What’s Streaming This Week (6/29 - 7/6)
Welcome to When To Stream’s Weekly Preview! Every week, we take a closer look at the major film streaming releases scheduled to launch in the next 7 days. As always, release dates are subject to change.
One note: We provide links to Amazon pre-orders (when available) and do receive a very small commission for any purchases made from this website. If you’d like to support our work, and you’re looking to buy through Amazon, we’d appreciate it if you’d click through.
Here are next week’s highlights:
Monday, June 30th, 2025
THE ACTOR - Hulu
Synopsis: Paul Cole finds himself stranded in a mysterious small town with no memory of who he is or how he got here. As bits and pieces of his past slowly emerge, he attempts to find his way home, but time is slippery, appearances can't be trusted, and it's unclear which of his identities is real.
What we like:
This is director Duke Johnson’s first solo feature and first live-action film. He previously co-directed the animated Anomalisa with Charlie Kaufman.
Several actors, including Toby Jones and Tracey Ullman, portray multiple characters.
Early in development, Ryan Gosling was reportedly attached as both star and producer. While he didn’t end up in the final cast, he remained on board as an executive producer.
What we don’t like:
While praised for its striking visuals and Andre Holland’s compelling performance, some critics found the narrative too ambiguous and dreamlike, with a particularly slow midsection. We’re still interested in checking it out.
SISTER MIDNIGHT - $16.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: In Mumbai, an arranged marriage spirals into darkness as the spineless husband watches his wife morph into a ruthless, feral force within their marital confines.
What we like:
This is Karan Kandhari’s first feature film. He previously directed short films and a music video for the Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand.
The film world premiered in the Director’s Fortnight section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated at the BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
Lead Radhika Apte delivers a mostly wordless, physically expressive performance, balancing comedy and horror with fierce energy.
What we don’t like:
Be warned! The lead character develops feral cravings, biting into birds and goats, whose stop-motion zombie corpses return in surreal cameos (sounds incredibly cool, actually).
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025
ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR - $14.99 Sale Only
Synopsis: Stephanie and Emily reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy for Emily's extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
What we like:
The follow-up to 2018’s sleeper hit A Simple Favor, this unimaginatively titled sequel at least has the sense to put its story in a beautiful locale. The film was shot on location in gorgeous Capri, Italy.
You know what happens when you shoot a movie in Capri? You get a fantastic cast that wants to spend a summer there. Smart. The film has Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, and Ian Ho reprising their roles from the first film, with Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Elizabeth Perkins, Alex Newell, and Allison Janney joining for a working holiday.
What we don’t like:
Amid the controversy surrounding the release of Blake Lively's previous film, It Ends with Us, Amazon shut off comments on the film's trailer on several social media platforms. The whole thing feels exhausting.
FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK: BALLERINA - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Eve Macarro begins her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
What we like:
Originally slated for summer 2024, this June 2025 release was delayed to shoot extra action sequences. Chad Stahelski, the franchise creator, completed reshoots in Prague and Hungary (without credited Director Len Wiseman) to ensure it matched the John Wick standard.
The film dives into the Ruska Roma organization, the Continental network, and a new cult faction headed by Gabriel Byrne’s “Chancellor.” Returning cast members include Ian McShane, Norman Reedus, and Anjelica Huston.
People have complained about the unwieldy title, but we think Lionsgate should lean in to it. Let’s have more awkwardly juxtaposed franchise/feminine titles! Some suggestions:
From the World of Rambo: Dental Hygienist
From the World of The Expendables: Surrogate Mother
From the World of Saw: Stewardess
What we don’t like:
This is the last screen appearance of actor Lance Reddick, who passed away at age 60 in 2023.
BRING HER BACK - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: Following the death of their father, a brother and sister are introduced to their new sibling by their foster mother, only to learn that she has a terrifying secret.
What we like:
The Philippou twins, Danny and Michael, known online as the prank-comedy duo “RackaRacka”, deliver their sophomore feature after 2022’s sleeper hit Talk to Me.
Sally Hawkins, Oscar nominated for her roles in Blue Jasmine and The Shape of Water, delivers a harrowing turn as Laura, the sinister foster mother whose kindness spirals into obsession.
What we don’t like:
We’ll admit the Philippou brother’s brand of extreme body horror/violence is not our flavor. But there’s no denying its visceral impact. We’ll always be interested in what they do next.
ICE ROAD: VENGEANCE - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: Big rig ice road driver Mike McCann travels to Nepal to scatter his late brother’s ashes on Mt. Everest. While on a packed tour bus traversing the deadly 12,000 ft. terrain of the infamous Road to the Sky, McCann and his mountain guide encounter a group of mercenaries and must fight to save themselves, the busload of innocent travelers, and the local villagers’ homeland.
What we like:
Liam Neeson reprises his role as Mike McCann from 2021’s The Ice Road, this time on a deeply personal mission to scatter his brother Gurty’s ashes on the treacherous "Road to the Sky" near Mount Everest.
The sequel is directed by Die Hard With a Vengeance screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh.
