Japan’s summer season continues to flood streaming services, increasing the number of weekly highlights to no fewer than 40 titles – half of them anime. It’s no coincidence that this is the time of year most anticipated by otaku, bringing major genre premieres. The list includes the return of some favorite series, such as “The Rising of the Shield Hero,” “A Couple of Cuckoos,” and “Dr. Stone: Science Future,” along with highly anticipated new releases including “Tougen Anki,” “Leviatã,” and “Gachiakuta.” Completing the lineup are the premiere of “Dexter: Resurrection,” new seasons of “Foundation” and “Rensga Hits!” and many films. Check out the selection of what can already be watched, what arrives today, and what will be available until next Saturday (7/12) on major digital platforms.
NOW
🎞️ K-POP WARLORDS | Netflix
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Phenomenon of audience and musical success, “Guerreiras do K-Pop” combines the shine of K-pop with heroic fantasy. The plot follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, a trio of South Korean pop stars who form the successful group HUNTR/X. Off the crowded stages, however, they lead a double life as demon hunters, inheriting an ancestral legacy of women with musical powers to protect humanity. When a new rival boy group—secretly composed of demons—emerges to threaten them, the three must balance fame and heroic duty amidst the vibrant, high-tech city of Seoul.
Directed by the duo Maggie Kang (who worked on the animation of “Minions 2”) and Chris Appelhans (director of “Din and the Genius Dragon”), the film features voices by Arden Cho (“Teen Wolf”), May Hong (“The Babysitters Gang”), and Ji-young Yoo (“Expatriates”), along with actor and singer Ahn Hyo-seop (“Unexpected Candidate”) as the enigmatic leader of the demon group. Behind the scenes, the production impresses: the art direction blends influences from anime and webtoons, creating a colorful and expressive visual style—including detailed costumes and creatures inspired by Korean folklore. Musical sequences are another highlight, featuring songs produced by K-pop veterans (collaborators of BLACKPINK and BTS). Unsurprisingly, the original songs already rank among the most streamed tracks, with catchy choruses in both subtitled and dubbed versions.
“K-Pop Warriors” engages with current trends by celebrating South Korean pop culture and including explicit references to real groups such as TWICE, EXO, and BTS. The narrative also recalls “magical girl” anime stories and superheroines, but innovates by blending the glamour of pop entertainment – with subtle critiques of fame and artistic pressure – with supernatural action. Visually, the film is compared to bold animations like “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse,” particularly due to its vibrant palette and stylistic experimentation.
The result was resounding: it reached 96% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly became the most-watched movie on Netflix, sparking rumors of a sequel.
🎞️ BATMAN NINJA VS THE YAKUZA LEAGUE | Max
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The anime produced in partnership with Kamikaze Douga studio reflects Warner Bros.’ bet on original storytelling for its heroes, combining the best of both Eastern and Western pop culture. The production follows Kamikaze Douga’s style, a studio known for computer-generated (CG) animation and for blending this technique with traditional 2D animation – among its most famous works are “Star Wars: Visions” and the opening sequence of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”
The behind-the-scenes team marks a reunion of the “Batman Ninja” (2018) crew, including director Junpei Mizusaki. The entire visual identity of the characters was once again entrusted to designer Takashi Okazaki, creator of the iconic “Afro Samurai,” guaranteeing striking and authentic designs that blend Batman’s mythology with samurai tradition, while the soundtrack was composed by Yūgo Kanno, renowned for his work on series such as “Psycho-Pass,” ensuring the music matches the combat scenes with appropriate grandeur and emotion.
The production maintains the extravagant visual style that marked the previous film, with stylized battles, settings inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock prints, and choreographed 3D movements. In the plot, Bruce Wayne temporarily returns to present-day Gotham City, believing he has left behind the bizarre adventures in feudal Japan from the first movie. However, the city suffers the consequences of a new time distortion when a floating island, formed from the remains of the destroyed Japan, appears hovering over Gotham. From this island, a wave of yakuza attacks hits American soil. To confront the chaos, Batman embarks on a new mission alongside Robin, discovering that several members of the Justice League have been corrupted and now act as villains, forming the so-called “Yakuza League.”
🎞️ DORA AND THE SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN SUN | Paramount+
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Celebrating 25 years of the “Dora the Explorer” franchise, the film brings back the iconic Latina explorer in a new live-action adventure aimed at the whole family. Produced by Nickelodeon Films in partnership with Paramount, the movie portrays Dora as a 16-year-old teenager—played by Samantha Lorraine (discovered in the comedy “You’re Invited to My Bat Mitzvah”)—embarking on her most challenging mission yet. Directed by Mexican filmmaker Alberto Belli (“A Christmas Carol”), the production combines classic elements from the animated series (such as the talking monkey Boots) with an original plot set in the Amazon rainforest, blending fantasy and youth action within authentic tropical settings.
In the story, Dora discovers an ancient magical bracelet that belonged to the Incas. Determined to prevent such power from falling into the wrong hands, the young adventurer embarks on a journey through the Amazon, accompanied by her loyal cousin Diego (played by Jacob Rodriguez) and new friends. Together, they face traps in ancestral ruins, puzzles left behind by lost civilizations, and pursuit by a group of mercenaries led by the ambitious archaeologist Camila, “the Pathfinder” (played by Daniella Pineda, from “Jurassic World: Dominion”). Along the way, Dora receives crucial help from Boots—once again by her side, now voiced by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias—whose humor lightens tense moments. The movie adopts an adventurous and playful tone reminiscent of classics like “Indiana Jones,” adapted for a youth audience, featuring ziplines over abysses and thrilling chases, while also standing as a symbol of Latin representation and female bravery.
🎞️ RAW DIAMOND | Mubi
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The representative of the new French auteur cinema arrives on streaming after drawing attention at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Written and directed by Agathe Riedinger in her feature film debut, the movie is a coming-of-age drama that portrays with harshness and empathy the life of Liane, a 19-year-old determined to escape her tough reality through the glittering world of social media. Malou Khebizi delivers a visceral performance as the protagonist—a budding digital influencer living with her unstable mother and younger sister on the sun-drenched outskirts of Fréjus in southern France. Between odd jobs and dreams of online fame, Liane tries to shape herself into a “rough diamond” amid the concrete of real life. The narrative dives unfiltered into her daily routine—flashy clothes and poses for the camera—as she attends parties and commits petty thefts to fund aesthetic procedures (silicone implants, lip fillers) that she believes will be her ticket into a reality show and stardom.
Director Agathe Riedinger expands the plot of a 2017 short film to construct a portrait of the current generation focused on appearances, using handheld camera and close-up shots that emphasize both Liane’s rebelliousness and vulnerability. The influence of TikTok aesthetics is evident in the fast-paced editing and sequences where the character rehearses choreographies or confesses her desires directly into her phone, seeking virtual validation while the reality around her becomes increasingly complicated. Alongside Liane is Dino (Idir Azougli), a friend and accomplice in small crimes, whose fluctuating chemistry with the protagonist adds sexual and emotional tension to the storyline.
“Brutal Diamond” moves between hyper-realism and contemporary sensitivity in exploring the influence of social media on youth self-image. Noé Bach’s photography (“Cinema Addicts!”) alternates the artificial glow of smartphone screens with the harsh natural light of the Mediterranean, almost shadowless, exposing every detail of landscapes and faces without retouching. This reinforces the contrast between the idealized world of digital filters and the naked truth of real life.
