Square eyes: All the TV shows and movies coming out this week
Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are always unloading a huge pile of movies and TV shows on the first of the month. This makes it a treacherous time for navigating your way through the endless new content torrent. Never fear – we’ve got your back. In this rundown of our top picks for the week, we’ll cover the three major streaming services as well as new and returning TV shows (and where to find them) and theatrical releases, so you don’t have to miss a thing!
New and returning shows
May 2
Cobra Kai: Season 1 (2018)
YouTube Red
It’s Karate Kid for a new generation! 30 years on from the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, an iconic rivalry is reignited when Daniel LaRusso learns that his high school nemesis Johnny Lawrence has reopened the infamous Cobra Kai dojo. Stars Ralph Macchio (The Outsiders), William Zabka (Back to School), and Xolo Maridueña (Parenthood)
Colony: Season 3 (2016-)
Amazon Prime
Aliens attack Los Angeles, and the city’s residents must choose between collaboration or rebellion, and suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, a former FBI agent and his wife risk everything to protect their family from the invasion. Stars Josh Holloway (Lost), Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), and Peter Jacobson (Transformers).
May 4
The Rain: Season 1 (2018)
Netflix
Six years after a deadly virus has ravaged the population of Scandinavia, siblings Simone and Rasmus join a group of survivors in their search for safety. They’re also searching for their father, who they believe may have a cure. Stars Iben Hjejle (High Fidelity), Alba August (Below the Surface), and Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen (Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes).
Dear White People: Season 2 (2017-)
Netflix
Students of color face the prejudices, micro-aggressions, and racial politics of daily life at their predominantly white Ivy League college. Stars Logan Browning (Powers) and DeRon Horton (Burning Sands).
May 6
I’m Dying Up Here: Season 2 (2017-)
Hulu / Amazon
In the tough world of the 70s LA stand-up comedy circuit, a club owner named Goldie mentors a group of wannabe comics who are willing to sacrifice it all for a shot at success. Stars Melissa Leo (The Fighter) and Ari Graynor (The Disaster Artist).
Sweetbitter: Season 1 (2018)
Starz
When a young woman moves to New York and stumbles into a waitressing job, she finds herself drawn into the chaotic but alluring world of drugs, drinking, lust, dive bars, and fine dining. Stars Ella Purnell (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children), Evan Jonigkeit (Whisky Tango Foxtrot), and Caitlin Fitzgerald (It’s Complicated).
Vida: Season 1 (2018)
Starz
A pair of Mexican-American sisters must confront a difficult past when they return to their old neighborhood in search of the truth about their mother’s identity. Stars Melissa Barrera (Perseguidos) and Mishel Prada (Fear of the Walking Dead: Passage).
Movies coming out this week
May 1st
The Son of Bigfoot
Adam is a teenager who has never known his long-lost dad. After setting off on a risky adventure to solve the mystery once and for all, he discovers that his dad is the legendary Bigfoot, and they have more in common than he first realized.
May 4th
Tully
When a mother of three is gifted a younger night nanny by her brother, she’s hesitant to accept the offer. However, it doesn’t take long for her to form a unique bond with the considerate, surprising, and occasionally challenging Tully. Stars Charlize Theron (Monster), Mackenzie Davis (Halt and Catch Fire), and Mark Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed).
Overboard
In this remake of the 1987 comedy, a single, working-class mother is unjustly fired from her job of cleaning a luxury yacht. When the boat’s owner – an arrogant playboy – falls into the water and wakes up with amnesia, she manages to convince him of their marriage as a form of revenge.Stars Anna Faris (The House Bunny), Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), and Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included).
Bad Samaritan
A terrifying cautionary tale which follows two thieves who uncover more than they bargained for when they break into a house for an easy score. After making a shocking discovery, will they choose to run and hide or confront the killer whose dark secrets they have exposed? Stars David Tennant (Broadchurch), Kerry Condon (Better Call Saul), and Robert Sheehan (Misfits).
The Cleanse
When Paul visits a spiritual retreat in order to find some peace and repair his broken heart, he soon connects with a fellow lost soul. Together, they discover that “the cleanse” is good for releasing a lot more than everyday toxins. Stars Anna Friel (Limitless), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), and Anjelica Huston (Smash).
Alex & The List
Alex is a loveable, unassuming dog trainer. He’s in love with Katherine – smart, talented, and from a wholesome family. When he decides to propose, Katherine produces a detailed list of “improvements” for Alex – a reminder that being the ideal couple takes a lot of work. Stars Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Jennifer Morrison (House), and Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous).
Anon
In a dystopian world of zero privacy and anonymity, a Google Glass-like technology has rendered crime pretty much non-existent. Detective Friedland discovers a mysterious young woman who has no identity or history, posing a threat to national security. Netflix has certainly wasted our time on mediocre sci-fi thrillers like Mute and The Cloverfield Paradox, but this one looks like it could turn things around. Stars Clive Owen (Children of Men), Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls), and Colm Feore (Chicago).