What we don’t like:
The film was formerly titled Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky before being renamed Ice Road: Vengeance. Seems like a real missed opportunity they didn’t call it From the World of Ice Road: Ballerina.
THE INSTIGATORS - $19.99 Sale Only
Synopsis: Rory and Cobby are unlikely partners thrown together for a heist. But when it goes awry, they team up with an unusual accomplice — Rory's therapist — to outrun police, backward bureaucrats, and a vengeful crime boss.
What we like:
Director Doug Liman reunites with his Bourne Identity star Matt Damon for this Boston-set heist comedy. Damon also produced the film alongside Ben Affleck under their production company Artists Equity.
Co-star Casey Affleck also co-wrote the film with Chuck Maclean, and the supporting cast is stellar: Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman.
What we don’t like:
The reviews are in, and they’re not good. While the film has its defenders, it pretty much came and went last year without much cultural impact.
SWAMP DOGG GETS HIS POOL PAINTED - $16.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: Legendary musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. Together they navigate the tumultuous music industry, and forge a unique and inspiring path across time and space.
What we like:
This documentary is directed by Isaac Gale, Ryan Olson and David McMurry, and it world premiered at last year’s SXSW Festival to terrific reviews.
The film features an eclectic mix of cameos, including Johnny Knoxville, Mike Judge, Tom Kenny (the voice of SpongeBob), Jenny Lewis, and John Prine.
Not a straightforward biopic, the film adopts a gonzo, kaleidoscopic approach, with trippy animations, animated Scooby-Doo-style flashbacks, operatic interludes, infomercials for his cookbook, and theatrical transitions.
What we don’t like:
One of Swamp Dogg’s friends featured in the doc, David ‘Guitar Shorty’ Kearney, died during the film's production, with the aftermath of his death forming part of the film's storyline.
THUNDERBOLTS* - $29.99 Sale / $24.99 Rental
Synopsis: After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
What we like:
Director Jake Schreier, best known for the Netflix series Beef and the indie film Robot & Frank, brings an indie sensibility to the Marvel Universe.
Florence Pugh insisted on performing her own BASE jump from the top of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, at 2,722 ft, the world’s second‑tallest building, despite insurance concerns. She continuously emailed Kevin Feige until Marvel relented.
The experimental band Son Lux composed the score at London’s Abbey Road Studios. It’s their follow-up to scoring Everything Everywhere All at Once.
What we don’t like:
The film’s title pivot, from Thunderbolts* to New Avengers, didn’t really do much to goose the box-office. It certainly wasn’t a flop. But with less than $400M globally, it wasn’t able to pull Marvel out of its rut. The pressure’s on for next month’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
TORNADO - $14.99 Sale / $6.99 Rental
Synopsis: When her father's puppet samurai show gets ambushed by a notorious gang, Tornado vows to seek vengeance and forge her own destiny by stealing their ill-gotten gold.
What we like:
Written and directed by John Maclean, Tornado uniquely combines the aesthetics of classic Japanese samurai films and American Westerns, set against the dramatic backdrop of 1790s Scottish Highlands.
This is Maclean’s first films since his well-regarded 2015 Western Slow West.
One of our favorite actors, Jack Lowden, co-stars here. He’s fantastic on the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, and is married to Saoirse Ronan. And they just announced they’re expecting their first child!
What we don’t like:
The film was shot by Robbie Ryan, Oscar-nominated cinematographer of The Favourite and Poor Things. It’s a shame his sweeping, painterly compositions of the Scottish Highlands will mostly be seen on the small screen.
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025
HEADS OF STATE - Prime Video
Synopsis: The UK Prime Minister and US President have a public rivalry that risks their countries' alliance. But when they become targets of a powerful enemy, they're forced to rely on each other as they go on a wild, multinational run. Allied with Noel, a brilliant MI6 agent, they must find a way to thwart a conspiracy that threatens the free world.
What we like:
Likable leads John Cena and Idris Elba reunite following their pairing in The Suicide Squad, this time as rival world leaders: the US President and UK Prime Minister, forced to team up when their plane is hijacked.
The film was shot across multiple countries: London, Liverpool's St George’s Hall, Trieste (Italy), Belgrade (Serbia), and Nice (France). We’re always happy when a straight-to-streaming action film wasn’t entirely shot in a parking lot in Atlanta (we still love you, Atlanta!).
The film is directed by Hardcore Henry and Nobody filmmaker Ilya Naishuller, who definitely knows how to shoot an action sequence.
What we don’t like:
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as MI6 agent Noel Bisset, luckily survived a stunt where she lost part of her eyebrow during filming. Let’s all say a prayer for Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ eyebrow.
THE OLD GUARD 2 - Netflix
Synopsis: Andy and her team of immortal warriors fight with renewed purpose as they face a powerful new foe threatening their mission to protect humanity.
What we like:
Victoria Mahoney takes over directing duties from Gina Prince‑Bythewood, marking her first feature since her acclaimed 2011 film Yelling to the Sky.