🎞️ ANIMAL | Water*
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The feminist thriller follows 22-year-old Nejma (Oulaya Amamra), who trains intensely to win the traditional bull race (course camarguaise) of the Camargue region in southern France, a competition involving challenging bulls in the arena. Her goal is to become the first woman to win this competition, subverting the norms of a predominantly male environment. Everything changes when she is attacked by a bull after a party. This incident marks the beginning of disturbing changes in her body and mind, leading her to question her own nature and the boundaries between human and animal. When young men begin to be found dead, the local community is overcome with fear at the possibility of a wild bull running loose.
The film uses the setting of bullfighting to explore themes such as power, gender identity, and transformation. As Nejma faces the physical and social challenges imposed by her profession, she also deals with the consequences of the attack and the changes occurring within herself, delving into a narrative that blends social realism with elements of body horror.
Debuting director Emma Benestan builds a rich and visceral visual narrative, especially in non-verbal scenes. To achieve this, she uses wide shots of the Camargue fields and intense sequences in the arenas, highlighting contrasts between the aesthetic appeal of bullfighting rituals and the fear surrounding the characters. Shown as the closing film of the Critics’ Week at Cannes 2024, “Animale” was well received by critics, achieving 92% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
🎞️ LOVE ME | Vod*
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First feature film directed and written by brothers Sam and Andy Zuchero, the indie sci-fi presents Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”) as a buoy with an electronic chip and Steven Yeun (“Nope”) as a satellite, who meet long after humanity’s extinction. With the internet as their only guide, the two characters explore their unexpected connection, the meaning of being alive, their identities, and what it means to love in an unusual setting.
The original premise was recognized at the 2024 Sundance Festival with the Alfred P. Sloan Prize, awarded to productions highlighting themes of science or technology, but the critical consensus is that its ambitious narrative exceeds the capabilities of the novice filmmakers.
SUNDAY
📺 GACHIAKUTA | Crunchyroll
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One of the most anticipated anime of the year, “Gachiakuta” combines punk action with social criticism amid mountains of trash. Based on Kei Urana’s manga (winner of the Next Manga Awards), the story takes place in a vertically divided world: in floating cities above live the “honest” citizens, while below, in the abyss, lies the “Hole,” a land filled with debris where criminals and all of society’s trash are thrown away. The protagonist is Rudo, a young orphan from the aerial suburbs, known for scavenging discarded items—a talented “trash collector.” Wrongly accused of a heinous crime, Rudo is convicted and cast from the sky down into the Hole. There, amidst piles of scrap, he miraculously survives the fall only to discover that the “trash-filled hell” hides monstrosities—creatures formed from pollution, known as “Tainted Beasts,” roam freely devouring anyone they encounter. Cornered, Rudo discovers a latent power—he can channel energy into discarded objects, transforming scrap into deadly weapons. Rescued by a group of renegade warriors called the Custodians, who dedicate themselves to cleansing the Hole of these beasts, Rudo embarks on a mission of revenge: he intends to climb back up to the celestial city and punish those who unjustly condemned him.
Produced by studio Bones, “Gachiakuta” impresses with its vibrant and rebellious aesthetic. The art direction embraces urban graffiti: numerous scenes feature visuals reminiscent of street art—in no small part due to the manga’s collaboration with a graffiti designer. The fight sequences are energetic and fluidly animated: Rudo uses manhole covers as shields and rusty pipes as spears, engaging in innovative choreography against giant trash monsters. The soundtrack blends hip-hop and industrial rock, reinforcing the subculture atmosphere. The narrative presents strong social criticism: the abyss of the Hole symbolizes the marginalization of society’s outcasts, while the figure of the Warden—including the fearless Enjin, who wields a powered-up umbrella as a weapon—represents the rebellion of the oppressed.
With a grungy-looking anti-hero, far from conventional pretty heroes, the work promises to be one of the most radical animation experiences this year, delivering a class struggle message amidst stylish action sequences.
📺 HANAKO-KUN AND THE MYSTERIES OF KAMOME SCHOOL | Crunchyroll
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The awaited second season resumes the supernatural adventures of Nene Yashiro and Hanako-kun at Kamome Academy, delving deeper into the story of the mysterious boy who inhabits the school’s restroom. Based on the manga by AidaIro, the series follows Nene Yashiro, a student at Kamome School who, after hearing the urban legend about the spirit residing in the third stall of the girls’ restroom in the school’s old building, decides to summon it in hopes of fulfilling a romantic wish. To her surprise, the famous spirit turns out to be a ghostly boy known as Hanako-kun.
From this encounter, Nene ends up getting involved in the school’s Seven Mysteries, supernatural phenomena that challenge the rules of the spiritual world and the school itself. Hanako-kun, one of the Seven Mysteries, becomes her protector and partner in investigations, while secrets about his past and the reasons for his lingering at the school are gradually revealed. Each episode brings new mysteries and mystical creatures, with the duo facing monsters, curses, and spirits that threaten the students. The series combines light horror, humor, and romantic elements, using the school setting to explore friendship, guilt, redemption, and acceptance.
📺 APOCALYPSE BRINGER MYNOGHRA | Crunchyroll
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The series adapts the dark universe of the light novel written by Fefu Kazuno and illustrated by Jun, following young Takuto Ira, who, after dying, is reborn into Eternal Nations—his favorite online RPG. Reincarnated as ruler of the kingdom of Mynoghra, Takuto finds himself alongside Atou, a demon and loyal servant, with whom he forms strong bonds and begins establishing a small settlement in the middle of the forest.
The kingdom becomes a refuge for various races persecuted by racist human nations, and the protagonist—who is perceived by others in a distorted way, as a being of “dark smoke”—must defend his people from growing hatred. The adaptation, produced by Maho Film studio and directed by Yūji Yanase (“I’ll Become a Villainess Who Will Go Down in History”), blends dark fantasy, politics, and isekai elements with a discourse advocating diversity in a hostile world. A dense aesthetic palette, bold colors, and an orchestral soundtrack combine to create an atmosphere of impending apocalypse.
📺 HOTEL INHUMANS | Crunchyroll
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While the John Wick universe explores hotels for assassins in live-action, Ao Tajima’s manga “Hotel Inhumans” brings a similar concept to comics and now also to anime. The story takes place in the mysterious Hotel Inhumans, a luxurious clandestine establishment specialized in hosting professional assassins on missions. The property is managed by the duo Ikuro Hoshi and Sara Haizaki, two former legendary killers who hung up their weapons to devote themselves to this unusual business. They enforce only one golden rule: no killing inside the hotel—total neutral ground.
Each episode of the series almost functions as a self-contained case, presenting a new lethal guest with specific demands. For example, in the premiere episode, a veteran killer arrives demanding total protection while he recovers from injuries, as he fears his enemies will follow him there. It’s up to Ikuro and Sara to ensure his rest—even if they must confront other killers themselves in the corridor’s shadows.
Produced by Bridge studio and directed by the experienced Tetsurō Amino (“Macross 7”), the anime focuses on suspense and a noir style while exploring Ikuro and Sara’s relationship. Both have dark pasts that are gradually revealed, including their true personal connection. The smooth jazz soundtrack adds a classic tone to the production, interestingly contrasting with the action scenes filled with gunshots and gleaming blades.
