This week’s new streaming movies take viewers on a coast-to-coast journey of cinematic action and drama. From the sun-drenched, treacherous shores of the West Coast to the bustling, competitive streets of the East Coast, the settings are as diverse as the stories themselves.
Out west, we have the fictional Luna Bay in The Surfer, which premiered on Hulu on September 25. This psychological thriller uses its beautiful, remote beach setting to create a sense of isolation and dread. The story, starring Nicolas Cage, captures a specific kind of coastal territorialism, turning a surfer’s paradise into a living hell. It’s a gripping tale of West Coast tension.
On the East Coast, Karate Kid: Legends brings the martial arts franchise to New York City. Hitting Netflix on September 27, the film follows a young transplant, Li, as he navigates the challenges of the city. The urban environment provides a gritty backdrop for his training with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, culminating in a high-stakes tournament that embodies the city’s competitive spirit.
Beyond the coasts, Ballerina (Starz, Sept 25) operates in an international, clandestine world of assassins that transcends geographical borders. While rooted in Eastern European tradition, its action is global, reflecting the far-reaching influence of the High Table. It’s a world that exists in the shadows of our own.
The remaining films take us into the near future. M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) is set in the high-tech hub of Seattle, a city known for its innovation, which provides the perfect backdrop for a story about cutting-edge (and dangerous) robotics. Finally, All of You (Apple TV+, Sept 26) presents its own unique futuristic setting for a poignant love story.