It’s always a welcome surprise when Hulu drops new movies mid-month, especially when the theaters aren’t offering much to get excited about. This weekend, Hulu has a trio of intriguing films that are worth your streaming time.
The Favourite (2018)
Before Emma Stone teamed up with director Yorgos Lanthimos on *Poor Things* and *Kinds of Kindness*, she was a standout in his captivating period drama *The Favourite*. Stone plays Abigail Hill, a young woman desperate to climb the ranks of the British royal court in the early 18th century. Her cousin, Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), seems to have a secure future as the advisor and lover of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman). However, Abigail proves to be a master at capturing Anne’s attention, much to Sarah’s annoyance. To survive her cousin’s wrath, Abigail may have to forge an alliance with Robert Harley (Nicholas Hoult), who seeks to manipulate Anne for his own gain.
Handling the Undead (2024)
*Handling the Undead* is a Norwegian zombie horror film that challenges the genre’s conventions. While the dead do rise from their graves, they’re not the flesh-eating monsters we’re used to. Instead, they’re barely functioning shells of their former selves. The story follows three families grappling with the consequences of this resurrection. Anna (*Presumed Innocent*’s Renate Reinsve), a suicidal mother, finds her plans interrupted by the return of her young son. Meanwhile, Tora (Bente Børsum) is reunited with her deceased lover, Elisabet (Olga Damani). The final part of the narrative focuses on David (Anders Danielsen Lie) and his resurrected wife, Eva (Bahar Pars). Navigating the challenges of living with the undead is a complex task, and the film explores their attempts to do so.
Boy Kills World (2024)
*Boy Kills World* may not have received rave reviews, but it stands out compared to Bill Skarsgård’s other 2024 action revenge epic, *The Crow*. Set in a dystopian future, Boy (Skarsgård) is rendered mute after an attack that leaves his family dead. As he grows into adulthood, he embarks on a brutal mission of revenge, using any means necessary. Archer’s H. Jon Benjamin lends his distinctive voice to Boy’s inner dialogue, providing a memorable aspect to the film. If you’re willing to leave your critical mind at the door and lower your expectations, *Boy Kills World* can be an enjoyable watch. Just don’t expect to be bragging about it to everyone you know.