📺 Night of the Living Cat | Crunchyroll
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Of all imaginable calamities, “Nyaight of the Living Cat” presents one of the most unusual: a cat apocalypse. Based on the comedic manga by Hawkman and Mecha-Roots, the anime premieres under the executive direction of none other than legendary filmmaker Takashi Miike (“13 Assassinos”), famous for his ultra-violent films. In this series, he subverts the zombie genre with a generous dose of humor and cuteness. The premise: a mysterious virus spreads worldwide, transforming any human who touches a cat into… another cat. Soon, entire cities are overtaken by felines of all breeds and sizes, while the remaining human population hides to avoid succumbing to the contagion.
The protagonist is Kunugi, a young survivor who hates cats—and therefore immune to the temptation to pet them—traveling through the devastated Tokyo in search of supplies and his missing younger sister. Accompanying him is Taimei, a quirky scientist who carries her pet cat on her shoulders (she wears thick gloves to avoid touching it directly), determined to find a cure for the “Nyan Demon” virus.
The animation, produced by GoHands studio, employs dynamic angles and subjective camera effects during horror moments, almost parodying films of the genre. However, the violence is practically nonexistent—in place of blood, when a human is “attacked” by cats, they disappear beneath a pile of felines and emerge as yet another wobbly little kitten. The terror lies in the absurd concept and satirical references to zombie clichés. The cats’ voices deserve mention: veteran voice actress Kotono Mitsuishi lends distinct meows to various leader cats—and there are subtitled short lines for the cats, revealing that they indeed planned to take over the world. This mix of trashy elements with self-explanatory humor makes “Nyaight of the Living Cat” a singular experience.
The detail is that each episode is only 15 minutes long, resembling short comedic horror clips that leave you wanting more. For fans of nonsensical humor and cat lovers (or especially for those who hate cats), this anime is a must-watch.
📺 UGLYMUG, EPICFIGHTER | Crunchyroll
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Amidst so many isekai stories featuring handsome and virtuous heroes, “Uglymug, Epicfighter” presents a refreshingly unconventional take, centering around an extremely ugly “Chosen One” from another world with bizarre abilities. The series adapts the eponymous manga (known in Japan as “Busamen Gachi Fighter”), beginning with the life of Shigeru Yoshioka, an ordinary man who tries a ritual he found online to transport himself to a fantasy world where he could start anew—and it works! The catch is that he accepts becoming ugly in exchange for gaining more power in the other world.
He appears in a typical RPG kingdom and discovers that he has received an absurd power related to his ugliness. But Shigeru doesn’t arrive alone in this new world: he is accompanied by three other adventurers who accepted the challenge, but all of them—a heartthrob and two girls—are handsome.
The anime produced by the studio White Fox (“Re:Zero”) fully embraces the comedic and boastful tone of the original material. Nevertheless, the action doesn’t disappoint—the animation is solid during hand-to-hand combat scenes, showcasing Shigeru’s immense strength, which allows him to win fights in a highly disproportionate manner. The contrast between him and typical bishōnen heroes is blatant, leading to satirical situations. The protagonist knows he is powerful and doesn’t mind being unattractive, as long as he can enjoy the new world.
📺 CITY THE ANIMATION | Prime Video
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Kyoto Animation’s first original series in six years adapts Keiichi Arawi’s comedic manga, with whom they had previously worked on “Nichijou” (2011). Set in a vibrant and eccentric small town, the story relies on surreal and everyday humor while following a trio of young female college students navigating the little big adventures of daily life. Director Taichi Ishidate (“Violet Evergarden”) employs detailed animation and refined comedic timing—hallmarks of the studio—to emphasize visual gags and exaggerated expressions, bringing to life the chaotic energy of the town.
At the heart of the story are Midori, Wako, and Ayumu—three friends whose distinct personalities fuel hilarious situations. Midori Nagumo, an aspiring artist constantly short on money, keeps coming up with outrageous plans to pay her overdue rent, dragging along the spacey Wako and the naive freshman Ayumu. Trivial motivations, like finding lost coins or outwitting an impatient landlord, turn into small urban epics. Despite its light tone, the series explores female camaraderie and young adults’ search for identity and independence, universal themes wrapped in absurd humor.
MONDAY
📺 DEKIN NO MOGURA: THE EARTHBOUND MOLE | Crunchyroll
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Natsumi Eguchi’s new supernatural anime, from the creator of “Hoozuki no Reitetsu” (known in Brazil as “Hozuki: The Spectacular”), disrupts the typical hero’s journey. The protagonist is Momoyuki “Mogura,” a self-proclaimed oddball hermit who, early in the series, commits such a grave mistake that he is banished from the afterlife. In other words, when he dies, he is rejected by both heaven and hell, condemned to wander eternally in the world of the living. Trapped in this unusual condition—a deathless immortal, yet not exactly a zombie—Mogura decides to buy time by hunting will-o’-the-wisps and lost spirit lights with his enchanted lantern. By doing so, he hopes to one day accumulate enough credits to bargain for entry into the afterlife. Accompanied by a grumpy talking tanuki and other underworld creatures, he starts a kind of “paranormal business”: fulfilling requests from ghosts who have unfinished business on Earth and collecting the resulting spectral essences.
Directed by veteran Hiroshi Ishiodori (“Dirty Pair Flash”) at the Brain’s Base studio, the anime stands out for its darkly comedic tone and stylized visuals. Mogura’s design is peculiar: short, tired-looking eyes, and carrying an old lantern – not exactly the typical hero (even his nickname “mogura” means “ugly mole”). The animation emphasizes exaggerated expressions and visual gags, especially when he faces absurd situations.
📺 GRAND BLUE DREAMING | Crunchyroll
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After a six-year hiatus, the college comedy “Grand Blue Dreaming” finally gets its 2nd season, much to the delight of fans of booze-infused humor and the sea. The 1st season (2018) introduced Iori Kitahara, a freshman who, upon moving into his cousins’ house on the Izu coast, ends up getting involved with the university’s eccentric Diving Club—which focuses far more on parties and drinking than on the sport itself. Now, the new episodes resume Iori’s story with even more insane competitions between Iori and his best friend/”rival” Kōhei, and, of course, countless scenes featuring the muscular upperclassmen Shinji and Ryuujirou performing their favorite ritual—getting completely naked after a few drinks and playing pranks on the newcomers.
Season 2 brings back the same creative team: direction by Shinji Takamatsu and animation by Zero-G studio, ensuring consistency in style. “Grand Blue’s” trademark exaggerated facial expressions and abrupt artistic shifts to emphasize comedic reactions return—something that has generated many memes. The natural beauty of the Izu setting also shines again, with turquoise waters and well-animated sunsets; when they finally sober up and go diving for real, the anime showcases fish and coral in serene underwater sequences, offering a contemplative break amidst the chaos. All original voice actors return, maintaining the chemistry that contributes to the show’s perfect comedic timing.
🎞️ OPPENHEIMER | Netflix
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Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster (“Tenet”), the big winner at the 2024 Oscar, is a monumental work about the life of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist known for his involvement in creating the atomic bomb during World War II. Defying categorization, the film is simultaneously a drama, a war movie, a thriller, and even horror. It opens ambivalently in 1954 with an interrogation designed to discredit Oppenheimer, who, despite being called “the father of the atomic bomb,” became an opponent of the weapon out of fear that a chain reaction could cause worldwide destruction.