The film’s cast is stacked: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Vân Veronica Ngô, Chiwetel Ejiofor all reprise their roles from the first film. Uma Thurman and Henry Golding join for the sequel.
The film was shot by cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, known for his work with Kathryn Bigelow (he was Oscar-nominated for The Hurt Locker), and Paul Greengrass (United 93, Captain Phillips). We’re expecting some shaky-cam!
What we don’t like:
It’s been 5 years since the original Old Guard hit Netflix. That’s a long time to wait between franchise installments. The production was reportedly delayed by fires at Cinecittà Studios, and regime changes at Netflix. We’re happy to have it back!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
BATMAN NINJA VS. YAKUZA LEAGUE - HBO Max
Synopsis: The Batman family has returned to the present to discover that Japan has disappeared, and a giant island - Hinomoto - is now in the sky over Gotham City. At the top sit the Yakuza, a group of superpowered individuals who reign without honor or humanity and look suspiciously like the Justice League. Now, it’s up to Batman and his allies to save Gotham!
What we like:
This sequel to 2018’s well-received Batman Ninja features much of the same voice cast as the first.
The film’s animation, which is by Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks, looks vibrant and exciting. Fans of the genre should eat it up.
What we don’t like:
We’re sure Batman Ninja is a formidable foe for the Yakuza, but it’s unlikely this adventure will be as entertaining as their appearance on The Simpsons:
Friday, July 4th, 2025
IN THE LOST LANDS - Hulu
Synopsis: A queen sends the powerful and feared sorceress Gray Alys to the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands in search of a magical power, where she and her guide, the drifter Boyce, must outwit and outfight both man and demon.
What we like:
Director Paul WS Anderson reunites with his Resident Evil muse (and real-life wife) Milla Jovovich for this fantasy Western, which is based on a short story by our favorite procrastinator George R.R. Martin. When is the next Game of Thrones book coming, George?? (We kid George…because we are also procrastinators…and if we had GoT money, would also enjoy life and take our damn time)
Dave Bautista co-stars with Jovovich, and he could use a hit after the disappointing one-two punch of The Killer’s Game and My Spy: The Eternal City, both of which came and went pretty quickly.
What we don’t like:
Unfortunately for all (especially the financiers) this was a massive bomb in theaters. On a reported $55M budget, the film brought in only $3.2M worldwide. That’s brutal.
THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA - AMC+
Synopsis: 1984; Michael Larson, an unemployed ice-cream truck driver from Ohio, steps onto the game show "Press Your Luck" harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak is threatened when the executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
What we like:
Director Samir Oliveros discovered a VHS tape of the game show Press Your Luck at a Goodwill store during the pandemic. Intrigued by the show's visual appeal, he researched further and uncovered Larson's story, which he felt was ripe for cinematic adaptation.
The production team meticulously recreated the Press Your Luck set, programming the original five light patterns that Larson memorized. Actor Paul Walter Hauser even learned those patterns to enhance the authenticity of his performance.
The film has a stellar supporting cast, including including Walton Goggins, Shamier Anderson, David Strathairn, Maisie Williams, Patti Harrison, Haley Bennett, and Johnny Knoxville.
What we don’t like:
Despite pretty good reviews and a fascinating story, IFC Films had no luck getting audiences to theaters. It grossed about $433K at the domestic box-office.
ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL - HBO Max
Synopsis: On an empty road in the middle of the night, Shula stumbles across the body of her uncle. As funeral proceedings begin around them, she and her cousins bring to light the buried secrets of their middle-class Zambian family.
What we like:
Zambian-Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni’s follow-up to her 2017 breakthrough feature, I Am Not a Witch. The film competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, and won the Best Director prize in that section.
The film was nominated for Best British Independent Film and Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards in November 2024, with lead Susan Chardy winning the award for Best Breakthrough Performance.
What we don’t like:
African cinema is largely ignored by major US distributors, so a special shout-out to A24 for giving this film an elevated profile. It didn’t do much business in theaters, but now that it’s hitting HBO Max, it will hopefully find a larger audience.
SINNERS - HBO Max
Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
What we like:
Ryan Coogler’s triumphant mega-hit defies traditional genre classifications. While it features vampires, Coogler emphasizes that the film is about much more, describing it as a "genre-bending, genre-fluid" experience that intertwines horror elements with themes of African American art, Jim Crow-era history, and vampire folklore .
Michael B. Jordan burnishes his A-list bona fides by taking on the challenging task of portraying twin brothers in the film. He’s electric.
Although set in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the town initially lacked access to the film due to the absence of local theaters. A community petition led to a special screening organized by Warner Bros., turning the local auditorium into a makeshift cinema. The event was attended by Coogler, cast members, and local musicians.
What we don’t like:
Even after the film’s fantastic opening weekend, some of the Hollywood trades qualified the success with ‘But it has a long way to go to be profitable’ grousing. Many outlets rightly called them on their bullshit. With nearly $365M in worldwide box-office so far, there’s no doubt this film is a smash success.
Happy Streaming Everyone!
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Coming up this week…