Here are eight new films generating buzz this week, showcasing a diverse range of genres from sci-fi horror to historical drama. Whether you’re a informal moviegoer or a committed cinephile, those movies are really well worth exploring.
1. ‘Alien: Romulus’
Fede Álvarez brings a fresh installment to the iconic Alien franchise, following a familiar formula of survival horror. The story centers on a mistreated contract worker, played by Cailee Spaeny, and her malfunctioning android companion (David Jonsson) as they battle extraterrestrial threats. While the movie offers plenty of jump scares and thrilling action, it lacks depth in character development. The heroine feels somewhat bland, and the writing doesn’t reach the heights of earlier entries in the franchise. However, Álvarez compensates with visually stunning set designs and engaging action sequences. Alien: Romulus may not break new ground, but it delivers the scares and spectacle fans of the series expect.
2. ‘Jackpot!’
Directed by Paul Feig, Jackpot! blends dystopian action with dark comedy. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, the plot revolves around a Grand Lottery, where the winner must fend off other participants who are legally allowed to kill them for the cash prize. Awkwafina plays an unsuspecting transplant who wins the lottery and finds herself in need of protection from a bodyguard, played by John Cena. While the film maintains a lively energy throughout, the humor often feels underdeveloped, and the plot stumbles with mixed metaphors. Despite its flaws, Jackpot! entertains with its high-octane action and quirky performances.
3. ‘Caligula: The Ultimate Cut’
Thomas Negovan’s re-edit of the controversial 1980 film Caligula presents a toned-down version of the original. Starring Malcolm McDowell as the infamous Roman emperor and Helen Mirren as his wife, the film follows Caligula’s descent into madness and debauchery. Negovan’s version trims much of the explicit violence and sexual content, creating a more palatable experience while maintaining the film’s core narrative. For those intrigued by Caligula’s troubled production history, this new cut offers a fresh perspective on the notorious cult classic. While it may lack the shocking elements of the original, it still delivers a bold historical drama.
4. ‘Red Island’
Robin Campillo’s Red Island is a reflective drama set on a French military base in Madagascar. The film follows Thomas, a young boy who navigates life on the base and experiences the adult dramas around him through the lens of childhood innocence. While the film has interesting thematic potential, particularly its exploration of postcolonial tensions, it struggles to fully integrate these elements into its narrative. The fantasy sequences involving Thomas’ favorite comic book superhero, Fantômette, add some charm but don’t offer the insight they aim for. Ultimately, Red Island feels like it has an intriguing story buried within it, but it falls short in execution.
Other Notable Releases
In addition to these films, a few more are making waves:
- Strays, a raunchy, R-rated animated comedy about foul-mouthed dogs.
- Blue Beetle, the first superhero film centered on a Latino lead.
- Landscape with Invisible Hand, a sci-fi drama about human-alien coexistence.
- The Adults, a film exploring sibling relationships.
Conclusion
These eight films span a variety of genres and offer something for nearly every type of movie fan. Whether you’re in the mood for scares, action, historical intrigue, or reflective drama, these films are all worth checking out for their unique storytelling and creative approaches.
Fede Álvarez, director of Alien: Romulus, aimed to honor the rich legacy of the Alien franchise, incorporating elements from the most beloved films like Alien and Aliens, as well as lesser-explored chapters such as Prometheus and Alien Resurrection. Álvarez was keen to integrate characters and themes that span across the entire mythology of the series, ensuring that fans of every installment would find something to appreciate in this latest addition.
One of the most intriguing decisions Álvarez made was resurrecting the likeness of Ash, the android originally portrayed by Ian Holm in the first Alien film. Although Ash met his demise in the original movie, Álvarez wanted to give the character — or at least a similar android — a new role in Romulus. He felt it was only fair, considering how other actors like Lance Henriksen (Bishop) and Michael Fassbender (David) had been brought back in later films.
However, Álvarez was careful to differentiate between simply recreating Ian Holm’s Ash and creating a new character that shares Ash’s likeness. To ensure respect for the late actor, Álvarez personally contacted Holm’s family, including his widow and children, to get their blessing. He was sensitive to their feelings, especially because Holm had passed away in 2021, the same year Álvarez lost his own father. Holm’s widow, touched by the gesture, revealed that Ian had felt Hollywood had turned its back on him during the last decade of his life, and that he would have been delighted to be part of the Alien franchise once more.