The story is told from Oppenheimer’s perspective, with flashbacks to his pre-war studies in Europe, his encounters with great minds of the time, the women he loved, and the invention that propelled humanity into the atomic age. Despite being filled with dialogue, the film never gets lost in complex scientific concepts. Instead, Nolan presents these sequences as captivating action scenes, with Ludwig Göransson’s music (who also worked with the director on “Tenet”) creating a heavy and immersive atmosphere.
Even with an impressive supporting cast including Matt Damon (“Jason Bourne”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Avengers: Endgame”), and Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place”), the film is practically carried by Cillian Murphy (“Peaky Blinders”), the title character’s actor and winner of the Best Actor Oscar, who makes easier the transformation of Nolan’s epic, exhausting, and fascinating narrative into a reflection on the origins of the modern world.
TUESDAY
📺 A COUPLE OF CUCKOOS | Crunchyroll
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The fun romantic comedy returns for its 2nd season, continuing the complicated relationship drama that captivated fans in 2022. Adapted from Miki Yoshikawa’s manga, the anime centers around Nagi Umino and Erika Amano, two teenagers who discover they were switched at birth. Their biological parents, in an unusual solution, decide to arrange their engagement to unite the families “through marriage,” since they couldn’t raise them—but Nagi and Erika didn’t know each other until then and have distinct personalities and individual love interests.
In the first season, this premise was already complicated by the fact that Nagi was in love with another classmate, the studious Hiro, while also having to deal with the emerging feelings of Sachi, his “sister” (the biological daughter of his adoptive parents). The result: a chaotic love quadrangle full of comedic misunderstandings. Now, in the new season, emotions become even more intense with the introduction of a new romantic rival and twists promising to shake up the status quo—including the genuine growing closeness between Nagi and Erika, who start understanding each other better while living under the same roof.
The production has changed. Studio Shin-Ei Animation was replaced by Okuruto Noboru, with a completely new team maintaining the colorful and vibrant art style that suits the series’ light tone. Much of the humor comes from exaggerated visual gags and caricature-like facial expressions of the characters when facing embarrassing situations. Although it follows romantic harem clichés, “A Couple of Cuckoos” stands out by subverting them, giving strong active voices to the female characters instead of making them mere stereotypes.
📺 TURKEY! TIME TO STRIKE | Crunchyroll
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The studio Bakken Record’s series brings a breath of originality to sports anime by focusing on an underexplored setting: high school bowling. It is an original project produced through a partnership between Bakken Record and Pony Canyon, set in the picturesque city of Chikuma (Nagano Prefecture), aiming to portray bowling with the same enthusiastic approach that anime has previously applied to volleyball, basketball, and other sports. The series follows Mai Otonashi, a second-year high school student with a natural talent for bowling, who nevertheless faces challenges in competitions due to anxiety. She leads the female bowling club at Ikkokukan High School, as they strive to overcome their difficulties and achieve victories.
The plot focuses on the development of Mai’s relationships with her teammates, who are happy with any outcome. The exception is Sayuri Ichinose, who makes it clear that she will never be happy with a loss, indicating her desire to break away from the group. Mai then decides to dedicate herself to convincing Sayuri to continue being part of the team.
The direction is by Susumu Kudo (“Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood”), and a curious detail about the opening theme song, “Hyakunichisou,” is that it is performed by the original voice actresses of the team under the name Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club, Nagano Prefecture.
THURSDAY
📺 CROSS GAME | Disney+
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Mixing soccer and backstage humor, the Brazilian series brings to the fields—and TV studios—a story of rivalry and professional reinvention. Directed by Pedro Amorim (“Mato Sem Cachorro”), the production stars José Loreto (“Pantanal”) and Carol Castro (“Garota do Momento”), who portray respectively a party-loving soccer star and a sports journalist who becomes his fierce critic. The narrative moves between sports drama and comedy of manners, offering a fresh perspective on the clash between the world of players and the universe of sports media.
In the plot, Matheus Reis (Loreto) is a football idol who becomes the target of Elisa Fernandes (Carol Castro), an experienced commentator known for her sharp tongue—especially when commenting on Matheus’ controversies off the field. With Matheus’ career coming to an end on the pitch, fate brings them together when both are hired to co-host the fictional sports show “Jogo Cruzado” on the Antena Esportes channel. What follows is a direct confrontation: while Matheus tries to prove he can be more than just “a pretty ex-player” on television, Elisa must deal with the presence of her former adversary now as a studio colleague. Their acidic and ironic dialogues soon become the show’s main attraction, responsible for boosting its viewership, much to the delight of the enthusiastic producer played by Luciana Paes (“Férias Trocadas”).
Throughout the episodes, “Jogo Cruzado” explores the behind-the-scenes of sports media and the pressure for ratings, while Matheus struggles to stay relevant and Elisa deals with the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated environment. The series also features special guest appearances by real-life commentators and former players (such as Casagrande), playing themselves. As part of Disney+’s investment in local content, the series highlights Brazil’s national football culture and is expected to resonate well with Brazilian audiences familiar not only with televised sports debates but also with telenovelas starring their football idols.
🎞️ With Nails and Teeth | Netflix
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Netflix’s first Thai zombie film brings the apocalypse to an unusual setting: a collapsing hospital. Directed by Kulp Kaljareuk – a veteran executive in Bangkok’s entertainment industry – the movie combines horror and martial arts in a frenetic plot. In a world ravaged by extreme hunger, former Muay Thai fighter Singh (played by action star Mark Prin Suparat) finds himself trapped in a hospital when a viral outbreak turns patients and doctors into ravenous undead creatures. Determined to protect his hospitalized girlfriend and escape from hell, Singh will use all Muay Thai techniques – elbows, knee strikes, and acrobatic blows – to survive the undead and carve a path through infested corridors. The cast also includes Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich (“Ghost Lab”) as Singh’s girlfriend and veteran Johnny Anfone as a mysterious doctor.
The production marks a historic achievement as the first Thai zombie horror film to receive a simultaneous worldwide release and features a distinctive element: no exaggerated CGI. Instead, it employs meticulous practical effects, including elaborate makeup for the zombies—a deliberate choice to give physical weight to the creatures. “With Claws and Teeth” joins the trend of reimagining the zombie genre, adding a local flavor: the fight choreography typical of Thai cinema. The originality of Muay Thai moves used against zombies results in both visceral tension and comic relief amid the horror.
🎞️ The Thorn Paradise | Netflix
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Winner of awards at LGBTQ+ festivals before arriving on streaming platforms, “The Paradise of Thorns” is a Thai drama that addresses with sensitivity and strength the injustices faced by same-sex couples. Set in rural Thailand, the story follows Thongkam (played by singer Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), a gay couple who have built a peaceful and prosperous life together over the years on a durian fruit farm. Their dreams, however, are shattered when Sek tragically dies in an accident. Because they were never able to legally marry—given that local legislation does not yet recognize same-sex unions—Thongkam discovers he has no legal rights to the assets they built side by side. By law, the property and house go to Sek’s family, and soon his mother moves in accompanied by her adopted daughter.
Determined not to lose what symbolizes the love of his life, Thongkam enters into a quiet battle of nerves with the new residents, facing prejudice, power struggles, and cruel legal maneuvers. The atmosphere turns into noir suspense when the adopted daughter realizes she too might end up with nothing, entering a two-front war—against Thongkam and her own mother—in search of a signature that would transfer the assets to her.
