What's on DocPlay in July

Here's everything that's streaming on DocPlay in July.

3 July

Johatsu: Into Thin Air • Exclusive

In Japan, thousands of people disappear voluntarily every year. And there are companies ready to help those who want to disappear without a trace and start a new life somewhere else. Meet some of them in a film that soberly examines a modern phenomenon.

6 July

For National NAIDOC Week 2025, DocPlay is proud to present a collection of films that champion Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture, and share vital perspectives on our shared history. The below films are free to view in Australia from 6-13 July (no subscription required).

Connection to Country

The Dark Emu Story

Incarceration Nation

Like My Brother

Ningla-Ana

Still We Rise

Voice

Winhanganha

14 July

Architecton • Exclusive

Award-winning director Viktor Kossakovsky’s striking new documentary takes audiences on an extraordinary journey through the material that makes up our habitat: concrete and its ancestor, stone.

17 July

Richard Linklater

Slacker. Indie filmmaker. Oscar nominee. Writer, director, producer, actor Richard Linklater is all these things and more, a poster boy for the fiercely independent style of filmmaking that emerged out of Austin, Texas in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Senses of Cinema

The cultural life of late 20th century Australia through the rise, fall and afterlife of the Filmmakers' Co-operatives. 

The Story of Film: A New Generation

A decade after The Story of Film: An Odyssey, Mark Cousins returns with an epic and hopeful tale of cinematic innovation from around the globe.

21 July

One to One: John & Yoko • Exclusive • AU only

An inside look at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's time living in Greenwich Village, and Lennon's only full-length, post-Beatles concert. 

24 July

Mayor

A look at the life of Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Palestinian city Ramallah, who aspires to lead the city into the future.

28 July

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

A musician from San Francisco finds meaning to his life when he starts to care for dozens of wild parrots. The beloved break-out hit celebrates 20 years since its theatrical release.

The Pool - available to stream in NZ

New Zealand films coming to 2025 NZIFF

The NZIFF has revealed a clutch of New Zealand movies coming to the 2025 festival.

Among the lineup is Kiwi horror-comedy The Weed Eaters, about a group of carnivorous tokers, shadowy gothic psychodrama Went Up the Hill, comedy-romance in a crumbling theatre, Workmates, and Kaikohe Blood & Fire, a story of how the grassroots combat sports scene is transforming lives in the Northland town.

Also on the Māhutonga strand, TOITŪ Visual Sovereignty follows curator Nigel Borrell on a journey to create a groundbreaking large-scale exhibition of Māori art, and

Notes from a Fish follows a struggling writer on a comic odyssey through the underbelly of Auckland’s rare fish black market.

Kiwi music fan? You won’t want to miss Life in One Chord, a documentary about punk renegade and Dunedin Sound pioneer Shayne Carter. Narrated by broadcaster Carol Hirschfeld (Shayne’s idea), the film takes viewers on a self-deprecating tour of Dunedin suburbs, setting the scene for Shayne’s trademark colourful tales.

And speaking of music legends, Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story lets us in on the lesser-known sides of the man behind some of the country’s biggest hits. From Don’s early days playing gigs at student flats, to fronting The Mutton Birds and making it big, this film from acclaimed documentarian Shirley Horrocks delves into the highs, lows, backstage antics and deeply personal insights from the homegrown star.

We’re excited to have two documentary features from pioneer filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston at this year’s festival! Grace: A Prayer for Peace is a slice-of-life portrait of one of Aotearoa’s greatest living artists, Dame Robin White. Alongside musings on her work from her younger years and scenes from time spent in Japan and Kiribati, much of the film focuses on seventy-something Robin as she is now, at the height of her artistic powers and still moving her practice forward.

As part of the Treasures strand, we’re also featuring War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us, three decades on from its 1995 debut. The acclaimed documentary includes candid wartime recollections from seven women who navigated life-changing challenges during World War II, as well as stories of resilience and hope.

Bati, the first ever Fijian feature to screen at NZIFF, will premiere at this year’s festival! Beautifully filmed in Suva and the highlands of Namosi, the film tells the story of an aspiring boxer who gets into the ring to support his struggling family. Made with heart and infused with Fijian spirit, Bati also boasts a soundtrack of local faves including InsideOut, Sailasa Tora, Matanibola and the Viwalu Family Gospel.

We've made a change to one of our most important competitions and combined what were previously two separate collections. Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts and New Zealand’s Best have been merged into a single, inclusive competition, Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best. This year, we have a stellar lineup of finalists carefully selected from 88 submissions.

What's on Shudder in July

Here's everything that's streaming on Shudder in July.

Push – Shudder Original Film

New Film Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 11 July

Haunted by the memory of her late fiancé, Natalie Flores (Alicia Sanz, El Cid) finds herself 8 months pregnant and in desperate need of a new start. Determined to regain her sense of self, she moves to America and uses her real estate license to take on a challenging listing. However, she soon discovers her new beginning may be a deadly end when she catches the eye of a sadistic killer (Raúl Castillo, Smile 2) at her open house. 

After becoming stranded at the property, Natalie falls into premature labour, starting a physiological ticking clock as she must find a way to escape before she gives birth.

Monster Island – Shudder Exclusive Film

New Film Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Monday 

25 July

Based on Malay Folklore and drawing inspiration from Creature From the Black Lagoon, this creature feature is set in World War II. A Japanese ship transporting prisoners of war to occupied territories for slave labour.  After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British POW are stranded on a deserted island and soon discover that they’re being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan. 

Both the soldier and POW realize that they must work together to survive the unknown, despite their differences. Starring Dean Fukjioka (Fullmetal Alchemist) Callum Woodhouse (All Creatures Great & Small).

