Move over, Barbenheimer; this week’s all about horror. The latest gems coming to streaming and theaters this week star monsters, ghosts, super villains, and demons — some family-friendly, others, not so much.
While you might still be riding off that Barbie high (and we don’t blame you), it isn’t a summer movie season without fresh frights to keep you up at night. So without further ado, here’s everything new coming to streaming and theaters this week. Summer horror season is officially in full swing.
Harley Quinn Season 4
Credit: Max
Gotham’s favorite blonde bombshell returns for another season, and it’s as fabulously wacky as you’d hope for one Harleen Quinzel (voiced by Kaley Cuoco). For three seasons, Harley Quinn has followed the mischievous misadventures of its eponymous lead as she ventures on a journey of self-discovery after her breakup with the Joker (voiced by Alan Tudyk). From icy encounters with Mr. Freeze (voiced by Alfred Molina) to a blossoming relationship with Poison Ivy (voiced by Lake Bell), Harley’s seen it all, and the new season has a whole lot of new adventures and fan-favorite characters to fall in love with.
What we thought: “While Season 4 doesn’t start off as strong as Season 3’s ‘Eat Bang Kill Tour,’ the later episodes hint at a return to form that could make all the difference… So, here’s hoping Ivy and Harley’s paths will collide spectacularly to finish the season strong.” — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor
How to watch: All seasons of Harley Quinn are now streaming on Max.
Haunted Mansion
Credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Whether you’re a fan of the ride or the 2003 film, you’re going to want to see Disney’s new Haunted Mansion. The latest adaptation inspired by the twisted tales of the grim grinning ghosts, follows Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and Travis (Chase W. Dillon), a mother and son who gradually begin to realize that they aren’t the only people living in their new home. As the ghosts begin to creep in, Gabbie enlists the help of a ragtag group of ghostbusters (hilariously helmed by Owen Wilson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, and Danny DeVito) to put a stop to the Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto) and his many friends, including a certain Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis).
What we thought: “I can assure you that Haunted Mansion is bloody good fun for kiddos (of all ages) who enjoy a scary story and a rollicking thrill ride.” — K.P.
How to watch: Haunted Mansion is now playing in theaters.
Talk to Me
Credit: Matthew Thorne/ A24
Nothing beats a summer horror movie night. Talk to Me is the latest frightening flick from A24, which just so happens to be the highest-rated horror film of 2023 on Rotten Tomatoes (so far), and for good reason. The film follows a group of friends who discover an embalmed hand that can conjure spirits. Naturally, rather than avoiding the hand and leaving it alone, the group decides to mess with it and conjure spirits for funsies! That is, up until a terrifying supernatural entity is unleashed and all havoc is wrecked. While Talk to Me‘s premise might not seem like anything new, the film has a couple of twists, turns, and ghastly tricks up its sleeve to keep you hooked (and scared for your life).
What we thought: “Talk to Me is a terrifically scary horror offering thanks to powerful performances, creepy creature designs, a splash of blood and gore, and practical effects that’ll blow your mind and chill your spine… If you’re looking for some freaky frightening fun, be sure to reach out and touch this one.” — K.P.
How to watch: Talk to Me is now playing in theaters.
The Witcher Season 3, Vol. 2
Credit: Susie Allnutt / Netflix
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series of the same name, The Witcher invites us into the Continent, a far-off land filled with medieval mayhem, thrilling adventures, and above all, monsters. For the past few seasons, the show has been following monster-hunter Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) as they work to unravel the destiny tying them all together. While Vol. 1 of Season 3 was full of terrifying new beasts, lavish balls, and weaponry you probably should be paying closer attention to, Vol. 2 promises even more thrill and answers to that wild cliffhanger.
What we thought of Vol. 1: “The Witcher Season 3 sends our heroes on the run, severely ups the gruesome monster game, delivers those complex politics, and lets Ciri kick some serious ass. Throw in a season-stealing episode entirely set at the Met Gala of the Continent and the closest parallels yet to the most popular Witcher game, and you’ve got a winning start to the third season of the series.” — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: The Witcher Season 3, Vol. 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