Directed by Naruebet Kuno (known for the acclaimed drama “I Told Sunset About You”), the film uses stunning locations—the lush orchards of the country’s north—as a visual counterpoint to the growing tension within the farmhouse. The cinematography explores this duality: sunny flashback scenes of the couple picking fruit contrast with the cold, bluish palette dominating after Sek’s death. The narrative pace is deliberate, almost like an emotional western: sharp glances, passive-aggressive conversations at the dinner table, and legal confrontations fill the screen with silent suspense. As Thongkam fights tooth and nail for what is rightfully his, the screenplay—written by Naruebet himself based on real events compiled from legal cases—sheds light on flaws within the legal system.
“Paradise of Thorns” arrives on Netflix at a crucial moment: while Thailand slowly moves toward marital equality (a civil union law was preliminarily approved in 2025, but awaits implementation). Because of this, the film becomes not only a piece of high-quality entertainment—praised by international critics—but also a tool for social discussion.
📺 THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO | Crunchyroll
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The saga of The Rising of the Shield Hero, one of the most popular isekais in recent years, enters its fourth animated arc with the promise of raising the challenges faced by Naofumi Iwatani even further. The protagonist is an ordinary student who, along with three other youths, is summoned to a parallel world with the mission of becoming one of the Legendary Heroes and confronting Waves of Calamity filled with monsters. Each of the youths receives an item representing their power: Shield, Spear, Sword, and Bow. While the other heroes receive powerful offensive weapons, Naofumi is relegated to wielding only a shield, making him seen as the weakest among the four.
Naofumi’s situation worsens when he is deceitfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit, becoming ostracized and rejected by the kingdom’s inhabitants. Without support, he begins his journey seeking revenge, facing challenges from both the Calamity Wave and the political forces conspiring against him. However, he soon stands out through acts of bravery and gathers a formidable team, starting with Raphtalia, a young enslaved demi-human girl he purchases and frees, and Filo, a filolial who grows into a powerful ally capable of taking human form. Naofumi then decides to use the shield’s power to protect himself and others, rather than simply attacking, and in doing so, starts uncovering the secrets of that world.
The anime explores themes of betrayal, justice, and the evolution of bonds of friendship and trust, with Naofumi and his companions becoming a cohesive team. In the 4th season, after facing monster waves and political conspiracies, the Shield Hero encounters assassins sent to kill his first ally, the brave Raphtalia. Taking refuge in a city of demi-human adventurers, Naofumi and his group become involved in new confrontations with corrupt nobles, as Raphtalia has been identified as the legitimate heir to the throne.
Production continues under the studio Kinema Citrus, which faces the challenge of regaining the popularity of the first season, after criticism of seasons 2 and 3 for narrative inconsistency. Direction remains in the hands of Hitoshi Haga, who worked on “Star Wars: Visions” between seasons.
📺 DEALING WITH MIKADO’S SISTERS IS A BREEZE | Crunchyroll
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The romantic comedy anime follows the unexpectedly eventful life of Yuu Ayase, an ordinary high school student who, after his mother’s early death (his mother was a famous actress), is taken in by the wealthy Mikadono family. Suddenly, Yuu starts living in a luxurious mansion with the three Mikadono sisters: Kazuki, a prodigy actress and the charismatic oldest sibling; Niko, a tough athlete and martial arts champion; and Miwa, the youngest sister, an academic and shogi genius. Each of them excels remarkably in her own field—and each, in her own way, gradually develops romantic feelings for the kind-hearted Yuu, who handles household chores and brings warmth to the home. The humorous title “dealing with the Mikadono sisters is easy” is clearly ironic: for Yuu, living under the same roof with three brilliant girls creates all sorts of chaos, from misunderstandings to rivalry among the sisters.
Adapted from Aya Hirakawa’s manga, the anime reflects a light and mischievous tone typical of harem comedies, but with the production quality of studio P.A. Works, known for its visual refinement. The settings are meticulously detailed—the Mikadono mansion and the elite school attended by the characters are richly depicted—and the vibrant color palette makes comedic situations even more enjoyable. Although the premise of a harem story is far from innovative, the careful execution and heartfelt storytelling make it “surprisingly easy” to enjoy, justifying the witty title.
📺 I WAS REINCARNATED AS THE 7th PRINCE… | Crunchyroll
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The eccentric long-titled isekai series—”I Reincarnated as the 7th Prince to Perfect My Magical Abilities at Leisure”—returns for a second season, continuing Lloyd de Saloum’s absurd journey. Once a great elderly magician in his previous life, he was reborn as the seventh son of a royal family. Free from the pressure of inheriting the throne as merely the seventh prince, he devoted his childhood to studying magic obsessively—conducting highly unorthodox experiments and acquiring an outrageously high level of magical power. Now a teenager, he travels across the kingdom searching for rare grimoires and challenges worthy of his abilities, facing enemies who underestimate his angelic appearance.
In the 2nd season, Lloyd seeks to learn sacred magic, a practice restricted to religious figures. This leads him to a church, where he meets two crucial characters for his development: Escher, a blonde nun who loves singing, and Saria, her slightly older sister and also princess of the Kingdom of Saloum, who is obsessed with music. Both are closely watched by a perverted angel lingering around the place, capable of conceiving magic, but whose desire is to possess Lloyd in order to have fun with the two girls.
The animation, produced by the Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab, maintains a vibrant style with character designs that contrast against the intense magical sequences. The series has a satirical comedy tone, where battles are often quick and devastating, and the humor comes from Lloyd’s frustration at failing to find worthy opponents or from his exaggerated methods shocking those around him.
📺 BALLARD | Prime Video
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The police universe created by writer Michael Connelly gains a new chapter with Ballard, a spin-off series from “Bosch” set in contemporary Los Angeles. The protagonist is detective Renée Ballard, played by Maggie Q (“Nikita”), a character from Connelly’s novels who takes over the newly formed and underfunded cold case division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
No nonsense, Ballard leads a team of volunteers and has the support of her mentor, retired detective Harry Bosch, once again portrayed by Titus Welliver in a guest appearance, to investigate old crimes that have defied solution for decades. By reopening neglected investigations, she uncovers the work of a serial killer whose deaths had not been connected by the police. Alongside her team, Ballard must confront personal traumas, professional obstacles, and constant threats to uncover the truth.
In addition to Maggie Q, the cast includes Courtney Taylor (“Real Time with Bill Maher”), John Carroll Lynch (“American Horror Story”), Michael Mosley (“Ozark”), Rebecca Field (“The Outpost”), Victoria Moroles (“Teen Wolf”), Amy Hill (“Lilo & Stitch”), Ricardo Chavira (“Desperate Housewives”), Noah Bean (“12 Monkeys”), Alain Uy (“Helstrom”) and Hector Hugo (“Snowfall”).
📺 THE GRINGO HUNTERS | Netflix
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The police series subverts the logic of Trump’s anti-immigrant policy, which has targeted alleged Latino criminals in the US, by showing Mexican authorities fighting American criminals in their own country. Inspired by an investigative article from The Washington Post, the plot is based on a real Mexican police squad specialized in capturing American fugitives hiding beyond the border.