Movies coming to streaming services this week
May 1
Amélie (2001)
Netflix
If you’re in the mood for romance (or just have a sweet tooth), you can never go wrong with this delightfully French delicacy. Audrey Tautou (Dirty Pretty Things) stars as the adorable, eccentric waitress who makes it her mission to help others find love and happiness in their lives. Mathieu Kassovitz (La Haine) and Rufus (Delicatessen) make up the supporting cast.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 1-5 (1984-1989)
Hulu
One of the most iconic horror franchises ever, based around the former child killer Freddy Krueger, who famously returns from the grave (over and over and over) to terrorize the dreams of teenagers in Springwood, Ohio. Although the series (with its increasingly wacky depictions of Freddy) inevitably stumbles at some points, it always bounces back with something fresh and inventive.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Netflix
It’s the best of the Bourne lot, and it’s one of the best spy thrillers of all time. The pesky J.B. is brought out of hiding once more, forced to confront the shadiness of his past while evading the company’s efforts to wipe him out for good. Stars Matt Damon (The Martian), Edgar Ramírez (Point Break), and Joan Allen (Room).
Bull Durham (1988)
Hulu
Writer, director, and former minor-league player Ron Shelton’s debut has earned its rightful place in the pantheon of classic sports flicks. It’s about the relationship between veteran catcher Crash Davis and up-and-coming pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh, which is immediately complicated by the arrival of Annie Savoy – a die-hard Durham Bulls fan who pledges her heart and body to one player per season. You can also see it in the Criterion Collection this month. Stars Kevin Costner (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), and Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption).
God’s Own Country (2017)
Netflix
This striking debut from British up-and-comer Francis Lee proves why new queer cinema is a force to be reckoned with. It’s the story of two young men who get more than they bargained for when they find themselves falling in love on an isolated farm. If that’s not sweet enough for you, baby lambs. Stars Josh O’Connor (Florence Foster Jenkins), Alec Secareanu (Matasari), and Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary).
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
Netflix
This sensitive canine drama (based on a true story) explores the unbreakable bond that develops between a college professor and the abandoned dog he brings into his home. It’s not all fun and play, though – if you’re a dog lover, this one will leave your heart broken like a discarded chew toy. You have been warned. Stars Richard Gere (Pretty Woman), Joan Allen (Pleasantville), and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Planet of the Apes).
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2009)
Netflix
An evil elf threatens all-out war against humanity and it’s up to half-demon superhero Hellboy and his team to take him out. The Shape of Water’s Guillermo del Toro brings his trademark wit and unmistakable gothic flair to this spectacular sequel, which really manages to up the ante on the first one. It’s hilarious and action-packed, with some insane monster effects. Stars Ron Perlman (Hand of God), Selma Blair (Cruel Intentions), and Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth).
Red Dragon (2002)
Netflix
An ex-FBI agent is hired to help track down an elusive killer known as the Tooth Fairy, and turns to imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter for help. Stars Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs), Edward Norton (American History X), and Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List).
Rocky 1-5 (1976-1990)
Hulu
The underdog story to rule them all – the (almost) complete saga of the Italian Stallion, from rising star to washed-up hasbeen. There’s a decline in quality with each new installment, but every Rocky has its moments. It ain’t about how hard you hit! Stars Sylvester Stallone (Rambo: First Blood).
Scream 2 (1997)
Netflix
From the mind of the late, great Wes Craven (The People Under the Stairs) comes this blood-soaked sequel, set two years after the events of the original slasher. Expect a bigger body count, more horror movie in-jokes, and new levels of 90s attitude. Stars Neve Campbell (House of Cards), Courteney Cox (Friends), and David Arquette (Never Been Kissed).
Shrek (2001)
Netflix
After his swamp is overrun by magical fairytale creatures, an ogre named Shrek agrees to rescue the enchanting Princess Fiona so he can reclaim his land once and for all. Like an onion, there are lots of layers here. Stars Mike Myers (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me), Eddie Murphy (The Nutty Professor), and Cameron Diaz (There’s Something About Mary).
May 5
Dirty Girl (2010)
Netflix
It’s 1987 and a pair of mismatched Oklahoman misfits are heading out on the road to California – one to find the father she’s never met and the other to escape an overbearing, homophobic dad who wants to send him to military school. An offbeat coming-of-age story with plenty of heart. Stars Juno Temple (Killer Joe), Jeremy Dozier (Bad Behavior), and Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element).
Faces Places (2017)
Netflix
Legendary French filmmaker Agnès Varda (Vagabond) partners up with artist JR (Women Are Heroes) for a simple and life-affirming journey through the French countryside, making large-scale, black-and-white photographs of the ordinary people they meet along the way. This loveable doc was nominated for an Oscar last year.
