Ready to hunker down for the weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling horror sequel, an alien-filled revival, or a nostalgic docudrama, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your curated guide to the movies and TV shows you can’t miss.
Smile 2 (Parker Finn)
Parker Finn returns to the director’s chair for Smile 2, doubling down on the tension, terror, and thematic underpinnings that made the original a surprise hit. As a satire of modern fame mixed with supernatural horror, this sequel plunges into dark, grotesque waters, all while keeping viewers on the edge with expertly crafted jump scares. While it may not land every punch, the ambition and clever target satire prove Finn isn’t afraid to explore new territory—and that’s a reason to smile (uneasily).
In theaters now
Saturday Night (Jason Reitman)
Jason Reitman crafts a love letter to live television with Saturday Night, releasing theatrically to honor the 50-year anniversary of SNL’s iconic debut. The film captures the chaos and creativity of the hours leading up to the show’s very first episode, with Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) leading a frantic, ambitious ensemble. It’s a madcap tribute to the genesis of one of television’s most enduring institutions, capturing the magic, adrenaline, and tension that comes from taking risks in real time.
In theaters now
Alien: Romulus (Fede Alvarez)
In Alien: Romulus, Fede Alvarez takes Ridley Scott’s universe to grim new places, exploring how ordinary people survive when profit-driven forces unleash true horror. Alvarez, no stranger to reinventing beloved franchises, brings his gritty sensibility to this sci-fi horror entry, ensuring the classic tension is amped up by new twists and turns. For those craving a return to chest-bursting terror, this installment is both a familiar nightmare and a fresh descent into alien darkness.
Streaming on VOD
Lee (Ellen Kuras)
Kate Winslet is nothing short of magnetic in Ellen Kuras’ Lee, portraying American war photographer Lee Miller with fierce determination. Winslet embodies Miller’s complex character—from her rebellious attitude to her empathetic eye behind the camera. The biopic format may follow familiar beats, but Winslet’s powerful performance elevates every scene. It’s a portrait of a woman who refused to sit on the sidelines of history, and Kuras ensures her groundbreaking spirit is front and center.
Streaming on VOD
The Wild Robot (Chris Sanders)
Chris Sanders breathes life into the titular character in The Wild Robot, a heartfelt animated tale that brings a mechanical outsider into the natural world. Full of lush landscapes and nuanced animation, the film’s depiction of a robot finding its place within the wilderness speaks to the power of community and connection. The movie deftly combines emotional storytelling with vibrant visuals to deliver a touching journey perfect for families and animation enthusiasts alike.
Streaming on VOD
Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara (Erin Lee Carr)
Fanatical offers a chilling examination of celebrity parasocial relationships gone wrong, as Erin Lee Carr dissects a catfishing scheme targeting fans of the Canadian duo Tegan and Sara. It’s a sobering look at the dark side of fandom, laying bare the vulnerabilities created by social media. The documentary pulls no punches, showcasing how quickly admiration can twist into something predatory. Carr’s documentary style keeps the story intimate and honest, making it all the more harrowing.
Streaming on Hulu
Woman Of The Hour (Anna Kendrick)
Anna Kendrick directs and stars in Woman Of The Hour, a chilling look at the intersection of pop culture and crime. Chronicling the time Rodney Alcala—later revealed as a serial killer—appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game, Kendrick’s film dives into this macabre real-life story. Kendrick masterfully conveys both the absurdity and danger of the situation, bringing a dark edge to the otherwise light-hearted show. It’s as much a thriller as it is an unsettling reflection of societal blind spots.
Streaming on Netflix
Hysteria! (Season 1)
Set amidst the 1980s Satanic panic, Hysteria! takes viewers on a twisted journey into fear, fame, and teenage rebellion. When three ambitious teens claim Satanist status to promote their heavy-metal band, they unwittingly draw the wrong kind of attention. With Julie Bowen and Bruce Campbell providing memorable supporting roles, the series brings both scares and laughs, reveling in ’80s nostalgia while poking at the absurdities of the era’s moral hysteria.
Streaming on Peacock
Saturday Night Live (Season 50)
Michael Keaton is back to host Saturday Night Live, fresh off his Beetlejuice Beetlejuice success. His comedic chops are as sharp as ever, making this a must-watch as he takes on sketches inspired by his latest film Goodrich. Billie Eilish joins as the musical guest, promising both catchy tunes and the potential for comedic crossover moments that fans have come to love. It’s a blend of nostalgia and fresh content that makes Season 49’s latest episode buzzworthy.
NBC, Saturday, 11:30 p.m, Peacock after
Rivals (Limited Series)
Based on Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel, Rivals thrusts viewers into the scandalous world of 1980s British high society. The rivalry between Parliament member Alex Hassell and aristocrat David Tennant spills into public and private arenas alike, promising betrayals, illicit affairs, and plenty of backstabbing. With its cast of nuanced characters—played by Victoria Smurfit, Aidan Turner, and more—this limited series serves up a delightful dose of posh soap opera drama, complete with biting wit and glamour.
Streaming on Hulu
It’s Florida, Man (Season 1)
In It’s Florida, Man, a star-studded ensemble reenacts the bizarre and hilariously true stories that could only happen in the Sunshine State. Anna Faris and Jake Johnson lead the charge, bringing larger-than-life characters to the screen in a series that’s as much documentary as it is comedic reinterpretation. These wild, outlandish moments—intermixed with interviews from the real individuals behind the tales—are guaranteed to leave audiences wondering if truth really is stranger than fiction.
HBO on Friday, Max after