Created by writer Jorge Dorantes (“El Elefante”), the series relies on brutal and contemporary realism. The plot follows Nico (Harold Torres, from “Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso”), commander of an elite police unit in Tijuana tasked with tracking down foreigners who have committed crimes in the U.S. and fled to Mexico. With limited resources and under political pressure, the agents must prove their competence by reversing the typical hunter-and-prey dynamic between Mexico and the United States. Each episode explores the pursuit of one of these fugitives, revealing both police tactics on Mexican soil and the motivations driving the fugitives to cross the border. Parallel to the search operations, a suspenseful storyline unfolds behind the scenes: suspicions of corruption and a criminal conspiracy within the police force threaten to undermine the operation from within.
The list of directors includes Natalia Beristáin (“Ruído”) and Adrian Grunberg (“Rambo: Last Blood”), while the main cast is completed by Mayra Hermosillo (“Narcos: México”), Manuel Masalva (also from “Narcos: México”), Sebastian Roché (“1923”), and José María Yazpik (“Narcos”).
📺 1923 | Netflix
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The original Paramount+ series arrives on Netflix through a distribution deal, bringing the production to a new audience. As the second spin-off of “Yellowstone,” it stars none other than Helen Mirren (“The Queen”) and Harrison Ford (of “Indiana Jones” fame). The two actors first worked together 39 years ago as antisocial rebels in “Mosquito Coast,” and now reunite to portray a couple—the owners of the Yellowstone ranch at the beginning of the 20th century, a difficult period in American history when they must face speculators such as the antagonist played by Timothy Dalton (“Arrow”).
Set after “1883” in the American West, the new Yellowstone spinoff follows the Dutton family during the period between World War I and the Great Depression, marked by the pandemic, historic drought, economic crisis, Prohibition, and the rise of gangsters who replaced outlaw cowboys in crime news—and also features a parallel storyline set in Africa. Designed as a limited series, it runs for two seasons, each composed of eight episodes.
The cast also includes Brandon Sklenar (“Westworld”), Darren Mann (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), Michelle Randolph (“The Witcher”), James Badge Dale (“The Pacific”), Marley Shelton (“Scream 4”), Brian Geraghty (“Big Sky”), Aminah Nieves (“V/H/S/99”), Julia Schlaepfer (“The Politician”), and Jerome Flynn (“Game of Thrones”). All series in the “Yellowstone” universe are created by Taylor Sheridan, nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for “Hell or High Water” (2016).
FRIDAY
📺 RENSGA HITS! | Globoplay
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National streaming phenomenon, “Rensga Hits!” returns for its 3rd season, delving deeper into the dramas and rivalries within the female universe of sertaneja music. Produced by Globoplay and set in Goiânia—the birthplace of feminejo and university sertaneja—this production wins fans over by blending regional humor, turbulent romances, and, of course, catchy original songs.
In previous seasons, the audience followed the rise of Raíssa (Alice Wegmann), a talented young woman from the countryside who had to face the traps of the music industry and the fierce competition from Gláucia (Lorena Comparato), with whom she developed a rivalry worthy of duets and confrontations, later revealed by the soap opera plot to be her previously unknown half-sister. In the new season, the story jumps ahead several years, finding Raíssa at the top of the charts while Gláucia lives in seclusion running a small country bar, partially reversing their dynamic. Their reunion happens under unexpected and dramatic circumstances: their father’s funeral serves as the catalyst. It is during the reading of his will that their fates intertwine once again—especially when Gláucia discovers she has inherited Rensga Hits!, initiating a new phase filled with conflict.
Thematically, the series continues to explore female empowerment in the music industry, as well as issues of sisterhood versus competitiveness.
📺 DR. STONE: SCIENCE FUTURE | Crunchyroll
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The grand scientific saga of Dr. Stone takes the characters to the Amazon. After reviving civilization from scratch, awakening alone from a catastrophe that petrified the world for millennia, teenage genius Senku Ishigami continues bringing people back to life while leading his post-apocalyptic allies on their most ambitious mission yet: building a spacecraft and traveling to the Moon, in hopes of unraveling the mystery behind the Petrification Ray that turned humanity to stone.
In the first part of the season, titled “Science Future” and aired earlier this year, Senku and his allies from the Kingdom of Science crossed the ocean to the United States in search of petroleum (for fuel) and other vital resources, where they encountered another awakened group that had developed even more advanced technologies. Now, in the new episodes, the narrative shifts to South America. The setting changes to the dense Amazon rainforest, where Senku, being pursued by the new American enemies, gathers resources to advance his scientific plans, utilizing the natural elements of the Amazon as part of the plot’s development.
The episodes maintain the educational and exciting spirit that made the series successful. Under the supervision of TMS Entertainment studio, the animation stands out for exploring the scientific processes behind Senku’s inventions in detailed, didactic fashion, illustrating each step in introducing new technologies to the Stone Age to demonstrate how everything is scientifically plausible. However, there’s no shortage of battles for control of the new world and action scenes. This combination made “Dr. Stone” one of Crunchyroll’s most popular series, praised for making science fun and accessible.
📺 LEVIATHAN | Netflix
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Netflix joins forces with the prestigious Japanese studio Orange (of “BEASTARS” and “Trigun: Stampede”) to adapt “Leviathan,” a steampunk saga based on Scott Westerfeld’s novel series. Set in 1914, on the eve of an alternate world war, the anime follows an unlikely duo: the Austro-Hungarian prince Alek, fleeing after his parents’ assassination, and the Scottish pilot Deryn, who hides her female identity to serve in the British Air Force. The two meet aboard the Leviathan—a living airship created by British scientists—and embark on an epic journey to prevent the Great War from destroying the world.
Under the direction of French filmmaker Christophe Ferreira (a veteran animator in Japan), the animation impresses with its technique: entirely produced in high-quality CGI, a trademark of Orange, blending stylized character designs with richly detailed settings. The setting contrasts two aesthetics: the “Darwinist” powers, who manipulate genetic engineering to create living creatures (such as the Leviathan itself, a massive flying being), and the “Clanker” nations, which develop gigantic steam-powered machines. This clash between biotechnology and metal results in stunning visual sequences—from flying whales to mechs inspired by World War I tanks.
The soundtrack features the legendary Joe Hisaishi (Hayao Miyazaki’s collaborator). The production team and quality, combined with the novel’s theme—which blends historical facts with great imagination—have generated enormous anticipation, making its trailer a trending topic in Japan.
📺 SOLO CAMPING FOR TWO | Crunchyroll
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Riding the wave of camping-themed anime (such as “Yuru Camp”), but with a more adult and realistic slant, “Solo Camping for Two” invites viewers to go camping under the stars and laugh at the dynamics of an unusual mentor-apprentice pair. A live-action TV series aired earlier this year in Japan helped popularize the story, and the animated version expands on some plotlines.
The protagonist Gen Kinokura is 34 years old and a veteran camper who highly values the peace and solitude of setting up his tent deep in the forest, far from everything and everyone. Meanwhile, the young Shizuku Kusano, 20 years old, is a university student who’s new to camping, determined to learn how to be independent in nature. They meet by chance when Shizuku appears at Gen’s campsite without any gear and proposes becoming his apprentice until she acquires enough skills to camp alone. Thus, under the concept of “solo camping,” the two embark on journeys together while trying to maintain the vibe of “each one in their own space.” The result is comically heartwarming situations: Shizuku, inexperienced, makes blunders, and Gen, grumpy yet kind-hearted, always comes to her aid while simultaneously scolding her and teaching lessons.
