What’s Streaming This Week (9/21 - 9/28)
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 this week’s highlights:
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
THE CUT - $19.99 Sale Only
Synopsis: A retired boxer intends to return to the ring for one last shot at the title, but first he must make the weight. Holed up in a room in Las Vegas with an unscrupulous trainer, he embarks on an intensive and illegal weight-cutting program.
What we like:
Orlando Bloom underwent a dramatic weight loss regime for this film, he lost around 52 pounds over a few months for the role.
To match the physical regression or progression of the character, the movie was shot in reverse chronological order: scenes showing the most weight loss / the worst physical state were filmed earlier, while the “healthier” or more physically robust scenes were done later.
What we don’t like:
The film doesn’t pull punches (literally and figuratively). There are graphic scenes: vomiting, hallucinations, addiction, trauma flashbacks, some self-harm, etc. The weight loss and deprivation scenes are intense.
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS - $29.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel's First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
What we like:
We’re fans of the production design (sets, costumes, aesthetic), which leans into a stylish mid-century, retro sci-fi vibe. It's visually distinct in an MCU saturated with more modern or gritty stylings.
The musical score is by Michael Giacchino, one of our favorites.
Because this version begins after their origin, the film skips rehashing how the Fantastic Four got powers. That helps pacing and allows the audience to jump right in to the story.
What we don’t like:
Despite being a big cosmic threat, some reviews say Galactus doesn’t have as much depth, backstory, or menace as one might expect for a villain of that scale. It is, however, voiced by Ralph Ineson, which is a major plus.
SPLITSVILLE - $19.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: After Ashley asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.
What we like:
Directed by Michael Angelo Covino, and co-written by Covino and Kyle Marvin, this well-reviewed comedy is the duo’s follow-up to their 2019 comedy The Climb. That film made a splash at Sundance, and then got lost in the COVID-era shuffle.
Covino and Marvin also co-star, along with Hit Man breakout Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson, who is also one of the film’s producers.
What we don’t like:
No spoilers here, but some people feel the final act wraps up too quickly and ties up loose ends in ways that aren’t entirely satisfying or consistent with what came before.
VALIANT ONE - Hulu
Synopsis: With tensions between North and South Korea, a US helicopter crashes on the North side. The survivors must work together to protect a civilian tech specialist and find their way out without the help of US military support.
What we like:
Two actors featured in popular Netflix originals get their shot at the big screen. Chase Stokes is best known for the teen drama series Outer Banks, and Lana Condor is the star of the streaming service’s popular To All the Boys film series.
While this looks like a pretty standard military action movie, we have to give them props for the setting. North Korea is rarely used as a location in these types of films.
What we don’t like:
We don’t expect the filmmakers to actually shoot on location in North Korea. That would be impractical for obvious reasons. But to hear the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, just feels like mis-casting. Canada, more than ever, is a country that exudes anti-authoritarian vibes.
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
BALLERINA - Starz
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.
THE SURFER - Hulu
Synopsis: A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. When he is humiliated by a group of locals, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising and pushes him to his breaking point.
What we like:
Director Lorcan Finnegan’s psychological thriller gives Nicolas Cage another meaty role to chew on, and he delivers.
The film world premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a six-minute standing ovation (that sounds kind of tepid, actually).
What we don’t like:
Cage attempted to surf for the role but faced difficulties due to adverse weather, shark sightings, and his own limited surfing experience. The film was shot in Yallingup, Western Australia, and you couldn’t pay us to get on a board in those shark infested waters.
Friday, September 26th, 2025
ALL OF YOU - Apple TV+
Synopsis: Laura and Simon have been best friends since college. Over the years, they've realized their bond is more than platonic. Can they—and should they—risk everything to explore a love that has existed all along?
What we like:
Ted Lasso Emmy-winner Brett Goldstein co-stars, co-writes, and co-produces this sci-fi romance.
The film co-stars Imogen Poots, which is our all-time favorite sentence-name. What’s a sentence name, you ask? It’s a name that’s also a sentence. Further examples: Britney Spears. Jeremy Irons. Tom Waits. Rosa Parks. John Waters. But there’s no better sentence name than Imogen Poots.
What we don’t like:
Despite generally favorable reviews out of last year’s Toronto Film Festival, Apple chose not to give the film a meaningful theatrical release. It’s being screened in a handful of theaters day-and-date with its streaming premiere.
HOUSE ON EDEN - Shudder
Synopsis: Paranormal investigators Kris, Celina and their videographer Jay are rerouted to an abandoned house deep in the woods, where they find themselves facing a force unlike anything they've encountered before. As the night spirals into chaos, missing crew members and eerie phenomena hint at an ancient, malevolent presence watching their every move.
