The 9 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend

There’s not much going on streaming-wise out there, but it does feel quite prescient that the only big theatrical release this week involves a man holding two women hostage. At least Heretic will be entertaining. But if you need more options to unwind this weekend, Megan Park’s heartwarming coming-of-age comedy is hitting streaming, there’s more Yellowstone to obsess over, and baddies are cutting loose in Gotham (no singing breaks this time). Take a breather.

Featured Presentations

Heretic

In many ’90s movies, it would be ideal to be invited inside by a handsome guy played by Hugh Grant, but in Heretic, they flip that charm upside down as Grant plays Mr. Reed, a man who invites two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) to his house with a promise of his wife just in the kitchen. Quickly, the women realize they’ve been lied to, thanks to a blueberry candle, and are forced into Mr. Reed’s tense musings and sadistic games for a chance to escape.

Yellowstone season 5

Will this be the end of Taylor Sheridan’s insatiable desire to tell stories about the deeply unhappy Dutton family? Will Kevin Costner’s not-so-quiet quitting of this show mean he gets cut out of most of the season? (Or even worse — made to look weak?!) Will the show take on extra cultural weight in a postelection media cycle? —Kathryn VanArendonk

➼  To Costner, or not to Costner.

Arcane season 2

An underrated Netflix show, Arcane is back after its Emmy-winning initial season. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell lead the action animated series as sisters Vi and Jinx, respectively, caught between a utopian city and its lesser counterpart, Zaun.

Animation Station

Over the Garden Wall Stop-Motion Short

It’s been ten years since Patrick McHale’s ten-episode series premiered on the Cartoon Network. It has since become a comfort television staple with fans watching it as religiously as TNT plays its Christmas Story marathons. And to celebrate Over the Garden Wall’s milestone, McHale and his team created a three-minute short for fans to enjoy.

Finally Streaming

My Old Ass

You may press play on My Old Ass for Aubrey Plaza, but you’ll end up loving it thanks to Maisy Stella’s stellar screen debut. Both Plaza and Stella play Elliott at different ages but are able to meet when young Elliott (Stella) is on a shroom trip. Her older self (Plaza) offers up some guidance and wisdom, as her younger self experiences one last summer at home before college. It’s clever, hilarious, and a real sweet take on a coming-of-age film. (Also, shout-out to the Saoirse Ronan wall!)

➼ Speaking of Saoirse Ronan, she gives a transcendent performance in The Outrun, now available to rent. Plus, an incredible dramedy, A Different Man, from Aaron Schimberg, is now on digital platforms.

Grand Finale

The Penguin

Joker may have flopped, but the people still yearn for another Batman villain, the Penguin. The thrilling finale is out this weekend, and it’s just as good without the Dark Knight, so it’s time to catch up. Read the rest of Roxana Hadadi’s review here.

Physical Media Lives

The Wizard of Oz 85th-Anniversary Blu-ray

Every so often, we recommend some physical media, and I couldn’t go without mentioning the new 85th-anniversary edition of The Wizard of Oz. With Wicked fast approaching, you may feel inclined to rewatch director Victor Fleming’s masterpiece, so hell, might as well own it. You don’t necessarily need this slightly pricey version to watch it, but it’s a gorgeous steel book with a whole bunch of collectibles packed in it.

Double Feature

Paddington 2

Another great villainous role for Hugh Grant, though not quite as tense, is in Paul King’s Paddington sequel. Grant plays Phoenix Buchanan, an actor and neighbor of the Brown family who literally sends Paddington Bear to jail. Mean!

Want more? Read our recommendations from the weekend of November 1.

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