a time of chaos.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Apple TV Plus
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1h 30m
Director: Sahra Mani
Bread & Roses compellingly portrays the lives of women in Afghanistan navigating their existence under the Taliban regime. Through the poignant stories of three women—Sharifa, a former government worker now confined indoors; Zahra, a resilient dentist who organized fellow activists before enduring capture and torture; and Taranom, an exiled activist in Pakistan—the documentary sheds light on their courageous struggles. Premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, it received critical acclaim upon its debut.
Where to watch: Available to stream on MGM Plus
BLINK TWICE, Channing Tatum, 2024. © Amazon MGM Studios / courtesy Everett Collection Image: Amazon MGM Studios / Everett Collection
Genre: Psychological thriller
Run time: 1h 42m
Director: Zoë Kravitz
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater
Making her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz crafts a gripping psychological thriller with Blink Twice. The narrative follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress who is swept away to a luxurious private island by a tech mogul, initially drawn by the allure of extravagant parties. However, Frida soon realizes that something is amiss with the other female guests on the island, leading her into a web of intrigue and suspense. Interestingly, the film was previously known by the title Pussy Island, but this was altered due to objections from the Motion Picture Association.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Mubi US
Image: Mubi
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1h 30m
Director: Elizabeth Sankey
Cast: Catherine Cho, Sophia Di Martino, David Emson
Witches ventures into the historical portrayal of witches in films and culture, examining how these representations have shaped societal views on women, motherhood, and mental health. Using a wealth of cinematic references, Elizabeth Sankey expertly connects the dots between classic films like The Wizard of Oz, Girl, Interrupted, and Rosemary’s Baby to present an insightful critique on the vilification of women throughout history, underscoring the enduring power of this narrative.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Metrograph
Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm “SMILE 2” Image: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Supernatural horror
Run time: 2h 7m
Director: Parker Finn
Cast: Kyle Gallner, Naomi Scott, Lukas Gage
Smile dodging the streaming abyss and finding box-office success felt like a miracle, but Smile 2 is something even rarer: a horror sequel that outdoes its predecessor in every way. Rather than simply rehashing the original, Parker Finn pushes his clever premise to its logical extreme and builds some incredibly scary scenes to match. In fact, Finn ends Smile 2 in a spot that feels like the perfect conclusion to the franchise — and the perfect jumping-off point for the career of one of the most exciting horror directors of his generation.
In what ways does the documentary “Witches” challenge traditional stereotypes of femininity through its examination of witches in popular culture?
, and their impact on the perception of women throughout history. This documentary not only celebrates the power of storytelling but also critiques the often negative stereotypes associated with femininity and witchcraft.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Mubi US
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### Summary of Recent Film Releases
1. **Watchmen**
– **Genre:** Superhero drama
– **Run Time:** 1h 23m
– **Director:** Brandon Vietti
– **Cast:** Troy Baker, Adrienne Barbeau, Corey Burton
– **Plot:** Following a superhero’s murder in an alternate 1985, vigilante Rorschach teams up with former allies to uncover a dangerous conspiracy.
– **Where to Watch:** Apple TV Plus
2. **Blitz**
- **Genre:** Drama
– **Run Time:** 2h
– **Director:** Steve McQueen
– **Cast:** Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan, Harris Dickinson
– **Plot:** A mother’s quest to find her son amidst the chaos of WWII after sending him to safety in the English countryside.
– **Where to Watch:** Apple TV Plus
3. **Bread & Roses**
– **Genre:** Documentary
– **Run Time:** 1h 30m
- **Director:** Sahra Mani
– **Plot:** This film shines a light on the lives of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, exploring their struggles and resilience.
– **Where to Watch:** MGM Plus
4. **Blink Twice**
– **Genre:** Psychological thriller
– **Run Time:** 1h 42m
- **Director:** Zoë Kravitz
– **Cast:** Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater
– **Plot:** A cocktail waitress’s luxurious getaway turns sinister as she uncovers dark secrets on a private island.
– **Where to Watch:** Mubi US
5. **Witches**
– **Genre:** Documentary
– **Run Time:** 1h 30m
– **Director:** Elizabeth Sankey
– **Plot:** An exploration of how representations of witches in cinema influence societal views on women and mental health.
– **Where to Watch:** Mubi US
