Key Takeaways:
- This week’s top streaming releases include new movies and shows on various platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV.
- Some of the notable releases include the final chapter of Netflix’s major series, a buzzy conspiracy theory sci-fi, the steamiest show of the season, and a jaw-dropping animated epic.
- The list includes a mix of genres, including horror, thriller, comedy, documentary, and animation.
- Some of the releases are based on popular books, games, or real-life events, while others are original stories.
- The streaming services offer a wide range of content, including new releases, classic movies, and original series.
Introduction to Streaming Services
The world of streaming services is vast and overwhelming, with numerous platforms offering a wide range of content. From Hulu to Netflix, HBO Max to Disney+, Apple TV to Prime Video, and many more, the options are endless. However, with so many choices, it can be difficult to decide what to watch. To help navigate this vast library, Mashable offers watch guides broken down by genre, including comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation. Additionally, the entertainment team scours the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week, ranking them from worst to best.
New Releases: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and The Carpenter’s Son
This week’s new releases include Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, a horror movie based on the popular game franchise, and The Carpenter’s Son, a religious horror film that explores the story of Jesus and his family. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 follows the story of security guard Mike, who must contend with the killer animatronics, including Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, as well as their "toy" versions. The Carpenter’s Son, on the other hand, tells the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as they try to live a modest life while facing the temptations of Satan. The film stars Nicolas Cage as Joseph and explores the surreal and often disturbing world of religious horror.
More New Releases: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere and The Copenhagen Test
Other new releases include Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, a musical biopic about Bruce Springsteen’s sixth studio album, Nebraska, and The Copenhagen Test, a thriller series starring Simu Liu as an intelligence analyst who must uncover the truth behind his hackers’ motives. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere explores the making of the album, which was recorded sparsely on a four-track in Springsteen’s bedroom, and parallels the production with Springsteen’s struggles with depression. The Copenhagen Test, on the other hand, follows Alexander as he navigates a world of espionage and secrets, trying to uncover the truth behind his hackers’ motives and identities.
New Releases: Die My Love and Bugonia
Die My Love, a drama film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, tells the story of a couple who move into a rural family home, surrounded by forest and a long walk to his mother’s house. The film explores the themes of isolation, resentment, and the complexities of relationships. Bugonia, a conspiracy caper starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, follows the story of a conspiracy theorist who believes an alien race lives among us, and his efforts to uncover the truth. The film explores themes of environmentalism, oligarchy, and the manosphere, and features a sensational cast and clear vision for its world.
New Releases: Ne Zha II and 100 Nights of Hero
Ne Zha II, an animated epic based on Chinese mythology, follows the continued misadventures of the eponymous anti-hero, a boy born with the powers of a demon. The film features monster battles, slapstick, tragedy, and gross-out gags, making it a dizzying but incredible watch. 100 Nights of Hero, a queer, feminist fairy tale, tells the story of Cherry, a noblewoman in a medieval patriarchy, and her arranged marriage to Jerome. The film explores themes of women’s courage and resilience, suppressed queer identity and desire, and the power of storytelling itself.
New Releases: The Life of Chuck and Love Lies Bleeding
The Life of Chuck, a film based on the novella by Stephen King, introduces viewers to Chuck Krantz, an accountant with a secret passion for dance. The film is a masterfully told story that contains a mix of darkness, sentimentality, and star power. Love Lies Bleeding, a noir thriller starring Kristen Stewart, tells the story of a surly loner who manages a rundown gym and becomes embroiled in a world of violence and vengeance. The film features a scorching performance from Stewart and a climax that is both outrageous and exhilarating.
Season Finales: Heated Rivalry and Pluribus
The season finales of Heated Rivalry and Pluribus are also releasing this week. Heated Rivalry, a hockey-themed series, wraps up its first season with a finale that promises to be full of angst and sex scenes. Pluribus, a sci-fi series, concludes its first season with a finale that promises to answer some of the show’s most pressing questions and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Best of Streaming: Stranger Things, Season 5: Volume 2
Finally, the best of streaming this week is Stranger Things, Season 5: Volume 2, which promises to deliver more jaw-dropping Upside Down action and answers to some of the show’s most pressing questions. The season finale premieres on December 31, and fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series. With its flashy battles, lore bombshells, and beloved characters, Stranger Things is a must-watch for fans of the show.