Hell Motel – Shudder Original Series

New Episodes Every Tuesday Until Season Finale 

29 July Exclusively on Shudder, AMC+ 

From the creators of Slasher, this all-new horror anthology series, starring Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack, sees a group of 10 true crime obsessives invited to the opening weekend of the newly renovated Cold River Motel, the site of a 30-year-old unsolved Satanic Mass Murder. History repeats itself when the guests get stranded and start getting knocked off one by one during a murder spree that grows exponentially more gruesome than the original with each kill.

NOS4A2 – Shudder Exclusive Series

Series Binge Premieres Thursday, 24 July 

Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ 

Vic McQueen (Ashley Cummings, Citadel) is a young, working-class artist who discovers she has a supernatural ability to track the seemingly immortal Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto, American Horror Story). Manx feeds off the souls of children, then deposits what remains of them into Christmasland – a twisted Christmas Village of Manx’s imagination where every day is Christmas day and unhappiness is against the law. Vic must strive to defeat Manx and rescue his victims – without losing her mind or falling victim to him herself.

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S FILM LIBRARY

1 July

Puppet Master

After being contacted by their mysterious former colleague, four psychics arrive at a secluded hotel where they are stalked by a group of murderous puppets.

Puppet Master II

The puppets return and hunt paranormal researchers in an attempt to take their brain fluid for their master, Andre Toulon. 

Puppet Master III

A puppeteer’s ability to bring inanimate objects to life attracts the attention of Nazis during World War II. 

The ABCs of Death 

A 26-chapter anthology that showcases death in all its vicious wonder and brutal beauty. 

7 July

Trash Humpers

Follows the lives of a small group of elderly sociopaths in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Chaser

A disgraced ex-policeman who runs a small ring of prostitutes finds himself in a race against time when one of his women goes missing.

What's on Neon in July

Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in July.

Outrageous (Wednesdays from July 30)

Public scandal. Political extremism. Personal heartache. Based on the true story of the Mitford sisters who played by their own rules – with sometimes devastating consequences. Set against the gathering storm clouds of the 1930s, this is a family saga like no other. The Mitford’s as they really were: unapologetic, outrageous and utterly human. 

Licence to Drive (July 2)

Learner drivers with disabilities tackle the road in a bid to gain the independence that driving brings – and like all learner drivers, there’s never a dull moment! A Sky New Zealand Originals production, from the makers of Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line, Sweet Productions. Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Movies 

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (July 7)

With a mysterious villain outmatching their abilities in every way, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails seek an unlikely alliance to protect the planet. Stars: Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Shemar Moore, James Marsden 

Lee (July 20)

The story of American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Stars: Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard, Marion Cotillard 

Better Man (July 26)

The true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Robbie Williams.  Stars: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany 

Joker: Folie A Deux (July 1)

Awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker, Arthur Fleck is  institutionalised at Arkham State Hospital. Struggling with his  dual identity, Arthur meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn,  and finds the music that's always been inside him. 

Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson,  Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey,  Leigh Gill 

JULY - NEON TV  

CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Blue’s Clues & You S1-3 

01 Bubble Guppies S6 

01 Butterbean’s Café S2 

01 Dora and Friends: Into the City! S2 01 Days of our Lives S61 

02 The Loud House S4-6 

02 Rugrats (2021) S1  

02 Spongebob Squarepants S10-13 02 Nicole Kidman, Eyes Wide Open  02 Mia Farrow – Shadows & Light  02 Licence To Drive S1 

09 Outback Farm S1 

16 Glenn Close: A Feminist Force 

16 Martin Scorsese, The Italian-American Master 23 Kate Winslet: A Quest for Authenticity 24 Murdoch Mysteries S16-17 

28 The Last Musician of Auschwitz 30 Outrageous S1 

JULY - NEON MOVIE  CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Joker 

03 Practical Magic 

04 Monster Summer 

05 Richard the Stork and the Mystery of the Great  Jewel  

05 Sniper: The Last Stand  

07 Sonic The Hedgehog 3 

09 10 Lives 

10 Panda Bear in Africa 

10 Ambush 

11 The Canterville Ghost (2023) 

11 Assassin's Plan 

12 Just Go With It 

14 5lbs Of Pressure 

16 Cash Out 

18 Ghost Rider 

19 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 19 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 20 Lee 

22 Dirty Pretty Things 

24 Crank: High Voltage 

25 Lord of Dogtown 

26 Better Man 

28 The Lobster 

29 Funny Girl

31 Red Mole: A Romance

JULY – MAX ON NEON TV  CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Murder Under The Friday Night Lights S4 04 Polyfamily S1 

04 Mystery at Blind Frog Rach S4 07 Krypto the Superdog S1 

07 Grizzy and the Lemmings: World Tour S4 11 Super Mega Cakes S11 

14 Jellystone! S3 

14 My Adventures with Superman S2 21 Tom and Jerry Tales S1 

27 Toxic S1 

28 Bug Bunny Builders S2 

29 1000lb Sisters S6 

29 1000lb Sisters: Clapback  

29 Expedition Bigfoot S5 

31 Chowder S2-3 

31 Tom and Jerry Tales S2

JULY - MAX ON NEON MOVIE CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Joker: Folie A Deux 

07 Superman: Doomsday 

30 The Commandant's Shadow 

Kōkā : Movie Review

Cast: Hinetu Dell, Darneen Christian, Te Kohe Tuhaka
Director: Kath Akuhata-Brown

Released in time for the Māori New Year and with a venerable lead in Hinetu Dell, Kōkā has its heart in the right place – but a flawed execution of a thin story prevents it from really rising above good intentions.

Dell is Māori kuia elder Hamo who, as the film begins, appears to be on her death bed. Rising from it, Hamo leaves hospital only to inadvertently hit local delinquent Jo. Forced into helping her, Hamo's ripped off by Jo who steals her car, makes her an associate to theft and ultimately is robbed blind.

But when Hamo sees Jo is beaten in police custody, she takes her under her wing as they head to their ultimate destination, troubled as she is by past relationships and decisions.

