What’s Streaming This Week (4/13 - 4/20)
Welcome to When To Stream’s Weekly Preview! Every week, we take a closer look at the major film streaming releases scheduled to launch in the next 7 days. As always, release dates are subject to change.
One note: We provide links to Amazon pre-orders (when available) and do receive a very small commission for any purchases made from this website. If you’d like to support our work, and you’re looking to buy through Amazon, we’d appreciate it if you’d click through.
Here are next week’s highlights:
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD - $29.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: As he takes on the mantle of Captain America, Sam Wilson soon finds himself in the middle of an international incident. In a race against time, Sam must unravel a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
What we like:
We love Anthony Mackie and hope he can parlay this high-profile Marvel role in to some meaty dramas…comedies…action films…whatever he wants to do.
Director Julius Onah drew inspiration from political conspiracy thrillers like The Day of the Jackal (1973), Le Samouraï (1967), Point Blank (1967) and Clear and Present Danger (1994) in an effort to capture the paranoia of trying to uncover a mystery within a corrupt political and military establishment. Those are all great movies!
What we don’t like:
We need to be honest here. We tapped out on the Marvel films a while ago, so there’s not much we have to offer to the discourse. Red Hulk is not the way we want to remember Harrison Ford. We are excited to check out The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which looks unique and interesting. Brave New World just seemed stale and tired.
THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: Porky and Daffy, the classic animated odd couple, turn into unlikely heroes when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Against all odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)...that is if they don't drive each other crazy in the process.
What we like:
The first fully animated Looney Tunes feature-length film to be released theatrically. All prior films were either compilations of shorts or partly live-action. So cool!
Though based on 2019’s Looney Tunes Cartoons, voice actor Bob Bergen does not reprise his role as Porky Pig from the series, with Eric Bauza taking on the role instead.
Wayne Knight provides the voice of the mayor in the film. This is his second Looney Tunes movie, following 1996’s Space Jam.
What we don’t like:
Originally set to be released on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery passed on the film's release, deciding to cancel the film to use as a tax write off as they had with Coyote vs. Acme. However, because the director and production team had done such a good job of keeping the budget low, Warner Bros realized they'd have no tax incentive to kill it. Even so, Warners still refused to release it themselves, but allowed the film to be shopped to other distributors. Ultimately, the film's North American distribution rights were acquired by Ketchup Entertainment (who also recently bought the distribution rights for Coyote vs. Acme).
EEPHUS - $14.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Synopsis: As an imminent construction project looms over their beloved baseball field, two New England recreational teams face off one last time. Named for a rare pitch, this poignant comedy is an ode to sports, community, and the passage of time.
What we like:
Carson Lund’s directorial debut world premiered last year in the Director’s Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. Very impressive for a first feature.
The film was co-produced by members of Chapo Trap House, a prominent left-wing podcast known for its political commentary. Two of its hosts, Will Menaker and Amber A'lee Frost, have voice acting roles in the film.
This is one of most acclaimed movies of the year so far. It currently sits on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% Fresh rating.
Legendary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman has voice role in the film, and we can think of no better endorsement.
What we don’t like:
We wish this had had hit a little bigger in theaters, but for boutique distributor Music Box Films, its nearly $500K gross is practically a blockbuster. It definitely deserves to find an audience on streaming.
SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE - Hulu
Synopsis: In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.
What we like:
Cillian Murphy’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer is a small, sensitive drama that focuses on the infamous Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. And it’s terrific.
The film was co-produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s production company Artist’s Equity.
The film was adapted from the 2021 novel of the same name by Claire Keegan, which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection.
What we don’t like:
Despite indicating an April 8th premiere date in their monthly programming schedule, Hulu unexpectedly pushed back the launch of Small Things Like These a week. We have no idea why, but that’s what we mean when we say: ‘All dates are subject to change.’
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: In the aftermath of her husband's death, widow Ramona's struggle to raise her two kids is hindered by the arrival of a mysterious woman with supernatural abilities.
What we like:
Director Jaume Collet-Serra's, whose previous horror successes include 2005’s House of Wax, 2009’s Orphan, and 2016’s The Shallows, delivers a more psychological horror experience with this grief metaphor.
Collet-Serra re-teams with Danielle Deadwyler, who gave a memorable performance in the director’s 2024 smash Netflix hit Carry-On. More lead roles for Deadwyler, please!
The film's script was first written in 2020 by first-time screenwriter Sam Stefanak as The Man in the Yard. It went on to appear in that year's edition of the annual "Black List" of most-liked unproduced screenplays.
What we don’t like:
The film failed to impress critics, it currently has a 51 Metacritic score. Audiences didn’t like it much better, giving it an average grade of C- via CinemaScore. We’re still intrigued by Collet-Serra and Deadwyler, so we’ll definitely be catching up with it on streaming.
A WORKING MAN - $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Synopsis: Levon Cade left behind a decorated military career in the black ops to live a simple life working construction. But when his boss's daughter, who is like family to him, is taken by human traffickers, his search to bring her home uncovers a world of corruption far greater than he ever could have imagined.
