Looking for your weekend watchlist? This weekend’s offerings bring a mix of chilling thrillers, epic sagas, and emotional journeys. Channing Tatum steps into a sinister role in “Blink Twice,” while Kevin Costner returns to the Western genre with “Horizon: An American Saga.” Whether you’re heading to the theaters, streaming from the comfort of your couch, or renting on VOD, here’s what you can’t miss.
In Theaters
‘Blink Twice’
Zoë Kravitz steps behind the camera for the first time with “Blink Twice,” a satirical thriller that plunges you into the lavish yet deceptive world of the super-rich. The film follows Frida, a vivacious cocktail waitress, and her friend Jess, who get whisked away to a private island by billionaire Slater King. While Frida revels in the island’s excesses, Jess’s sudden disappearance forces her to uncover the truth behind the glitz. Expect suspense, vibrant performances, and a story that keeps you guessing, even if the finale wobbles a bit.
‘The Crow’
Bill Skarsgård sheds his clown persona from “IT” and dons a darker, more tragic identity as “The Crow.” This reboot of the iconic 1994 film dives into the story of Eric, a man brought back from the dead to avenge the brutal murder of himself and his girlfriend. The film leans heavily into its Gen Z vibes with moody visuals and a storyline that’s more about the atmosphere than logic. It’s a hit or miss depending on your tolerance for melodramatic, goth-inspired cinema.
‘Strange Darling’
“Strange Darling” offers a twisted game of cat-and-mouse where nothing is as it seems. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner star in this thriller that starts with a seemingly innocent one-night stand and spirals into a deadly pursuit. Director J.T. Mollner crafts a narrative full of misdirection and tension, making this a standout in the psychological thriller genre. If you’re in the mood for something dark and unpredictable, this is your ticket.
Streaming on Max
‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’
Kevin Costner returns to the Western genre with “Horizon: An American Saga,” a sprawling epic that tries to capture the American spirit across 15 years surrounding the Civil War. Despite an ensemble cast packed with talent, the film feels more like a prelude than a full story. It’s beautifully shot but lacks the punch needed to stand on its own. If you’re into slow-burn tales with the promise of something bigger, this might be for you, but otherwise, you might want to wait for the next chapter.
Streaming on Apple TV+
‘Pachinko’ Season 2
“Pachinko” returns for a second season, continuing its multi-generational saga with two intertwining storylines set in 1945 Osaka and 1989 Tokyo. The show remains a masterclass in storytelling, capturing the emotional and historical weight of its characters’ experiences. Whether it’s the resilience in Sunja’s story or Solomon’s quest for identity, the series continues to be a moving, immersive experience. It’s one of Apple TV+’s crown jewels, so don’t miss it.
Streaming on Peacock
‘The Killer’
John Woo returns to the helm with a remake of his own classic, “The Killer.” While this version heads straight to streaming on Peacock, it doesn’t lack the director’s signature flair for action. The film boasts several thrilling set pieces that showcase Woo’s mastery of the genre. However, it struggles under the weight of comparison to the original, with its digital aesthetic feeling somewhat lifeless and the runtime dragging in places. Despite these drawbacks, the movie stands out among the usual streaming fare, offering a solid action experience that, while not matching the brilliance of its predecessor, still delivers on excitement.
Streaming on VOD
‘Inside Out 2’
“Inside Out 2” revisits the colorful, emotional landscape of Riley’s mind, delivering a safe yet enjoyable sequel to the beloved original. The film continues to explore the inner workings of the human psyche, with Michael Giacchino’s familiar score guiding the way. However, while the movie charms with its humor and heart, it doesn’t quite reach the same depth as its predecessor. Some might see it as a more mainstream and less culturally specific version of “Turning Red,” lacking the vibrant cultural details and metaphors that made that film stand out. Nevertheless, it offers a relatable journey through the emotional ups and downs of adolescence.
‘Longlegs’
Indie horror fans, rejoice! “Longlegs,” the talk of the festival circuit, is finally available to stream. Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film follows FBI agent Lee Harker as she hunts down a satanic serial killer. With Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage leading the cast, expect a chilling, slow-burn thriller that ramps up to a terrifying conclusion. The horror here is as psychological as it is visceral, making it a must-watch for genre aficionados.
‘Oddity’
“Oddity,” directed by Damian McCarthy, is a supernatural thriller that lingers in the unsettling rather than diving into outright terror. The film centers around Ted Timmis, a physician haunted by the brutal murder of his wife, Dani, at their secluded Irish home. A year later, Dani’s twin sister, Darcy—played with eerie duality by Carolyn Bracken—visits Ted, bringing with her a life-sized wooden mannequin that belonged to their mother. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, Ted and his girlfriend Yana find themselves trapped in a chilling mystery that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. With its minimalist approach and claustrophobic setting, “Oddity” weaves an unnerving atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge, though some characters may feel underdeveloped. The film’s foreboding tone is enhanced by a haunting sound design and a tense score, making it a gripping watch for fans of psychological horror.
‘Evil Does Not Exist’
Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns with “Evil Does Not Exist,” a film that delves into the clash between urban developers and rural residents over the construction of a glamping site. This quiet yet intense drama, set against the serene backdrop of the countryside, captures the escalating tensions between the two groups as they argue over something as seemingly mundane as the placement of a septic tank. Fans of slow-burn narratives and environmental themes, particularly those who enjoy the work of Kelly Reichardt, will find themselves engrossed in this poignant tale of resistance and resilience.