Director Kath Akuhata-Brown's bilingual story is blessed with some uneven performances at best and a story that seems to have one foot in the spiritual world and one in a more broad brushstrokes world that borders at times on caricature. Consequently, while Dell delivers an earnestly studious and quiet performance, the film struggles with its own strength of identity.

Yet when it slows and moves into the wilds of New Zealand and away from some of its more broader moments, Kokā delivers a visually stunning (if occasionally overly CGI-rendered) world of stars in the sky and spiritual edges, perfect for the Matariki release date.

However, with a paper-thin story that wants to be both road movie and odd couple, along with the film's insistence in indulging its story holes, Kōkā feels like it could have been much more, a springboard for a discussion about poverty, generations and racism.

Yet, Kōkā fumbles some of those, dwelling on frustrating flashbacks that don't quite offer enough depth to supplement the story or help secure it in the pantheon of te reo Māori cinema.

Elio: Movie Review

Cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil and Shirley Henderson

Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina

Elio feels exactly like the kind of film Pixar would make in the face of accusations of going woke.

But it's actually a beautifully put together ode to our place in the universe, feeling alienated and Voyager, the first probe sent into space. Albeit with some largely forgettable characters the moment it's done, something which is sad to relay.

Kibreab plays the recently orphaned Elio, a space obsessive who longs for aliens to abduct him because it's better than being offloaded on his aunt (Saldaña). However, when first contact is made, Elio finds himself whisked away to the Communiverse, "where tolerance and open-mindedness" rule. But he soon finds himself out of his depth when he volunteers to try and negotiate with a warlord (Garrett) who's intent on destroying them all.

With its adulation of the space race (there's never been this many mentions of the Voyager craft since the first ever Star Trek movie) and its examination of the message of are we alone in the universe, Pixar's latest has the depth it needs on hand. 

But it largely eschews that to dwell on Elio's trauma of loss, and his anger and lack of acceptance at what's happened to him. While also throwing in messages about bullying, what it means to be unique and the sad "what if there's nothing in me to want" attitude of an orphan - there's a lot to juggle here, and not all of it is successfully done in this.

It's beautiful to look at and while it's packed with sci-fi references for celluloid lovers (Terminator 2, Invasion of the Body Snatchers to name but two), there's a general feeling that most of the main characters aren't as memorable as some of Pixar's previous output.

It's a shame because as Elio plays out, it's a magically enjoyable experience - albeit one that's more or less forgotten the moment it's ended. Perhaps it speaks to the problems Pixar has with its output currently - it's still chasing another character that will stand the test of time.

But while it does that, it produces little nuggets like this that revel in existential angst - and parallel perhaps some of the uncertainty Pixar itself faces as it tries to find its own identity in 2025 and beyond. 

Borderlands 4 release date, pre-orders unveiled

The first details of Borderlands 4 release date and its pre-orders have been unveiled.

Its worldwide launch will be on 12 September, 2025. The game is releasing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, and will also be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.

There will be three editions of Borderlands 4: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition.

• Standard Edition (AUD$109.95) includes:
• The base game
• Deluxe Edition (AUD$159.95) includes:
• The base game
• Bounty Pack Bundle, featuring four post-launch DLC packs
• Firehawk's Fury Weapon Skin
• Super Deluxe Edition (AUD$199.95) includes:
• All content from the Deluxe Edition
• Vault Hunter Pack, featuring two new Vault Hunters and Story Packs
• Ornate Order Pack, featuring new gear, weapons, and Vault Hunter cosmetics

Players who pre-order the game will receive the Gilded Glory Pack, which includes one Vault Hunter Skin, one Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.

Borderlands 4 Now Available for Pre-Order; Post-Launch Content to Include Story Missions and All-New Vault Hunters

Boldest Borderlands to date launches September 12, starting at AUD$109.95

June 17, 2025 – Today, 2K and Gearbox Software announced that Borderlands® 4 is now available for pre-order. The next instalment in the critically and commercially-successful franchise that started a new genre of games will launch worldwide on September 12, 2025 via PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. It will also be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.

“I’ve been blown away by how high the team at Gearbox have raised the bar for Borderlands 4,” said David Ismailer, President of 2K. “The development team crafted a premium AAA adventure that evolves the series’ gameplay and storytelling in new ways, while delivering on the quintessential Borderlands looter-shooter experience fans know and love.”  

 

"Borderlands 4 is the most excited the team and I have ever been to launch a Borderlands game," said Gearbox founder and President Randy Pitchford. "Borderlands 4 is the best entry point for new players while also being a heartfelt love letter to fans of the original games."

Players will take up the mantle of one of four new Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities that, combined with literally billions of weapons, introduce even more ways to crush, bash and destroy enemies. With the biggest Borderlands world ever, brand new traversal mechanics help them explore the sprawling planet Kairos to face off against the tyrannical Timekeeper and his Order.

Additionally, players can look forward to a robust roadmap of free and paid post-launch content rolling out following the launch of Borderlands 4 so they can continue their adventures on Kairos. Depending on which content pack they own, paid DLC can include two new Vault Hunters, all-new regions of Kairos, new story missions, side missions, challenges, enemies and more. Full details will be revealed at a later date.

Borderlands 4 offers three editions of the game: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition.

All editions are available for pre-order today and will release worldwide on September 12, 2025. Players who pre-order one of these editions will receive the Gilded Glory Pack*, which includes one Vault Hunter Skin, one Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.