What we like:
Bullet-headed action star Jason Statham re-teams with his Beekeeper director David Ayer for this action thriller, which is based on the 2014 novel Levon’s Trade by Chuck Dixon.
The film’s screenplay is adapted by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Sylvester Stallone, who had originally looked to adapt Dixon’s series of twelve Levon Cade novels for television.
What we don’t like:
After the surprise smash success of The Beekeeper, this one was kind of a letdown. It didn’t have the same satisfying narrative, and just felt a step slower and less interesting. Still…it’s meat-and-potatoes action, and Statham is always fun to watch. We just wish Ayer could have kicked it up a notch.
Friday, April 18th, 2025
COMPANION - Max
Synopsis: During a weekend getaway at a secluded lakeside estate, a group of friends finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets, deception, and advanced technology. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, they uncover unsettling truths about themselves and the world around them.
What we like:
Director Drew Hancock makes his feature debut, and Barbarian filmmaker Zach Cregger is a producer. Creggar was originally going to make this his Barbarian follow-up, but opted to make the upcoming Weapons instead.
The stellar cast includes Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Rupert Friend, and our favorite, Harvey Guillén, who’s absolutely fantastic on What We Do in the Shadows.
The film received generally positive reviews, and performed pretty well at the box office, earning nearly $37M worldwide on a $10M budget.
What we don’t like:
The film’s marketing materials (trailers, posters) give a bit too much away for our taste. This is a film that really can be enjoyed more when you know less about the plot. Try to avoid spoilers if you can.
GRAND TOUR - MUBI, $14.99 Sale
Synopsis: In 1917 Burma (now Myanmar), a British diplomat is set to marry his fiancée, but after a sudden panic, escapes to Singapore, sending her on what evolves into a chase across Asia.
What we like:
Miguel Gomes’ historical drama world premiered In Competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where Gomes was awarded the Best Director prize. He is the first Portuguese director ever to win that award.
The film was selected as the Portuguese entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, but was not nominated.
Gomes’ film alternates between present-day documentary footage and historical recreations, with voiceovers in several local languages.
What we don’t like:
Gomes’ blend of documentary and fiction might not be to everyone’s taste (why should it be?). And the film’s log line makes it sound like a rollicking action adventure (it’s not). But for adventurous film lovers who can get on Gomes’ wavelength, it’s a satisfying and fascinating trip.
THE ORDER - Hulu
Synopsis: A string of violent robberies in the Pacific Northwest leads veteran FBI agent Terry Husk into a white supremacist plot to overthrow the federal government.
What we like:
Justin Kurzel’s crime thriller is based on the 1989 non-fiction book "The Silent Brotherhood" by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, which chronicles the FBI's pursuit of a domestic terrorist group in the 1980s.
The film has a terrific cast, including Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and Marc Maron.
We were huge fans of Kurzel last film, the underrated Nitram, so we’re excited to check this one out.
What we don’t like:
Not to slight Vertical Entertainment, who do what they can with their resources, but we wish this had been picked up by a bigger distributor. It deserved a heftier theatrical and awards push.
WOLF MAN - Peacock
Synopsis: With his marriage fraying, Blake persuades his wife Charlotte to take a break from the city and visit his remote childhood home in rural Oregon. As they arrive at the farmhouse in the dead of night, they're attacked by an unseen animal and barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. But as the night stretches on, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable.
What we like:
Filmmaker Leigh Whannell tackles his second Universal Monsters project, this one coming on the heels of his successful 2020 adaptation of The Invisible Man.
The film stars two talented leads: Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott. Abbott replaced Ryan Gosling, who was originally attached to star (he retains an Executive Producer credit).
What we don’t like:
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its atmospheric tension and visual style, others felt it lacked a definitive thematic focus.
Wolf Man’s thunder was stolen a bit by the announcement of Robert Eggers next project: a werewolf adaptation titled Werwulf. We can’t wait for that one (coming Christmas 2026).
Saturday, April 19th, 2025
THE ROOM NEXT DOOR - Netflix
Synopsis: Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. Ingrid went on to become an autofiction novelist while Martha became a war reporter, and they were separated by the circumstances of life. After years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation.
What we like:
Pedro Almodóvar’s first full-length English language film unites two of our finest actresses, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It is an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez's novel "What Are You Going Through."
The film premiered at last year’s Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Lion, a first for a Spanish film. The film received ten nominations at the 39th Goya Awards (Spain’s Oscars), and won three: Best Adapted Screenplay (Almodóvar), Best Cinematography (Edu Grau), and Best Original Score (Alberto Iglesias).
What we don’t like:
In an interview for ELLE's 2024 Women in Hollywood issue, Swinton said The Room Next Door might be her last film. While she often mentions retirement and thankfully has yet to follow through, we’re still terrified every time we hear it. Please don’t stop, Tilda.
Happy Streaming Everyone!
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