Fresh Picks: Must-Watch Films Landing on Streaming Services This Week
Get ready to settle in, folks, because a diverse slate of new films is hitting the streaming platforms this week, offering something for every taste. From heartfelt Australian dramas and enchanting romantic fantasies to chilling horror and gripping psychological thrillers, there’s no shortage of compelling stories to dive into. Let’s take a look at what’s new and noteworthy.
The Travellers: A Heartfelt Return Home
Releasing: 10 February
Platform: Prime Video
Esteemed Australian director Bruce Beresford, known for his acclaimed works like Breaker Morant and Driving Miss Daisy, returns to his roots with The Travellers. This dramedy promises a poignant exploration of the chaos and catharsis that often accompany returning to one’s hometown.
Set against the picturesque, yet familiar, backdrop of rural Australia, the film centres on Stephen Seary, portrayed by Luke Bracey. Stephen, a charismatic stage designer who has been living abroad, finds himself reluctantly drawn back to his childhood home. His return is prompted by the impending death of his mother. What was intended as a brief farewell visit soon transforms into an emotionally charged journey. Stephen is compelled to confront the colourful eccentricities of his family, navigate a strained relationship with his estranged father, played by the legendary Bryan Brown, and grapple with unresolved relationships from his past. The film delves into the powerful, often inescapable, pull of one’s origins.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: A Second Chance at Love and Life
Releasing: 10 February
Platform: Prime Video
Prepare for a touch of magic with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, a romantic fantasy-adventure starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Directed by Kogonada, whose previous works include After Yang and Columbus, this film delves into profound themes of memory, connection, and the profound impact of life-altering decisions.
The story begins with two strangers who cross paths at a mutual friend’s wedding. Through an extraordinary twist of fate, they are presented with an unbelievable opportunity: the chance to revisit pivotal moments from their pasts. This unique experience not only illuminates the journey that has shaped their present lives but also offers them the tantalising prospect of altering their futures. It’s a tale that explores the intricate tapestry of human experience and the enduring power of second chances.
Honey Bunch: A Descent into Suspicion and Horror
Releasing: 13 February
Platform: Shudder & AMC+
For fans of the macabre, Honey Bunch, a Shudder Original, is set to deliver a chilling experience. The horror unfolds when Diana, played by an as-yet-unnamed actress, awakens from a coma with her memories fractured. Seeking answers and recovery, she and her husband embark on a journey to a remote facility for experimental treatments.
As the procedures become more intense and invasive, the strain on Diana’s marriage intensifies. The lines between healing and manipulation begin to blur, and Diana starts to harbour deep suspicions about her husband’s true intentions. This psychological horror promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats as it explores themes of trust, memory, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of relationships.
Eternity: A Heavenly Romance in the Afterlife
Releasing: 13 February
Platform: Apple TV
From A24 and director David Freyne comes Eternity, an epic romantic comedy fantasy that re-imagines the concept of the afterlife. In this whimsical vision, souls are granted a single week to decide their eternal resting place and, more importantly, their eternal companion.
Joan, brought to life by Elizabeth Olsen, finds herself in this peculiar afterlife, facing an impossible dilemma. She must choose between the man she spent her entire earthly life with, Larry (Miles Teller), and her first true love, Luke (Callum Turner). Luke tragically died young during the Korean War and has patiently waited for decades for Joan’s arrival. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, John Early, and Olga Merediz, adding further depth and charm to this unique romantic fantasy.
Stay: Trapped by More Than Just Marriage Woes
Releasing: 13 February
Platform: Disney+
Stay offers a supernatural twist on marital discord. Starring Megalyn Echikunwoke and Mo McRae, this horror film plunges a couple on the verge of divorce into a terrifying ordeal. They find themselves inexplicably trapped within their own home, besieged by mysterious and malevolent forces.
The confinement forces the couple to confront not only their failing relationship but also the buried traumas that have driven them apart. Survival hinges on their ability to reconcile their past and work together against an unseen enemy. This supernatural thriller promises a tense and claustrophobic experience as it explores the complexities of relationships under extreme duress.
A Quiet Place: Day One: The Beginning of the Silence
Releasing: 14 February
Platform: Netflix
The highly anticipated prequel to the critically acclaimed A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II arrives on Netflix this week. A Quiet Place: Day One takes audiences back to the very beginning, chronicling the initial, terrifying onslaught of the Death Angels.
The story follows Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient, as she navigates the chaos of New York City during the alien invasion. Alongside her loyal cat, Frodo, and a fellow survivor named Eric, Sam must find a way to endure the dawn of a silent world. The film features a compelling cast including Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, Eliane Umuhire, and Ronnie Le Drew, all tasked with portraying humanity’s desperate struggle in the face of unimaginable terror.
Friendship: An Unsettling Bond
Releasing: 15 February
Platform: Paramount+
Rounding out the week’s releases is Friendship, a film that blends sharp humour with a disquieting psychological edge. The story centres on Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), a man who is decidedly socially awkward and reclusive. His quiet existence is dramatically disrupted when he forms an unexpected connection with his new neighbour, the charismatic Austin Carmichael, played by Paul Rudd.
What begins as a tentative acquaintance soon escalates into something far more unsettling. Craig’s deep-seated need for closeness morphs into an all-consuming obsession, blurring the lines between friendship and control. The film delves into themes of loneliness, the complexities of modern masculinity, and the precarious balance between genuine connection and unhealthy fixation, promising a thought-provoking and darkly comedic experience.