• The Standard Edition includes the base game and will be available for AUD$109.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• The Deluxe Edition will feature a variety of bonus items and will be available for AUD$159.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• This edition includes the Bounty Pack Bundle**, featuring four separate post-launch DLC packs, each with distinct areas, new missions, and unique bosses; four Vault Cards with unique challenges and rewards; new gear and weapons; four new vehicles, and Vault Hunter cosmetics; and the Firehawk's Fury Weapon Skin.
• The Super Deluxe Edition will include all bonus digital content from the Deluxe Edition and will be available for AUD$199.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• This edition also includes the Vault Hunter Pack***, featuring two new Story Packs, each featuring a new Vault Hunter, story, and side missions; two new map regions; new gear and weapons; more Vault Hunter cosmetics; and new ECHO-4 cosmetics.
• Additionally, it offers the Ornate Order Pack with four Vault Hunter Skins, four Vault Hunter Heads and four Vault Hunter Bodies.

Borderlands 4 is rated MA 15+. Additionally, once purchased on Steam or Epic Games Store, the game will also be available to play on NVIDIA GeForce NOW.

For the latest information on Borderlands 4, wishlist the game, visit www.borderlands.com, and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Gearbox Software is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

28 Years Later: Movie Review

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Jack O'Connell
Director: Danny Boyle

Three decades after the original 28 Days Later leant into the vibe of a disease being released from a lab and infecting the whole world, director Danny Boyle has returned to the scenario that gave the world the then-unknown Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy.

This time around, the story follows a group of survivors quarantined on a heavily guarded island. But when one of them heads away from the island, what they discover rocks the core of their foundations of belief...

To say much about 28 Years Later is to steal away from what threadbare plot there is - which sounds like a disservice but is anything but. The story revolves around the loss of innocence of a child, of discovering a role model is not what you thought they were and of the lies we tell ourselves and others to survive.

Taylor-Johnson is Jamie, who, as the film begins - after a brutal massacre of children watching of all things Teletubbies - is taking his younger than hunting age son Spike (a terrific Williams) out for his first kill on the mainland they live over the water from. However, things don't go entirely to plan...

The best thing to say about 28 Years Later is that it's a film that does everything new with the post-apocalyptic zombie genre that's been run ragged by countless copies and revitalised by The Last Of Us. Not once does Boyle follow the pack, and spends most of the film breaking out from doing so. Even a coda at the end delivers one heck of a punch that will land with those au fait with British pop culture. ("Let's be pals" will be the most terrifying of words uttered this year for those who know about tracksuits and children).

From having the zombie kills play out like elements of the X-Ray cam on Rebellion Games' Sniper Elite to an entirely elegaic ending that is not what you'd expect, but is entirely what you deserve, 28 Years Later delivers nerve-shredding moments mixed with a disturbing calm, and a rich world that brims with contemporary allegories and parallels. (An isolated Britain filled with rage-hating populace covers so many bases right now).

But central to it all is Williams' brave portrayal of the coming-of-age Spike, forced to kill out of goading from his father and uncertain of his right to do so before inevitably having to take the lead and become his own man.

The film looks spectacular too - lush green run-riot plants curl over decrepit buildings; the infected have evolved into different types of creatures and the passing visuals are nothing but upsetting in a hope-less way.

28 Years Later is visceral cinema at its finest - and it's an unmissable in-cinema experience.

What's on Disney+ in July

Here's everything streaming on Disney+ in July.

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” a continuation of the beloved Disney Jr. series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is set to premiere Tuesday, July 22 on Disney+ in New Zealand.

From Disney Branded Television, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” continues the adventures of Mickey and pals from the original global hit which aired from 2006-2016 and is still breaking records as a Top 3 series for preschoolers on streaming and over 5 billion views on YouTube, including for the iconic “Hot Dog!” song, which alone has amassed over 1.1 billion views to date and has officially been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Performed by the GRAMMY® Award-winning They Might Be Giants, the song is featured in the new series.

Incorporating memorable components like the Mousekedoer, Mouseketools and Toodles, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” introduces the new handy helping friend Little Helper and Duffy the Disney Bear, who will make surprise appearances. Other “plussed up” elements include the expansion of the Clubhouse with the Laughing Loft, a hilarious hangout zone, and the Wacky Tube, which gets Mickey and pals where they need to go in fun and silly ways. Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy will also each get their own personalised clubhouses, which will be revealed throughout the series. 

Many of the creative team from the original Emmy® Award-winning series have returned, including executive producer Rob LaDuca, art director Sy Thomas and songwriter/composer Mike Himelstein. Kim Duran serves as co-producer/story editor, and Mark Drop is story editor. The series is a production of Disney Television Animation. 

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” is a flagship series of the “Disney Jr. Let’s Play!” global campaign, designed to inspire preschoolers to experience the joy of play through Disney Jr.’s beloved characters and stories.

What's on Prime Video in July

Here's everything that's streaming on Prime Video in July

The Summer I Turned Pretty (July 16)

Season Three will debut on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The highly anticipated 11-episode season will stream exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.  

Adapted from Jenny Han’s best-selling trilogy,

The Summer I Turned Pretty has evolved into a global phenomenon since its debut. The first season premiered in the summer of 2022, becoming the #1 show on Prime Video during its launch weekend. Season Two followed in 2023 and more than doubled the viewership of its predecessor within the first three days. 

A heartfelt multigenerational drama, the series explores a poignant love triangle between one girl and two brothers, the complexities of family, and the strength of female friendships. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about first love, heartbreak, and the unforgettable magic of a perfect summer. 

Season Three is helmed by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, with both also serving as executive producers alongside Karen Rosenfelt, and Paul Lee, Hope Hartman, and Mads Hansen of wiip. The series is produced in partnership by Amazon Studios and wiip. 

Nintendo Switch 2 sets record

In the four days following its 5th June launch, Nintendo Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever globally.

Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger, vivid screen capable of full 1080p high-definition display (and 4K when connected to a compatible TV or monitor), a faster processor that allows for enhanced graphics and gameplay performance, and redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse functionality. The system also debuts the new GameChat feature, where players can voice or video chat and share game screens with friends online, bringing the feeling of playing together in the same room even if their friends and family are miles away.

