With the summer holidays on the horizon, we often find ourselves with a little pocket of spare time to settle into a cosy spot and enjoy a new movie or binge-worthy show. Luckily for us, there’s a raft of new series to stream and films to watch, releasing just in time for the summer season. From gripping dramas to side-splitting comedies to big-name blockbusters and more, here is everything to add to your watch list.
New Movies
Saltburn
Emerald Fennell, the visionary filmmaker behind Promising Young Woman, returns with her latest darkly comedic drama, Saltburn. Set in the privileged world of Oxford students, the film explores themes of desire, wealth and transgression. Barry Keoghan shines as Oliver Quick, an outsider at Oxford who finds himself drawn to the charismatic and enigmatic Felix Catton, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, as Fennell masterfully weaves a tale of human complexities. Lush visuals and compelling characters immerse the audience in a world of wealth and excess, where the boundaries between right and wrong blur. But it’s Fennell’s unapologetic approach to storytelling that challenges viewers to confront their own moral compass’ while navigating the intricate web of the characters’ relationships. A gripping exploration of human nature’s darker corners, Saltburn offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience that will linger long after the credits roll.
Watch now on Netflix
The Marvels
This film promises a thrilling new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, led by the charismatic Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and breakout star Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. As these powerful heroes team up to face Kree warrior Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), the film The Marvels sets the stage for another epic adventure, where unexpected alliances and dynamic powers collide to save
the universe.
Watch now in Cinemas
Next Goal Wins
This underdog tale, based on a true story, takes audiences on an inspiring journey with the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their staggering 2001 loss. Directed by Taika Waititi and starring Michael Fassbender as an unconventional coach tasked with an almost impossible feat, this film is carried by Waititi’s signature blend of humour and heart, with a delightful and uplifting narrative which follows the team as it strives for redemption during the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. A celebration of the resilience and power of the human spirit, this film is a must-watch of the season.
Watch now on Netflix
Dream Scenario
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, Dream Scenario is A24’s surreal new comedy starring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula and Dylan Baker. The film follows a hapless professor who becomes a sensation as he starts appearing in everyone’s dreams. With its imaginative storytelling and stellar cast, this is a mind-bending cinematic experience set to enchant audiences with its unique exploration of fame, dreams, and absurdity.
Watch now in Cinemas
The Iron Claw
The gripping tale of the Von Erich brothers comes to life in this riveting film. Set against the backdrop of the fiercely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 80s, this movie follows the captivating journey of these inseparable siblings. With a domineering father and coach casting a formidable shadow, the brothers strive for greatness and immortality on the grandest stage in sports. Their story is a rollercoaster of triumphs and tragedies, masterfully portrayed on screen by the likes of Zac Efron and Jeremy Allan White and captures the essence of brotherhood, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of a larger-than-life legacy.
Watch now on Netflix
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain
Starring the uproarious comedy trio Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, alongside Saturday Night Live‘s Bowen Yang and the iconic John Goodman, this hilarious film will deliver laughter at every turn. Follow three friends on a wacky quest, battling hairless bears, park rangers and a cult leader in search of treasure. With Goodman’s narration and Conan O’Brien as Ben’s dad, it’s a comedic masterpiece that will have you giggling from start to finish.
Watch now in Cinemas
Wonka
Discover the delectable origins of the world’s most enigmatic chocolatier in this whimsical cinematic masterpiece. Here, Timothée Chalamet stars as a young Willy Wonka on his journey from humble candy store owner to global confectionery sensation. Delve into the untold tale of how he stumbled upon the magical Oompa-Loompas, and uncover the pivotal moments that shaped his destiny. With sumptuous visuals and a captivating narrative, this film unravels the mystery behind Wonka’s rise to eccentric genius, offering a sweet glimpse into his life before the chocolate empire.
Watch now in Cinemas
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
Helmed by visionary director and award-winning poet and filmmaker Raven Jackson, this drama unfolds as a mesmerising lyrical journey through the tapestry of a woman’s life in Mississippi. Starring a stellar cast including Charleen McClure, Moses Ingram, Reginald Helms Jr., Zainab Jah, Sheila Atim and Chris Chalk, the film captivates with its haunting, multi-decade narrative — a soul-stirring ode to the profound influence of people and places across generations
Napoleon
Renowned director Ridley Scott partners with Apple Studios for this historical epic Napoleon. Exploring the remarkable ascent of French conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte to emperor, all through the lens of his tempestuous love affair with Josephine, Scott’s latest opus promises breathtaking depictions of battles, revealing the strategic genius and relentless ambition that defined this military luminary. This must-watch film offers a glimpse into a rich slice of history, where love, power and war collide in a spectacle that will have you enraptured the whole way through.
New TV Series
Faraway Downs
Baz Luhrmann’s epic 2008 film Australia has been reimagined in the form of a six-part limited series titled Faraway Downs. This ambitious project, led by the visionary director, promises to provide audiences with a fresh perspective on the original tale. While the film was a sweeping romantic adventure, Faraway Downs delves deeper into the complexities of its characters and introduces alternative plot twists, a new ending, an updated soundtrack and aims to shed light on Australia’s history, particularly the painful chapter of the Stolen Generations. Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, the drama unfolds against the backdrop of an English aristocrat’s struggle to protect her cattle ranch in the Australian outback, as Luhrmann’s unique style promises an exciting adventure for viewers eager to revisit this cinematic gem.
Watch now on Disney+
A Murder at the End of the World
Promising a fresh twist on the classic mystery genre, this series follows Darby Hart, a Gen Z sensation who is both an amateur sleuth and a tech-savvy hacker. Set at a luxurious retreat hosted by a reclusive billionaire, this limited series takes viewers on a thrilling journey as Darby and her fellow guests grapple with a mysterious death, leaving Darby to race against time and uncover the truth that keeps us guessing until the very end.
Watch now on Disney+
The Buccaneers
This captivating new eight-episode drama, inspired by Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, is set in 1870s London society during the arrival of bold American newcomers. Led by an all-female creative team and starring a talented ensemble, this new period drama offers a delightful escape into a bygone era, with a modern twist.
Watch now on Apple TV
How to Be a Bookie
From the brilliant mind of Emmy-nominated Chuck Lorre, comes a darkly funny comedy that’s set to shake up the world of sports gambling. How to be a Bookie follows Danny, a seasoned LA bookie whose world teeters on the brink with the looming legalisation of sports betting in California. Alongside his best friend Ray and a colourful cast of characters, Danny navigates his business while making some daring bets of his own.
Watch now on Neon
The Artful Dodger
Breathing fresh life into Charles Dickens’ timeless Oliver Twist, this daring, irreverent sequel follows notorious pickpocket Jack Dawkins, known as The Artful Dodger (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster), reinvented as a skilled surgeon in 1850 Australia’s bustling colony of Port Victory. When his shadowy past resurfaces with the return of Fagin, Jack is thrust back into a world of crime. Promising a thrilling blend of heists, life-saving surgeries, and a mesmerising fusion of criminal underworld and aristocracy, this eight-part series is poised to captivate audiences with its riveting twists and turns.
Watch now on Disney+
