Los Angeles, California — A fresh wave of movies hits streaming platforms this weekend, promising to keep audiences entertained from the safety of their homes. Among the standout releases is “Havoc,” the latest film from acclaimed director Gareth Evans, known for his work on “The Raid.” This action-thriller features Tom Hardy in a desperate mission to rescue a politician’s son after a drug deal spirals into chaos.
In “Havoc,” Hardy portrays Walker, a hardened detective navigating a perilous urban landscape as he eludes assailants while racing against time. The film represents Evans’ return to the action genre after nearly a decade, following his previous successes. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, “Havoc” is available exclusively on Netflix, promising intense action and drama.
Another notable title landing on Netflix is “Bullet Train Explosion,” directed by Shinji Higuchi, best known for “Shin Godzilla.” This disaster thriller thrusts viewers aboard a hijacked Japanese bullet train, where a ticking bomb spells disaster if the speed dips below 100 kilometers per hour. Audiences will be captivated by the film’s heart-pounding tension, reminiscent of the classic “Speed.”
For those drawn to documentaries, “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey,” directed by Pippa Ehrlich, offers a poignant exploration of the plight faced by these unique creatures. Following a man’s emotional journey to rescue and rehabilitate a baby pangolin, this 1 hour and 28-minute film shines a light on wildlife trafficking—a pressing global issue.
Streaming on Max is “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller featuring Nicole Kidman as Romy, a CEO navigating a tumultuous affair with her intern, Samuel. This film delves into themes of power dynamics and desire, generating buzz for Kidman’s compelling performance. The film, directed by Halina Reijn, runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes and engages viewers with its provocative storyline.
On Paramount Plus, “The Return,” directed by Uberto Pasolini, reimagines “The Odyssey.” Ralph Fiennes stars as Odysseus, returning to his homeland after years of war, only to find his home overrun by suitors looking to claim his wife, Penelope, played by Juliette Binoche. This dramatic retelling invites audiences to experience the hero’s struggle to reclaim his life.
Meanwhile, on Shudder, multiple horror titles cater to genre enthusiasts. “Ash,” directed by Flying Lotus, thrusts viewers into a haunting narrative set on an alien planet. Here, a colonist grapples with an unseen threat as she uncovers the dark mysteries surrounding her crewmates’ demise. The film, featuring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, combines sci-fi elements with horror, appealing to fans of both genres.
Another chilling entry is “The Unseen,” directed by Aislinn Clarke. This folk horror film immerses viewers in a tense narrative centered on a caregiver who uncovers sinister happenings in a remote Irish village. With a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, the film carries the weight of grief and suspicion, certain to resonate with fans of the genre.
This weekend’s digital lineup also features “No Other Land,” a thought-provoking documentary with a brief rental window. Capturing the struggles of a Palestinian community in the occupied West Bank, the film was awarded Best Documentary at the Academy Awards. Viewers interested in impactful narratives can access it on platforms like Amazon and Apple through May 9.
For fans of anime, “My Hero Academia: You’re Next” premieres on Crunchyroll. The film picks up after a dramatic story arc in the beloved series, where heroes team up against a villain impersonating one of their own, blending action and character development seamlessly.
Finally, “Locked,” a psychological thriller, presents a gripping scenario where a car thief becomes ensnared in a deadly game with a mysterious vehicle owner played by Anthony Hopkins. This intriguing narrative explores themes of survival and manipulation, ensuring viewers remain on the edge of their seats.
As new releases take center stage across various streaming platforms, audiences have an array of choices to make their weekend viewing exciting and varied.