“In addition to upgraded features, Nintendo Switch 2 offers new ways for people to connect and play together,” said Takuro Horie, Managing Director of Nintendo Australia. “We are grateful for the response it has already received, and we hope players will continue to enjoy the new experiences offered.”

Nintendo Switch 2 launched alongside Mario Kart World. Featuring a series-first interconnected world where you can drive virtually anywhere (including across cities, plains, a desert and even the ocean), Mario Kart World includes dynamic weather conditions, new game modes, and up to 24 drivers at once – the most in series history.

And next month, a brand-new 3D platforming game starring Donkey Kong will make its debut exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza will let players unleash their inner Kong as they smash and bash their way through a wild, mayhem-packed action adventure, launching 17th July.

Kick Off Your Shoes and Step into Tales of The Shire in Wholesome Direct Showcase!

At the Wholesome Direct digital showcase, Wētā Workshop welcomed viewers home to The Shire in a brand-new trailer for the Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game featuring charming gameplay, serene surroundings, and in true Hobbit fashion - plenty of food.

The new trailer gives glimpses of life in Bywater, meeting new friends and familiar faces. Decorate your own Hobbit hole exactly as you like, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in The Shire. Bask in colourful seasonal changes as you stock up your pantry by fishing, gardening, foraging and trading ingredients for shared meals with friends. Your fellow Hobbits don’t need an excuse for a party; they’re just waiting for your invitation....Only when you’re ready, of course!

In addition, those eager to jump in can pre-order the game now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5!

From the creative studio Wētā Workshop, live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of The Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this peaceful corner of Middle-earth when Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game launches on the 29th of July 2025 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.

For all the latest updates on the game, follow Tales of the Shire on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok 

Fujifilm brings back the QuickSnap

A Classic Returns: FUJIFILM brings back QuickSnap camera in New Zealand

The iconic single-use camera is helping Kiwis capture moments worth waiting for.

FUJIFILM has announced the return of its QuickSnap camera, a modern take on the much-loved single-use camera that first captured the hearts (and holiday memories) of Kiwis in the 90s and early 2000s.

Designed to bring back the fun, freedom and tactile joy of film photography, the FUJIFILM QuickSnap is set to appeal to a whole new generation of creators, memory-makers and nostalgia lovers alike. In a world dominated by digital convenience, there’s something special about the anticipation of waiting to see how your film shots turn out – flaws, flare, and all. QuickSnap is the perfect camera to capture the moments worth waiting for.

Whether punters are heading to a summer music festival, packing for an off-grid roadie, or simply want to slow down and shoot with intention, the QuickSnap offers a simple, creative way to capture real-life moments. No filters, no edits. Just genuine, unfiltered memories on 35mm film.

The camera at a glance:

• 27 exposures of FUJIFILM’s signature 35mm film
• Built-in flash with a range of up to 3 metres – perfect for low-light or indoor shots
• Pre-loaded and ready to go – loaded with Fujicolor Superia 400 speed film, so photographers can just point and shoot
• Compact and lightweight – weighing just 90g, it’s pocket-friendly and perfect for travel
• Recyclable – return used cameras via participating photo labs for responsible recycling and film processing

The QuickSnap is a fun and easy-to-use camera, great for taking pictures indoors or outdoors, allowing everyday photographers to capture their favourite memories in film, wherever life takes them. It’s also become a popular choice for events like weddings and parties, offering guests a hands-on way to snap candid, behind-the-scenes moments from their own perspective.

This product reflects a wider resurgence in film photography across Aotearoa, especially among the Gen Z demographic. The QuickSnap combines FUJIFILM’s rich legacy in film with a fresh, no-fuss approach to photography that’s all about living in the moment.

The FUJIFILM QuickSnap is available at participating retailers and online at instax.co.nz, with an RRP of NZD $39.00.

Snow White: Disney+ Movie Review

Cast: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap

Director: Marc Webb

The 2025 remake of Disney's jewel in its animated crown is a curious beast, an uncanny valley of a movie that never really seems to dabble in much other than anti-climactic endings and aloof emotional edges.

But in among all the fury over the woke edges, and the truly unnerving CGI dwarf updates, there is a bright shining star to anchor it all.

Rachel Zegler's Snow White is a princess who takes control, but who has warmth, kindness, empathy and a great deal of charisma as the story whirls through the very familiar beats of the 200-year old story.

Sadly the same can't be said for Gal Gadot's woefully underwritten wicked witch, whose character is so poorly painted that even with big vampy Shirley Bassey-style musical numbers, she can't muster the menace of someone wracked with insecurity that someone else would be finer than she.

Despite shimmering in some slinky costume choices and trying her best, she pales into insignificance compared to Zegler, who musters through her part with ease.

Written through more with a Robin Hood-esque storyline, with Snow White playing Maid Marian to the troupe (feeling much like Baldrick actor Tony Robinson's Maid Marian and her Merry Men 80s TV series for children), Andrew Burnap's Jonathan does as well as he can with the updated prince motif. His and Zegler's bickering song Princess Problems is a new addition to the film is a joyous touch, a rare diamond in plenty of soulless updates.

Yet the film seems confused about what it wants to do. It hits every single original story beat without hitting any emotional high, giving a feeling of rushing through bizarrely. And the colour grade on Webb's film feels muted, more washed out than vibrant - even if the enchanted forest's twisted darkness and menace bristles with nightmare fuel.

As for the dwarves themselves, their Hi-Ho introudction is perfectly fine, a warm fuzzy blanket of nostalgia washing over viewers to take them back to when they first saw it. But the CGI proves to be distracting, and the fact there's even a person with dwarfism in Jonathan's band of merry men makes the Disney creative decision jarring in extremis.

Ultimately, while nowhere near as ghastly as early worries would suggest, the 2025 remake of Snow White works only because of Zegler - elsewhere throughout, thanks to underwritten edges and weak narrative beats where action happens simply because it should rather than organically, the film feels like it's sold the legacy short rather than enhanced it greatly.