The anime produced by SynergySP studio has a contemplative pace, highlighting the natural landscapes of rural Japan, which almost serve as a tourist guide to the scenery. Jun Hatori’s direction (“Kawaisugi Crisis”) succeeds in blending these tranquil sequences with moments of provocative humor among the protagonists.
🎞️ BRICK | Netflix
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The German suspense film presents a claustrophobic survival game, described as a cross between “Cube” and “The Pit.” In the plot, the young couple Tim and Olivia—played respectively by Matthias Schweighöfer (“Army of Thieves”) and Ruby O. Fee (“Next Stop: Home Sweet Home”)—interrupt a breakup fight when they discover their entire building has been inexplicably surrounded by a monolithic black wall made of an impenetrable material of unknown origin. Along with the other neighbors, they find themselves completely cut off from the outside world, without communication and with rapidly dwindling food and water supplies. As days pass with no sign of help, tension among the confined residents increases exponentially—soon making it clear that perhaps the greatest danger lies within the walls themselves, in the form of suspicion, panic, and violent conflicts that emerge.
Directed and written by Philip Koch (creator of the series “Tribos da Europa”), “Brick” stands out for its minimalist yet effective art direction: the black wall surrounding the building evokes terror through absurdity. Inside the apartments, the camera explores holes dug by residents to move between floors and captures faces sweating from anxiety, intensifying the feeling of suffocation. Koch revealed in interviews that the idea originated during the pandemic and building renovations that left him “sealed” at home, an experience he creatively transformed into this work.
📺 TOO MUCH | Netflix
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The miniseries marks the return of creator Lena Dunham (“Girls”) to television in an attempt to revitalize the modern romantic comedy. The story follows Jessica (played by Megan Stalter, breakout star of the series “Hacks”), a thirty-something New Yorker addicted to work who, after a devastating breakup, decides to start over from scratch in London. Inspired by the Brontë sisters and seeking isolation to heal, Jessica plans to live as a recluse in the new city—but fate (and the romantic comedy genre) have other plans. Soon she crosses paths with Felix (played by Will Sharpe from “The White Lotus”), an eccentric and witty British man who comes with a series of emotional red flags (he also carries his own traumas and idiosyncrasies). The inevitable chemistry between the two challenges the protagonist to rethink her beliefs about love, career, and independence.
From the bustling metropolis of New York to traditional London, the series lightly explores cultural shock—with jokes about language and customs differences between Americans and Brits—and features notable guest appearances: figures such as Andrew Scott (“Fleabag”), Jessica Alba (“Fantastic Four”), Richard E. Grant (“Loki”), Naomi Watts (“Neighbors”), Adèle Exarchopoulos (“Blue Is the Warmest Color”), Emily Ratajkowski (“I Feel Pretty”), Andrew Rannells (“Girls”), Dean-Charles Chapman, and Kit Harington (both from “Game of Thrones”) appear in supporting roles, enriching the story’s cosmopolitan universe. The production also features Jennifer Saunders (legendary British comedian) as the advice-giving bartender at the local pub, and singer Rita Ora playing one of Jessica’s friends.
Dunham serves as showrunner and directs most of the episodes (8 out of 10), imprinting her distinctive style: sharp dialogue, pop culture references, and an almost uncomfortable sincerity in scenes of emotional vulnerability.
FRIDAY
📺 FOUNDATION | Apple TV+
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The superproduction returns for its 3rd season, raising its epic scale even further. Developed by screenwriters David S. Goyer (“The Dark Knight”) and Josh Friedman (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), the adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic trilogy focuses on the fall of the Galactic Empire, the most powerful civilization in the universe. In the story, mathematician Hari Seldon (played by Jared Harris from “Chernobyl”) develops a formula predicting that the Empire’s days are numbered. He discovers that the current form of government will collapse and plunge humanity into a dark age, during which all knowledge will be lost and mankind will return to barbarism. This discovery turns him into the Empire’s enemy and also gives rise to a group known as The Foundation, created to preserve human knowledge from the inevitable apocalypse.
After the cataclysmic events of the previous season, the galaxy stands on the brink of upheaval: the balance of power between the Galactic Empire, ruled by the clone dynasty of the Day/Dawn/Dusk siblings, and the growing Foundation begins to collapse. The new episode cycle finally highlights an iconic character long awaited by fans: The Mule, a mutant of mysterious origin with psychic abilities capable of subjugating entire planets, portrayed intensely by Pilou Asbæk (“Game of Thrones”). The Mule emerges as the greatest threat ever seen: an unpredictable conqueror who was not accounted for in Seldon’s psychohistory, challenging the protagonist’s entire centuries-long plan, whose presence still guides the narrative, whether through flashbacks or digital consciousness.
This season expands the visual and narrative scope: from the imperial throne on Trantor, where the new Emperor (Brother Day, played by Lee Pace from “Guardians of the Galaxy”) deals with paranoia and the fragility of his crumbling empire, to the far reaches of the Galactic Periphery, where the Foundation’s colonies face moral dilemmas as they arm themselves for war. The production showcases majestic settings—entire cities created in realistic CGI—without losing sight of human drama. Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey return as Gaal and Salvor respectively, now working side by side to interpret Seldon’s final insights regarding the Second Empire. There is a palpable sense of urgency, with episodes filled with political twists and cinematic space battles, enhanced by immersive sound design and a symphonic score by Bear McCreary that heightens the tension.
The dialogues remain dense and philosophical—discussing fate vs. free will, faith vs. reason—honoring Asimov’s material while freely adapting events to surprise even those who have read the books. Critical reception so far points to this season being the best of the series: the political complexity has reached a level comparable to “Game of Thrones,” while the narrative threads converge in a satisfying way.
📺 DEXTER: RESURRECTION | Paramount+
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The most disturbing antihero on television returns in a new series following the shocking events of “Dexter: New Blood” (2021). The premise surprises by revealing that Dexter Morgan—once again portrayed by Michael C. Hall—barely survived the gunshot fired by his own son at the end of the previous revival. Now, weeks later, the former forensic expert wakes up in a hospital, with his young son Harrison missing without a trace, and visited by Angel Batista (David Zayas), his former Miami police colleague. Batista, who discovered Dexter was the infamous “Bay Harbor Butcher,” confronts the protagonist, prompting Dexter to flee once again, choosing New York as his new hiding place.
The New York setting gives the franchise a novel atmosphere, taking Dexter out of his comfort zone. Devoid of identity and surrounded by millions of inhabitants, he must adapt his deadly code to an impersonal urban landscape. The series explores this displacement: scenes of Dexter wandering anonymously through Manhattan’s neon-lit nights contrast with Miami’s sunny past. News of a new serial killer in town—whose methods dangerously resemble Dexter’s Dark Passenger style—pulls the protagonist back into the game.
Under the supervision of showrunner Clyde Phillips, who oversaw the classic seasons of “Dexter,” “Resurrection” follows the protagonist on a new journey, searching for his son to prevent him from following in his footsteps. What he encounters instead, however, is a league of serial killers, portrayed by Uma Thurman (“Kill Bill”), Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Krysten Ritter (“Jessica Jones”), Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”), and David Dastmalchian (“The Suicide Squad”). Dexter is introduced to the group by an eccentric millionaire, played by Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), who claims pride in finding the best killers in each field.
