As we bid farewell to February and welcome March, the cinematic landscape on PVOD and various streaming services is set to flourish with a diverse selection of films. This week’s offerings boast an impressive roster of talent, including Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Adam Sandler, Jason Momoa, and Jacob Elordi, covering genres from Oscar-nominated dramas like ‘Poor Things’ to blockbuster epics such as ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’ Here’s a glimpse into the movies making their debut on streaming platforms this week, with an update last provided on February 26.
VOD
Lisa Frankenstein (Zelda Williams)
Release Date: Tuesday, February 27
Diablo Cody, celebrated for her Oscar-winning work on ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘Juno,’ teams up with first-time director Zelda Williams for ‘Lisa Frankenstein.’ This romantic horror comedy stars Kathryn Newton as Lisa Swallows, a teenager haunted by her mother’s gruesome murder. Facing challenges at home with her stepfamily and struggling to find her place, Lisa’s life takes a turn when she revives a Victorian man (Cole Sprouse) with a lightning strike, leading to an unlikely romance. The film also features performances by Joe Chrest, Henry Eikenberry, Bryce Romero, and Jenna Davis.
Monster (Hirokazu Kore-eda)
Release Date: Tuesday, February 27
From the visionary mind of Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for ‘Shoplifters,’ comes ‘Monster.’ This narrative centers around Minato (Sōya Kurokawa), whose erratic behavior concerns his mother, Saori (Sakura Andō). The situation worsens when Minato is attacked by his teacher, leading to a spiral of events that unveil a complex relationship with his classmate, Yori (Hinata Hiiragi). The film explores themes of misunderstanding and the nuanced dynamics of human relationships.
Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos)
Release Date: Tuesday, February 27
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘Poor Things’ stars Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, a young Victorian woman resurrected by the eccentric surgeon Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) after her suicide. With the brain of an infant, Bella navigates the world with a unique innocence, embarking on a journey that brings her face to face with a diverse cast of characters. This adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel has been nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone’s performance. The film’s ensemble cast includes notable names such as Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael, Kathryn Hunter, and Margaret Qualley, enhancing its appeal with stellar performances across the board.
The Sweet East (Sean Price Williams)
Release Date: Tuesday, February 27
In Sean Price Williams’ ‘The Sweet East,’ Talia Ryder stars as Lillian, a high school senior whose trip to Washington, D.C., veers off course, setting her on an unexpected adventure across the Eastern Seaboard. Encountering a host of peculiar characters, Lillian’s journey is as bizarre as it is enlightening. The film features Earl Cave, Simon Rex, Ayo Edebiri, Jeremy O. Harris, Jacob Elordi, Rish Shah, and Andy Milonakis.
Netflix
Code 8: Part Two (Jeff Chan)
Release Date: Thursday, February 29
Robbie Amell returns as Connor Reed in ‘Code 8: Part II,’ the sequel to the 2019 indie sci-fi hit. This next chapter sees Connor attempting to live a quieter life after his entanglement with the criminal world, working as a janitor while trying to stay under the radar. However, his life takes another dramatic turn when he decides to assist a young runaway, Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus), drawing him back into a confrontation with corrupt forces. The film, also starring Stephen Amell, Altair Vincent, Alex Mallari Jr., Moe Jeudy-Lamour, Aaron Abrams, and Jean Yoon, explores themes of power, responsibility, and redemption.
Spaceman (Johan Renck)
Release Date: Friday, March 1
Following his critically acclaimed performances in ‘Punch Drunk Love,’ ‘Uncut Gems,’ and ‘Hustle,’ Adam Sandler steps into a dramatic role in ‘Spaceman,’ directed by Johan Renck (‘Chernobyl’). This sci-fi drama, inspired by Jaroslav Kalfař’s ‘Spaceman of Bohemia,’ follows astronaut Jakub (played by Sandler) as he ventures into the far reaches of the solar system, wrestling with personal demons and a troubled relationship with his wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan). An encounter with a philosophically inclined alien spider named Hanuš (Paul Dano) offers Jakub a unique perspective on life. The film’s cast also includes Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, and Isabella Rossellini.
Available on Netflix
Apple TV+
Napoleon (Ridley Scott)
Release Date: Friday, March 1
Ridley Scott directs Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ a film that reexamines the tumultuous life and legacy of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. This historical epic, marking a reunion over two decades after ‘Gladiator,’ explores Napoleon’s ascent during the French Revolution and his complex relationship with Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby). Known for its grand battle scenes and intricate storytelling, the film also features Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, and Ben Miles.
Available on Apple TV+
Max
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (James Wan)
Release Date: Tuesday, February 27
Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ the much-anticipated sequel directed by James Wan. With Atlantis under threat from Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and the ominous Black Trident, Arthur Curry is compelled to ally with Orm (Patrick Wilson), his half-brother, in a bid to safeguard their underwater realm. The film features returning stars Amber Heard, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Kidman, with Martin Short joining as Kingfish.
Available on Max