Deep Cover: Movie Review

Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed, Sean Bean, Paddy Considine, Ian McShane
Director: Tom Kingsley

Mixing a bit of comedy, a bit of action and a touch of Nick Mohammed mugging, Deep Cover presents a solid mix for a streaming film - even if it never quite erupts into the raucous laughs it promises early on.

A simple premise - two struggling improv wannabes and their tutor are asked by a cop to go undercover to break a counterfeit cigarettes ring. But before they know it, they've blundered into the underworld.

Deep Cover's simplicity is partially its strength, and its frantic nature is also a benefit. It works largely because the inept trio have a strong degree of chemistry. From Dallas Howard's Kat, who's followed by concerned friends who worry that she's throwing her life away as a comedian to Mohammed's patented brand of nebbish out of his depth deadpanning, the group gels in scenes that see their characters way deeper than they need to.

But it's Orlando Bloom's method improviser that proves the source of many laughs. Early on, he's dropped by his agent after being told he's "from the Cotswolds, you're not Al Pacino". Yet he finds plenty of laughs from moments of trying to be the hard guy when he's clueless.

There are moments when the amiable script throws in a few wordy laughs and patented silliness when it counts. It works when it should, and while it's not exactly Shakespeare, it's watchable enough fare for a mid-winter night.

Deep Cover is streaming from June 12 on Prime Video.

Materialists: Movie Review

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, Chris Evans
Director: Celine Song

Writer / director Celine Song's latest may have garnered a career best from an empathetic Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker who finds herself at sea, but its commitment to dialogue that feels of the page rather than the real world does much to destroy its intentions.

Sumptuously shot, the story finds Lucy professionally cruising on a high, but personally facing a disaster as she negotiates singleton life.

But her life is upended when she meets the suave Harry (Pascal in a stoic and earnest performance) and despite her protestations that he's not the one for her,she's won over by the financial accoutrements he offers her - from fancy meals dismissed with the flick of a pen to his multimillion dollar penthouse, Lucy has transactional access to the world she always wanted.

But things fall apart when she reencounters her ex John (Evans, grounded), a struggling bit part theatre actor who may have lost the one true love of his life on their fifth anniversary. 

And the situation gets worse for Lucy when a work issue causes her self doubt to kick in.

Ironically, Materialists may have worked better as a play, one where internal monologues were given effective voice,because on the big screen, the overly verbose language just feels stilted. Talk of transactions in relationships, business deals for matters of the heart just don't feel organic and real to land any emotional heft.

Plus, adding in a subplot about sexual assault that feels more like a dramatic crutch rather than a fully realised element makes the film tonally ajar.

It's little helped by the fact there's zero chemistry between Pascal and Johnson (though one wonders if that's a deliberate construct) this sophomore outing from the Past Lives director feels like it's not everything it could be.

While she deserves plaudits for sidestepping the traditional romcom tropes, perhaps Materialists doesn't quite hit what it wants to be. It lacks the subtle richness of Past Lives and while it's Johnson at the best she's been in a long time, it feels like the substance element has been dialled up too high for any lasting effect.

Anora: 4K Blu Ray Review

Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Yura Borisov, Vache Tovmasyan
Director: Sean Baker

Sean Baker continues his predilection for characters in industries or lifestyles usually vilified by outsiders in this entertaining, if occasionally unwieldly, film about a Cinderella tale.

Russian-American exotic dancer Anora (Madison, a breakout performance), who prefers to be known as Ani, is working in a local club in New York, when she's asked to "look after" the young Vanya (Eydelshteyn) for the night.

Seemingly drowning in cash, Vanya asks Ani to be exclusive to him for a week during New Year's and whisks her away to a luxurious mansion, endless drinks and continual parties. One thing leads to another, and the pair end up in a whirlwind marriage in Vegas. But when Vanya's absentee Russian parents find out, they send a group to ensure the nuptials are annulled.

Elements of Keystone Cops and general broad stereotyped comedy follow in Anora, and while it's perhaps here the movie begins to feel some of its bloat and sag as the belittled Ani and her "captors" traipse round Brooklyn at night looking for the errant Vanya, it never settles for anything less from its protagonist.

Madison delivers the kind of performance that you can't look away from here. Equal parts spiky, vitriolic, angry and vulnerable as the girl whose dream is slipping away from her, she could easily have made the role the kind of cliche one would expect from a sex worker. But crafting the role with Baker's eye for humanism in such circumstances and also giving plenty of heart and humanity to her plight, Madison's anything but a wide-eyed naif as she tackles everything that's thrown in her way. 

And while some of the comedy of the goons trying to find their lost charge grates occasionally, Baker manages to keep things on the right side of unexpectedly funny as he winds his way through some gorgeously shot nighttime vistas.

There's heartbreak and hope in equal measure through this, much like many of Baker's other films such as The Florida Project and Red Rocket. But what's most prominent about Anora is its lead actress. Make no mistake, Madison's destined for greater things.

How To Train Your Dragon: Movie Review

Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost
Director: Dean DuBlois

Some 15 years after the original animated film wowed audiences with its mix of heart and humour, the live-action version of the perennially popular first How To Train Your Dragon has a lot to live upto.

And while it's occasionally in love with its own montages of soaring dragons and rousing orchestral moments, this faithful adaptation will leave family audiences satisfied - even if it has added 30 minutes on to the original's run time for no discernable reason.

For those unfamiliar with the tale, it's set in the Viking-run village of Berk which finds itself constantly at war with marauding dragons. Among the villagers is Hiccup (Thames, a reasonable version of the rugged nasal charm of the original's Jay Baruchel) whose faither is the village's chief (Butler, reprising his role and clearly at home doing so). 

Only while the villagers prefer to attack the dragons with swords and strength, Hiccup takes a more inventive approach, setting him at odds with his father and his aspirations for him. But one day, when he downs a hitherto-unseen Night Fury dragon, he finds a new friend in the wounded creature - and a secret that could change Berk's future forever.

