Friday Flicks: ‘Freak Show’, ‘Lover for a Day’, ‘Proud Mary’
Early January used to mean fresh scandal headlines, but the weekend still offers the same reliable escape: five films that reward a couple of hours on the couch. The original theatrical moment has passed, yet each title keeps its core appeal whether you stream it tonight or queue it for later. This week the spotlight lands on Proud Mary, a lean hitwoman vehicle that still stands out for Taraji P. Henson’s dual role as producer and star.
Freak Show (IFC Films)
on limited theatrical release now Our favourite misfit actor Alex Lawther (The Imitation Game) is back on the big screen as a glitter-bedecked, crossdressing teen sent away by his mother (Bette Midler) to live with his father (Larry Pine) where he’s forced to attend a straight-laced school. Being a diva-out-of-water doesn’t get Billy Bloom down and, undaunted by the bullies who just don’t understand his style, Billy sets out to challenge the norms in his own fabulous way. Directed by Trudie Styler, this film is a definite pick for any misfits or oddball who feel they just don’t belong. Watch the trailer for Freak Show
Paddington 2 (Warner Bros. Pictures)
on wide theatrical release now Hot on the heels of the wildly successful Paddington is writer and director Paul King’s sequel to the much-loved family favorite. If you’re in the mood for a trip down memory lane (or you’re hungover and need a little nostalgic comfort), check out Paddington 2 to watch the teddy (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. Stars Michael Gambon (Gosford Park), Imelda Staunton (Pride), Madeleine Harris (Paddington), Samuel Joslin (The Impossible), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), and Hugh Bonneville (Notting Hill). Watch the trailer for Paddington 2
Proud Mary (Screen Gems)
on wide theatrical release now Kind of like a reverse Leon but with less plants and more sass, Proud Mary tells the story of a hitwoman, played by Taraji P. Henson, whose life and career is turned upside down when she comes across a young boy in a hit gone wrong. Directed by Babak Najafi and written by Steve Antin, John Stuart Newman, and Christian Swegal, this female-centric action drama is a strong showcase for Henson's skills both as a producer and film lead. Stars Jahi Di'Allo Winston (Feed the Beast), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Xander Berkeley (Terminator 2), and Billy Brown (Star Trek). Watch the trailer for Proud Mary
Lover for a Day (MUBI)
on limited theatrical release now Defiantly independent director Philippe Garrel once again explores love and betrayal in this beautifully shot feature starring Éric Caravaca, Esther Garrel, and Louise Chevillotte. The love triangle in this story involves a daughter who returns home after the breakdown of a relationship only to find her father’s new girlfriend has moved in too: a woman who is her own age, resulting in a tantalizing love triangle. Watch the trailer for Lover for a Day
Franchise Legacy and Paddington 4
Paddington 2 still sits near the top of Rotten Tomatoes with a 99 percent score, and the bear’s cultural footprint keeps growing. Paddington presented an award at the 2026 BAFTAs, a moment that felt like the franchise thanking its audience in real time. Development on Paddington 4 is already underway with Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell writing and Dougal Wilson circling the director’s chair. The 2024 release of Paddington in Peru proved the audience appetite remains steady, so the next chapter looks less like a gamble and more like scheduled programming.
Streaming Availability Update
Every film here has moved from theater calendars to on-demand libraries. Saturday Church plays on Starz, Hulu, and Prime Video. Freak Show is currently listed on Prime Video for rental or purchase. Proud Mary and the others sit on major transactional platforms, so weekend plans no longer hinge on catching a single screening. The shift makes the 2018 slate feel less like distant history and more like an ongoing queue.
LGBTQ+ Representation in 2018 Releases
Freak Show and Saturday Church both arrived in the same narrow window and both put queer and trans youth at the center. Billy Bloom pushes against a rigid school with sequins and defiance, while Ulysses finds a ballroom scene that offers language and belonging after his father’s death. Neither film lectures; each simply lets its protagonist move through spaces that finally reflect them back. Together they mark a small but clear moment when indie distributors green-lit stories that larger studios still treated as niche.
Taraji P. Henson's Action Lead Career
Proud Mary gave Henson an early shot at carrying an action film as both lead and producer. Reviews landed at 25 percent, with critics noting the script’s thin construction even while praising her command of the screen. The project still functions as a résumé line whenever her filmography is surveyed, proof that studios were willing to test her in genre material before wider conversations about her range took hold.
The original theatrical push may be eight years old, yet the films remain easy to locate and still deliver the weekend mood they promised. Whether the draw is a bear in a red duffel coat or a hitwoman reconsidering her next move, the options line up without requiring a trip to the multiplex.