📺 TOUGEN ANKI | Netflix and Crunchyroll
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One of the most anticipated anime seasons, “Tougen Anki” arrives simultaneously on Netflix and Crunchyroll, reflecting the growing popularity of Yura Urushibara’s manga, which, despite being recent (released in 2020), has gained a loyal fan base due to its mature and bloody approach. The story follows the young rebel Shiki Ichinose, who, after witnessing his adoptive father’s murder before his eyes, discovers he carries the blood of an ancestral Oni. This places him in the middle of a secret war that has lasted for centuries: on one side are the Oni (demons) – some living hidden among humans – and on the other, the descendants of Momotarō (the legendary demon hunter), forming an order of warriors determined to exterminate them. Thirsting for revenge and overwhelmed by a terrifying power awakening within him, Shiki is recruited by a charismatic Oni teacher, Mudano Naito, to train at Rakshasa Academy – an underground school that teaches young Oni to enhance their powers and resist the hunters.
Produced by studio Hibari and directed by Ato Nonaka (“Fate/Zero”), the show features a stylized visual aesthetic that combines horror elements (the demons have grotesque and creative designs, with horns and blood-based powers) with the frantic action typical of modern shōnen. The battle scenes are a highlight, choreographed fluidly and featuring moderate graphic violence, ensuring impact. The script balances this action with moments of school comedy and camaraderie among the Oni students, reminiscent in some aspects of “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
🎞️ BACK TO THE SEA | Max
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The award-winning Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (“Blitz”) takes on one of her most introspective roles in this drama, which explores the delicate process of personal rehabilitation. Directed by Nora Fingscheidt (a German filmmaker who gained recognition with “The Visible Man”), the film is based on Amy Liptrot’s memoirs about her struggle with alcoholism and her return to her roots in the remote Orkney Islands region of Scotland.
Ronan plays Rona, a young woman who, after leaving a rehabilitation clinic in London, returns to her family’s home in an isolated coastal landscape, seeking to rebuild family bonds and her own identity amidst the cold wind and turbulent northern sea. The narrative alternates between the present—showing Rona dealing with constant temptation of alcohol while readjusting to rural life—and flashbacks of her hectic life in London, where the character experienced freedom and heartbreak in equal measure. Paapa Essiedu (“I May Destroy You”) plays Daynin, Rona’s ex-boyfriend who appears in memories, illustrating the peak and downfall of their relationship marked by the excesses of city life. Back on the island, Rona finds unexpected support in local figures, including her distant father.
Over a harsh winter, the protagonist rediscovers sobriety through the landscape—immersing herself in icy waters as a purification ritual. “Back to the Sea” stands out for its striking visual elements: Yunus Roy Imer’s cinematography (also from “Explosive Disorder”) captures the raw beauty of Orkney’s cliffs and deserted beaches, contrasting with vivid (yet somber) scenes of London’s nightlife shown in flashbacks. This visual duality reinforces the film’s themes—loneliness versus belonging, urban noise versus nature’s silence. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival 2024, the film was positively received by critics, reaffirming Nora Fingscheidt as a promising voice in European cinema.
🎞️ ZOMBIES 4: THE VAMPIRE ERA | Disney+
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The successful Disney Channel teen musical franchise arrives at its fourth chapter with new supernatural creatures and musical numbers. After bringing together humans, zombies, werewolves, and even aliens in previous films, the main couple Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) now face the challenge of mediating rivalry between traditional vampires and “daywalkers”—two conflicting clans. They become counselors at a summer camp where these two groups declare war, and with the help of the werewolf Willa (Chandler Kinney) and zombie Eliza (Kylee Russell), they must convince the sworn enemies to unite against a greater threat endangering everyone.
Directed by veteran Paul Hoen (responsible for all previous films), the movie maintains the series’ message of inclusion. Now, by placing two supernatural groups on the brink of war, the story addresses intercultural conflicts and the importance of dialogue and empathy. Naturally, everything is handled in a light-hearted and fun way, accompanied by choreographies from 13 new songs.
SATURDAY
🎞️ The Radleys | Prime Video
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In the British dark comedy directed by Euros Lyn (“Heartstopper”), the everyday life of an apparently ordinary family takes on supernatural and bloody dimensions. Based on the homonymous novel by Matt Haig, the film follows the Radleys, a middle-class clan hiding an unusual secret: they are vampires who have chosen to live as teetotalers, rejecting their instinct for blood.
The story takes place in a quiet English town, where a father, mother, and their two teenage children struggle to suppress their vampire nature and fit in among their mortal neighbors. With sharp humor and touches of horror, the film offers a lighthearted reinterpretation of the vampire myth by placing them in the midst of family barbecues and parent-teacher meetings. Damian Lewis (“Homeland”) and Kelly Macdonald (“No Country for Old Men”) play Peter and Helen Radley, a couple who have lived a peaceful life under the sun for years, keeping their true identities secret.
The central conflict emerges when repressed thirst threatens to surface: the adolescent children, denied blood since birth, begin to exhibit vampiric instincts at school and in the neighborhood, forcing the parents to intervene in order to protect the family’s stability and preserve their disguise within the community. The situation becomes complicated when the teenage daughter (Bo Bragason from “Nell, the Renegade”) loses control and kills a classmate, coinciding with the arrival of Uncle Will, a bloodthirsty vampire also played by Lewis.
Euros Lyn’s direction skillfully balances moments of terror and black humor, evoking the atmosphere of classics like “The Lost Boys” and the irreverence of recent series such as “What We Do in the Shadows.” Visually, “The Radleys” opts for realistic set designs—suburban houses, sunlit schools—contrasting with subtle gothic elements that enhance the inside joke of domestic vampires.
🎞️ THE EXORCIST – THE DEVOUT | Netflix
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After reviving the “Halloween” franchise, director David Gordon Green applied the same premise to the revival of “The Exorcist,” filming it as a direct sequel to the first movie as if the previous sequels had never existed. For this, he brings back Ellen Burstyn in the role of Chris MacNeil, the mother of the possessed girl from the original 1973 film. She enters the story to help a desperate father.
The plot follows Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), a widowed, overprotective father, whose daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) disappear after attempting to perform a ritual to contact Angela’s deceased mother. Three days later, the girls are found on a remote farm, with no memory of what happened. Soon, signs of demonic possession begin to appear in both of them.
What begins as a meticulously constructed supernatural mystery, raising questions about what actually happened to the girls, takes an abrupt downturn when Victor, initially skeptical, quickly accepts the idea of demonic possession and seeks the help of Chris MacNeil. From this point on, the narrative abandons the ambiguity and careful pacing it had established, opting instead for easy scares, digital effects, and inspirational speeches.
While the iconic 1973 horror film, directed by William Friedkin, was a box office success and received 10 Oscar nominations, this sequel miserably failed to please both genre audiences and film critics. To illustrate, the rushed and unscary climax sees Victor assembling a team of “demon hunters” from various religions, reducing what could have been a clever and respectful homage to “The Exorcist” into a superficial pastiche. American critics panned it, resulting in only a 24% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
* New releases in VoD (Video on Demand) can be rented individually on platforms such as Apple TV, Claro TV+, Loja Prime, Microsoft Store, Vivo Play, and YouTube, among others that function as digital rental services without the need for a monthly subscription.
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