The world is on fire, and the best streaming services are delivering a fresh batch of new movies to help you keep cool and breathe easy indoors. Leading the pack this week is the streaming debut of two indie horror movies that have made hundreds of millions at the box office: "Obsession" on Peacock and the more existentially scary "Backrooms" on paid video-on-demand services.
For a breezier watch, check out Disney+ for the feature-length musical comedy "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland" or head on over to Netflix for the emotional send-off for its queer YA sensation, "Heartstopper Forever." If a documentary is more the vibe, head over to HBO Max to get a peek behind the curtain of runway fashion in "Marc by Sofia," a touching ode to the decades-long friendship between fashion staples Marc Jacobs and Sofia Coppola.
So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies on streaming to watch this weekend.
'Obsession' (Peacock)
I'm a huge horror fan, and "Obsession" is the most terrified I've been watching a movie in theaters in a long time. I've been waiting for it to arrive on streaming so I can force my husband to share in the trauma too, because lord knows I wasn't putting myself through that in theaters again.
"Obsession" is a great example of a simple premise executed beautifully, with a star-making performance from Inde Navarrette that continues to haunt my nightmares. She's uncanny and terrifying as Nikki, a young woman who suddenly develops an unsettling obsession with her friend and co-worker Bear (Michael Johnston), who's not-so-secretly in love with her. It's the work of a mystical item called a "One Wish Willow," which he wishes on to make her fall for him. It works, albeit in a "Monkey's Paw" sort of way, and Nikki's fixation turns the romance of his dreams into a waking nightmare.
Watch "Obsession" on Peacock now
'Backrooms' (PVOD)
If you missed "Backrooms" in theaters, I'd recommend waiting until it arrives on a subscription streaming service rather than paying for a rental. That said, if you're determined to see it this weekend, it's now available on premium video-on-demand. I'll admit, all the buzz around it is warranted — "Backrooms" is every bit as eerie, uncanny, and mesmerizing as you've probably heard.
Trying to explain what "Backrooms" is about is like describing a half-remembered dream. One filled with endless yellow hallways, the constant feeling that something is watching you, and an enormous pirate. It's a surreal, slow-burning psychological horror film that thrives on atmosphere over explanation. And before you ask, no, you don't need to know any of the existing lore to appreciate it; I went in completely cold and still adored it.
'Descendants: Wicked Wonderland' (Disney+)
I missed the "Descendants" train when the series first kicked off over a decade ago, but I'm a sucker for a musical and have always had a soft spot for the whole schtick of following descendants of Disney heroes and villains. It's like Kingdom Hearts with less anime hair and no quick-time events during the musical numbers, huzzah!
Set shortly after the events of "Descendants: The Rise of Red," "Wicked Wonderland" follows the Queen of Hearts' daughter, Red (Kylie Cantrall) and Chloe (Malia Baker), Cinderella's daughter, as they navigate the fallout from their time-traveling adventure. While the Queen of Hearts has become a kinder ruler and Cinderella is now safe, the consequences of altering the timeline soon become apparent. Their actions in the past accidentally unleash a new threat: Maddox Hatter (Leonardo Nam), who captures the Queen of Hearts. To save her, Red and Chloe team up with Red's newly discovered sister Pink (Liamani Segura), Luisa Madrigal's son Luis (Alexandro Byrd), Captain Hook's daughter Hazel (Kiara Romero), and Maddox's son Max (Brendon Tremblay) on a mission to rescue the Queen and save Wonderland.
Watch "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland" on Disney+ now
'Marc by Sofia' (HBO Max)
I'm always on the hunt for a new documentary to watch over the weekend, and "Marc by Sofia" looks like a flashy, fun pick with "The Devil Wears Prada" vibes. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola ("Lost in Translation," "Priscilla," "The Bling Ring") steps into documentary filmmaking with "Marc by Sofia," her first nonfiction feature. Drawing on her longtime friendship with fashion designer Marc Jacobs, Coppola offers an intimate look at his creative process as he prepares for his 2024 runway show.
Coppola and Jacobs have long shared a similar aesthetic, which makes him a natural choice for her documentary debut. Whether that level of familiarity results in a more intimate portrait or one that's reluctant to dig beneath the surface is another matter. Reviews so far say it's less a comprehensive deep dive and more a celebration of the enduring friendship between two creatives whose work has influenced and inspired one another for decades.
Watch "Marc By Sofia" on HBO Max now
'Heartstopper Forever' (Netflix)
Grab some tissues, y'all. After three years, three acclaimed seasons, and countless heartfelt moments, "Heartstopper" is saying goodbye with a feature-length send-off for the Paris Crew. Adapted from Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novels, Netflix's tender LGBTQ+ coming-of-age series gets its most grown-up chapter yet as Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) prepare for what comes after high school.
Though still hopelessly in love, they face their toughest challenge yet with university looming over their heads and the prospect of a long-distance relationship inching closer to reality. Meanwhile, their friends are navigating major decisions of their own, each taking tentative steps toward adulthood. Expect Oseman's signature animated leaves to drift across the screen, alongside plenty of heartfelt moments that capture the awkwardness and excitement of adolescence.
Watch "Heartstopper Forever" on Netflix now
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