What we like:
The creators behind the film are Kris Collins (known as KallMeKris) and Celina Myers (CelinaSpookyBoo), both of whom have large followings on social media. Together they have tens of millions of followers.
The film is relatively brief, with a runtime of only about 78 minutes. In this era of bloated runtimes, we’ll applaud the brevity.
What we don’t like:
The film grossed only $455K after a semi-wide release in theaters, so the stars’ social media followers didn’t show up en masse. HOWEVER, the film’s production budget was only $10K, so it likely turned a tidy profit.
M3GAN 2.0 - Peacock
Synopsis: After the underlying tech for M3GAN is stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia, M3GAN's creator Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal.
What we like:
Child performer Amie Donald, who physically embodies M3GAN, had a major growth spurt (nearly eight inches) between films. The production team had to redesign masks, body suits, and prosthetics to accommodate her new height and facial structure.
In-story, the upgraded M3GAN "asks for her new body to be taller," reflecting Amie’s actual growth. The shift in scale accentuates her evolution, from creepy doll to action-ready android, and supports the film's Terminator-esque tone.
What we don’t like:
Hoo boy, this was a major franchise implosion. Producer Jason Blum has acknowledged the mistakes made in this sequel, and it's hard to see a path forward for more M3GAN movies. Just a complete misread of what the audience wanted. We’ll still be checking it out now that it’s hitting Peacock.
THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT - Hulu
Synopsis: Down on his luck, Charles Blakey agrees to rent his basement to a mysterious stranger, unaware he may be letting in a force much darker than he imagined.
What we like:
This thriller is directed and co-written by Nadia Latif (in her feature directorial debut), and based on the novel of the same name by Walter Mosley, who co-wrote the screenplay.
The film’s production was delayed by the pandemic and further by industry strikes. Director Latif says the extra time turned out to be “a blessing,” allowing for more development with the material, more prep for actors, more refinement.
What we don’t like:
Jonathan Majors had been cast as Charles Blakey and was to serve as an executive producer, but following Majors's arrest in March 2023 and subsequent assault allegations, he was fired from the film. He was replaced by Corey Hawkins.
RUTH & BOAZ - Netflix
Synopsis: A talented singer leaves the Atlanta music scene and starts over in small-town Tennessee, where she finds love and new purpose but can't escape the past.
What we like:
Ruth & Boaz is the first film under a multi-year, multi-picture creative deal between Netflix and Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin, with a focus on faith-based storytelling.
The cast includes Serayah McNeill (as Ruth), Tyler Lepley (as Boaz), and Phylicia Rashad. Also appearing are musicians Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jermaine Dupri, Lecrae, and Yung Joc.
What we don’t like:
We’re still not over the emotional tribute Phylicia Rashad gave at this year’s Emmy’s, standing in front of a picture of her Cosby Show son Malcolm Jamal Warner. What a tragic, shocking loss.
WENT UP THE HILL - $14.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: Jack ventures to remote New Zealand for the funeral of his estranged mother and meets her widow Jill. But his mother's spirit returns to inhabit each of their bodies, instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance.
What we like:
This psychological drama/ghost story was directed by New Zealand-born filmmaker Samuel Van Grinsven, who also co-wrote the script with Jory Anast.
Stranger Things breakout Dacre Montgomery co-stars, and it’s nice to see him flex his talent outside of that Netflix blockbuster. He’s also in the upcoming Gus Vant Sant film Dead Man’s Wire.
Vicky Krieps, in addition to starring, also wrote and performed the film’s closing theme, “Jill”.
What we don’t like:
The ghost story is more psychological and emotional than jump-scare horror. It’s very much about grief, loss, identity, and how people deal (or don’t) with what haunts them. We’re a little tired of the 'horror as metaphor for trauma’ trope, but we’ll give this one a shot.
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
KARATE KID: LEGENDS - Netflix
Synopsis: After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren't enough. Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
What we like:
Karate Kid: Legends is the sixth film in The Karate Kid franchise, and acts as a continuation of the 2010 The Karate Kid film and the Cobra Kai TV series.
To portray Victor, a former heavyweight boxer, Joshua Jackson gained about 20 pounds by eating ~4,000 calories a day.
The climactic showdown on the skyscraper rooftop was filmed on a soundstage using “volume technology” (large LED / screen surround displays) similar to what has been used in The Mandalorian.
What we don’t like:
Does it feel like this franchise is on its last legs? It certainly made its money back (budget was about $45 million, it grossed around $114 million worldwide), but was there any enthusiasm? Hoping all involved got a nice check!
Happy Streaming Everyone!
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Here’s what’s coming up this week…