The 2025 version of How To Train Your Dragon does remarkably well at hitting the same beats as before - and while the film hasn't played around with Toothless's cat-like look and behaviour, the film's clearly not wanting to try anything radically different either.

It makes for an amiable and recognisably enjoyable night out at the cinema, which families will enjoy more due to generational watching habits. A great story is still a great story, no matter what format it's presented in - and this one about destiny, friendship, forging your own path and the bonds with animals still hits the highs it wants to.

It's not all good news though.

The relationship between Hiccup and Astrid feels somewhat rote and flaccid and the extra 30 minutes can largely be put down to the filmmakers wanting to show off the mix of CGI flying and music - not all of the CGI hangs together with some moments showing very minor creaks.

But at its heart, the tale of Toothless and Hiccup is wonderfully intact and comfortably familiar. Given the missteps Disney has made with its live-action films, this is to be applauded for improving on the original without massively changing it. And it's to be hoped the studios won't insist on the other films in the franchise being trotted out for box office's sake.

Dangerous Animals: Movie Review

Cast: Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston
Director: Sean Byrne

An unashamed B-movie that knows exactly what it wants to do and does it with a degree of glee, The Loved Ones' director Sean Byrne's latest is all about twisting the norm.

A swaggering Courtney plays Tucker, the owner of a swim with sharks boat who hides a deadly secret. However, when Harrison's surfer drifter Zephyr crosses his path, she's suddenly in a fight for survival.

Courtney's rarely been better, mixing charisma with menace in the opening scenes with equal aplomb. It helps that he's clearly decided to throw caution to the wind and embrace everything that's asked of him - from espousing speeches that drip with sarcasm to dancing around in underpants and kimono, he burns up the screen, keeping things on just the right side of what's needed.

But it's not just his film - Harrison's Zephyr is a "final girl" who does more than what's needed for her arc, where she goes from having nothing to live for to someone fighting for survival. The script keeps things on the right side of grounded as well, and while there are a few moments where there are lulls given the fact it's a four hander film, there's much to keep audiences invested.

There are also some beautifully shot sequences of sharks as well - Byrne's clearly got an eye for what works in the water. And while the peril's largely on the boat, this film's barely at sea at all - it does exactly what it needs to do and does it with its eye squarely on the prize.

Watch: Xbox Games Showcase

It's finally here - the chance to watch the XBox Games Showcase!

Featuring a raft of day one GamePass exclusives as well as a preview of The Outer Worlds 2.

Watch the Xbox Games Showcase below.

Win a double pass to see Smurfs at the cinema

To celebrate the release of Smurfs, in cinemas July School Holidays, you can win a double pass thanks to Paramount Pictures New Zealand!

About Smurfs

When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him.

Watch Frosty Games Fest

As winter hits New Zealand, you could be forgiven for thinking the gaming world has forgotten us Down Under.

But a new stream is taking place on Sunday June 8 giving ANZ developers a chance to show off their wares.

Click below to watch the Frosty Games Fest live stream!

Bring Her Back: Movie Review

Cast: Billy Barrett, Sally Hawkins, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips
Director: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou

There's something deeply disturbing and yet elegantly elegaic in the Philippou brothers' latest film.

The story of siblings Andy and Piper who are fostered out after tragedy comes knocking on their door. Sent off to live with Sally Hawkins' counsellor Laura, the pair find life becomes a little more tricky as time goes on - and Laura's son Ollie, who's turned mute after something happened, does nothing to dispel that concern.

To say more about Bring Her Back is really to take the beats out of the film.

And while it's marketed as a horror, no doubt after the success of debut flick Talk To Me, this sophomore release from the Rackarackas contains some thematic similarities with said film.

Grief, family, trauma, ostracism - they all sit alongside an increasingly disquieting tone of unease that builds constantly throughout. From dismal settings to torrential rain and psychosomatic concerns over showers and water, there's a lot here to build a slow-burning atmosphere.

And build it does thanks in great part to Barrett's anguished performance as the recently bereaved teen who also takes the care of his younger sibling very seriously. In an unshowy performance, Barrett deals with much going on under the surface while bristling up against Hawkins' seemingly troubled Laura.

But the direction keeps the film anything but cliche and a restrained delivery of a slow simmering and bubbling upset proves to be distinctly immersive and entirely traumatising. While perhaps the use of cult material that sets things up is the only weak link of the film, Bring Her Back proves to be a deeply unsettling film that keeps itself grounded while haunting as well.

It may be a grim outing but Bring Her Back really does show the Philippou brothers know how to spin a tale that subverts some of the genre and produce something intimate that stays with you long after the cinema lights have gone up.

Predator: Killer of Killers: Movie Review

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

An animated anthology that ups the gore quotient and the brutality of the Predators, Predator: Killer of Killers does little to really upgrade and enhance the mythology of the killers.

Instead, pitting the creature against various opposition through time seems to be a creative winning formula - but in truth, it starts to feel repetitive as the 20 minute story chunks play out.

From a Viking norsewoman to a ninja in feudal Japan via a World War II pilot who's grounded but gets the chance for redemption, the anthology stories are rife for something different. And while the ideas are sound, the execution lends itself to something a little more average. 

Granted, in the painterly animation and the different time zones, the fights have a few moments of visual flair. The violence feels dialled up in parts and there's no way a live action film could fulfill some of the more vicious kills doled out by the prey and the hunter. Certainly some of it feels like it looked incredible on a storyboard and also on a script, but after a while the stories begin to slip into some kind of repetitive malaise that doesn't engender itself to extended viewing.

And while a fourth segment offers an element of a surprise in store, the payoff feels like a desperate pitch for more stories of a similar vein, a prospect that will provide muted - if any - enthusiasm.