The inclusion of Ash’s likeness was done using animatronics rather than digital effects, reflecting Álvarez’s preference for practical filmmaking. This required a large team to bring the android to life, which the director said debunked fears that animatronics could replace actors, as the process was far more complex and costly than hiring a single performer.
One of the film’s most surprising moments comes during the climactic sequence when Kay, played by Isabela Merced, gives birth to a hybrid of human and xenomorph DNA, dubbed “the offspring. The creature’s appearance recalls both the Engineers from Prometheus and the grotesque xenomorph-human hybrid from Alien Resurrection. Interestingly, Álvarez hadn’t initially made the connection to Alien Resurrection until his son pointed it out after watching the movie. Instead, Álvarez had been focused on the mythology of Ridley Scott’s prequels, which delve into the genetic origins of humans and xenomorphs.
Though the birth of this hybrid raises more questions than answers, Álvarez sees it as a fresh addition to the Alien lore, pushing the boundaries of the series’ complex mythology while staying true to its roots.
This weekend offers a diverse array of films and TV shows to satisfy your every viewing mood. Whether you’re looking to dive into space horror, a lighthearted European escapade, or a gripping documentary, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s a look at the 14 best movies and TV shows to watch this weekend.
Alien: Romulus
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus is the perfect pick. Directed by Fede Álvarez and produced by Ridley Scott, this latest installment in the iconic franchise takes place between Alien and Aliens. The plot follows a new crew investigating an abandoned space station, only to find themselves fighting for survival against the dreaded xenomorphs. With intense action, terrifying creatures, and a third act that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, Romulus delivers classic Alien thrills. Currently in theaters, it’s a must-watch for fans of the series.
Emily in Paris (Season 4, Part 1)
Love it or hate it, Emily in Paris is back with its fourth season, now streaming on Netflix. This season promises to expand Emily’s adventures beyond Paris as she explores other European cities. However, before her escapades continue, Emily must first sort out her complicated relationships with Alfie, Camille, and Gabriel. As always, the show offers a blend of fashion, romance, and drama that has made it a guilty pleasure for many viewers.
Bad Monkey
For fans of Bill Lawrence’s hit series Shrinking, Bad Monkey is another great offering, now streaming on Apple TV+. Starring Vince Vaughn, the show follows Andrew Yancy, a former detective turned restaurant inspector who gets pulled back into the world of crime in Florida. With a mix of humor, mystery, and the quirky charm that Lawrence is known for, Bad Monkey is a fun and engaging watch for anyone looking for a light-hearted crime series.
Chimp Crazy
From the director of the wildly popular Tiger King, Eric Goode, comes a new four-part docuseries Chimp Crazy, now streaming on Max. Like Tiger King, this show delves into the world of eccentric individuals who are obsessed with caring for wild animals—in this case, chimpanzees. PETA and actor Alan Cumming both make appearances in this gripping series that explores the bizarre relationships between humans and wild animals.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars
Streaming now on Paramount+, RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars brings together 12 queens from around the world to compete for the title of “Queen of the Mothertucking World.” With contestants from countries such as Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, and Italy, this spinoff adds a truly international flavor to the competition. Representing the U.S. is Alyssa Edwards, and the show promises to be as glamorous, hilarious, and dramatic as ever.
OceanXplorers
For those fascinated by the ocean’s mysteries, OceanXplorers, produced by James Cameron, is a must-watch. Streaming on Hulu, this six-part docuseries follows a crew aboard the OceanXplorer, an elite research vessel, as they explore the depths of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. If you’re a fan of Cameron’s previous deep-sea adventures, this show offers stunning visuals and fascinating insights into the ocean’s uncharted territories.
Coraline
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the beloved LAIKA film Coraline is returning to theaters in 3-D. This stop-motion masterpiece, based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, tells the story of a young girl who discovers an eerie parallel world. A timeless tale blending childhood wonder and horror, Coraline remains a fan favorite, and now’s the perfect time to relive the magic on the big screen.
With so many incredible options to choose from, this weekend’s lineup promises something for every type of viewer. Whether you’re looking for action, drama, or documentaries, these selections are sure to make your weekend viewing experience memorable.