Visually, Predator: Killer of Killers looks the part - flashes of red blood mix with vibrant greens of the Predator blood. But aside from the leads of each story, there's little that really truly stands out sadly.

It may have been a secret film and a comic-book style exercise that offered potential, but Predator: Killer of Killers feels like it's fallen short when it should have soared.

Predator: Killer of Killers streams on Disney+ from June 6.

The Accountant 2: Prime Video Movie Review

Cast: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pinada

Director: Gavin O'Connor

Ben Affleck's autistic accountant returns nearly a decade after his first outing for another run that puts him in not one, but two odd couple situations and runs with it.

Yet rather than deal with the more character-led moments of the story, what emerges in The Accountant 2 is a stereotypical shoot-out set in Mexico that just about hits all the familiar plots of human trafficking, faceless bad guys and bloody ludicrous demises.

Affleck is Christian Wolff, who's called in to help Treasury deputy director Marybeth Medina (Addai-Robinson) when the department's former director is killed (an all too wasted JK Simmons). Tracking down those believed to be responsible throws up a curveball involving a missing Mexican family and a reunion with Wolff's brother Braxton (a livewire and charismatic Bernthal).

While The Accountant 2 is a solid film that goes for action over character, bullets over moral quandaries and ethical edges, its slow burn and aloof lead provide a mix that's hard to love and feels in part like it's simply about enduring the film's two hour run.

The chemistry between Bernthal and the severely restrained Affleck is great to watch, even if many of the moments comes from uneasy laughs over Wolff's unease at dealing with certain situations (something which the script mines a little too often and begins to feel like an unfair dramatic crutch). Equally, a university hub run by autistic kids to hack and track crimes feels a little borderline too - one moment where the edges are blurred and a character pushes back against it seems like an ill-advised roadblock than a dramatic necessity.

But a messy script with untidy edges holds things back when it should soar and a somewhat muddy narrative and central mystery leaves The Accountant 2 feeling undercooked when it should soar. And at times, it never entirely seems convinced whether it's a buddy movie from the 1980s or an overly grim drama that's clearly been inspired by Sicario.

Perhaps an expeditious trim would have helped here - because in the final wash, unfortunately, this Accountant doesn't quite add up.

The Accountant 2 is streaming now on Prime Video.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina: Movie Review

Cast: Ana de Armas, Gabriel Byrne, Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus

Director: Len Wiseman

Early on in the latest John Wick spinoff, Ana de Armas' character Eve is told the best way to fight is to improvise, to step away from the expected and to go rogue.

In truth, it's something this new film (easily written off as a Jane Wick) seems to have taken literally - because while the fight choreography is taut and as expected for a John Wick franchise entrant (and matches the work done by The Continental Prime Video series), the rest of what transpires on the screen feels like a collection of episodes pieced together by bone-crunching fights and little else to thread it together.

For what plot there is, a powerful de Armas' Eve witnesses the murder of her father early in life. Shattered by his death, she's co-opted into the world of the assassins by Ian McShane's Winston Scott, who puts her in the care of Anjelica Huston's Director.

Despite being trained and told to not chase those responsible, Eve goes off the beaten path to pursue vengeance.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina does little to subvert the expectations of a John Wick movie and director Len Wiseman brings a workmanlike edge to the proceedings, something akin to what you'd expect from the eye behind the Underworld franchise. There's nothing showy nor original here whatsoever.

Neon-soaked club fights, the aftermath of carnage after one of Eve's contracts is carried out and on-street gun-fu is all very well, but the film can't quite kick the idea of something new - other than having a leading lady doling out the beatings.

For her part, de Armas has little emotional depth to work with in a linear story - her pain and sadness is what fuels her, but there's little sign of that on display other than early on. However, she more than gets the job done and proves worthy of her place in the John Wick world. (But she fares better than The Walking Dead's Reedus who barely merits more than a slightly extended cameo's worth of screen time).

Creatively, the franchise feels on a knifepoint - and while the inevitable showdown between Wick and the Ballerina eventually appears, the film does little else to provide a new power to what's going on.

A final snow-set village showdown complete with the fact everyone's an assassin (one of the film's high points) and some flamethrower escapades try to enliven the film's back third, but emotionally, audiences will be checked out by this point, wearied - and dare you say it, bored - by a lack of heft other than multiple beat downs. 

Companion: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillen, Lukas Gage, Rupert Friend
Director: Zach Cregger

Meshing The Stepford Wives with elements of other films too spoilery to mention, Barbarian director Zach Cregger's latest showcases a superb performance from Yellowjackets' star Sophie Thatcher.

She plays Iris, the utterly devoted girlfriend to Jack Quaid's Josh, who's worried about fitting in when they head to a friend's getaway house in the remote country. But meeting up with the group sees their relationship tested in an entirely unexpected manner.

Companion's desire to play with the dynamics of power and control within a relationship does help push some boundaries - and while the initial twist of the situation is revealed fairly early on, the film still has a tendency to surprise in the most unexpected of ways.

While Quaid is suitably smarmy and provides another version of his Hughie from The Boys, the film belongs squarely to Thatcher. Her performance as the oppressed, light-suddenly-going-on Iris is mesmerising to watch, with minor subtleties signalling change, and with key pieces of dialogue dropped lightly into the script hinting, she plays the duplicity well. Plus the story demands a level of complexity for her arc that she handles with ease and aplomb.

But if Companion feels like it slightly goes awry at some point early on with its twists taking precedence over everything else, the back half of the film ramps up the horror - and also the existential questions and moral quandaries.

However, Cregger's latest doesn't lose its light touch when juggling the genres it's dabbling in, providing a genre piece that's as playful and light as it is deep and engaging in parts. Excoriating incel culture, examining relationships and control and providing genre kills and surprises when needed, Companion does a lot more than you'd expect - but without Thatcher's central performance, it wouldn't be nearly as good as it is.