Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent highlights: [Film] The Rescue Plan, [US Series] Daredevil: Reborn Season 2, [Australia] Deadloch Season 2, [Film] Proof of Love, [K-Drama] In Your Radiant Season, [J-Drama] The Son of the Future, [China] The Invisible Name, [Brazil] Radiation Crisis, [US Series] The Comeback Season 3 / Final Season, [J-Drama] Can’t Girls Make the First Move?, [Animation] Pure Punk: Clockwork Girl, [Reality Show] Mystery Cases: Limited-Time Investigation Season 2

Notable trailers: The Witch Under the Dome official trailer, Island of Oblivion first trailer, Harry Potter TV series first trailer, Moana live-action official trailer, Blinded by Fire first trailer

Industry news: The Devil Wears Prada 2 set for mainland China release on April 30, Michael Jackson: The Legend scheduled for April 24, The Sheep Detective Agency confirmed for import, Rise of the Monkey King set for July 10 release

[Film] Project Hail Mary

Keywords: Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Also known as: Project Hail Mary
Runtime: 156 minutes
Where to watch: Now in theaters; Douban link

I live, you don’t die—Grace and Rocky save the universe!

@SHY: The sun is dying, and civilization is on the brink of collapse. Ryland Grace, humanity’s last hope, embarks on a solitary mission into deep space. But when he awakens from hibernation, he has lost all his memories. Light-years away from Earth, Grace pieces together clues aboard his ship—until another spacecraft silently appears outside. Two beings from different planets: can they each fulfill their mission?

Andy Weir, the sci-fi author who rose to fame with The Martian, once again blends rigorous scientific reasoning with gripping extraterrestrial adventure. Although the stakes escalate from saving one person to saving an entire planet, the story ultimately centers on individual exploration. A human scientist and an alien engineer—whose evolutionary paths diverged drastically—establish communication through universal laws of the cosmos, forging a pure friendship that transcends species. Through mutual understanding, they work together to save two civilizations.

Due to runtime constraints, much of the original novel’s scientific exposition has been trimmed, but the production spared no effort in early-stage preparation. The language and physical form of the Eridians were developed with expert consultation, and practical models were used instead of relying solely on CGI. Balancing hard science fiction with emotional storytelling, the film delivers fresh twists and a unique ending, portraying a romance on a planetary scale. Carrying forward the spirit of Golden Age sci-fi, it stands as one of the most well-rounded blockbusters in recent years—most audiences will likely recommend it without hesitation.

[US Series] Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller / Crime / Fantasy / Adventure
Also known as: Daredevil: Born Again Season 2
Runtime: ~50 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

Matt the lawyer is getting more ruthless.

@潘誉晗: In the dead of night in New York, a cargo ship named Polaris slowly moves through the Freeport. Acting on a tip, Daredevil stealthily boards the vessel, but the captain quickly detects the intrusion and activates a self-destruct sequence. Fortunately, Daredevil escapes. He returns to his hideout and informs Peggy of the night’s discovery—the intel was correct. The ship is loaded with weapons from Europe: rocket launchers, assault rifles… all being smuggled through the Freeport by Kingpin under the guise of legitimate trade.

As one of Marvel’s few consistently well-received series in recent years, the second season of Daredevil: Born Again opens with intense, high-stakes action, delivering several thrilling fight sequences. Beyond that, the show’s already profound themes are layered with strong political allegory. The sinking of the ship in the Freeport symbolizes Kingpin’s waning control; the anti-vigilante group he leads reflects real-world dynamics; and the appearance of the White House in a zoomed-out shot after a mysterious phone call adds further intrigue. All of this builds anticipation for how the season will unfold.

[Australia] Deadloch Season 2

Keywords: Comedy / Crime
Also known as: Deadloch Season 2
Runtime: ~45 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

Care for a crocodile tour?

@潘誉晗: In Australia’s Northern Territory lies a remote town called Barra Creek, an ideal place for raising crocodiles. Tourists can take boat trips along the river to observe them in the wild. One day, Amber is guiding such a tour when they come across a floating crocodile carcass—and inside its jaws, they discover a human arm. Investigating detectives believe it belongs to a missing female hiker, but Dulcie disagrees and invites Eddie to uncover the truth together. Eddie refuses.

While continuing the storyline from the first season, the change in setting brings fresh highlights. It turns out Eddie initially avoids the case because she’s originally from Barra Creek—she has little fondness for her hometown and just wants to leave. Retaining the tone of the first season, Season 2 continues to blend crime mystery with strong dark humor. The new setting—humid, sticky, and oppressively hot—adds a different flavor, while the crocodile dismemberment case makes the story even more striking.

[Film] Proof of Love

Keywords: Drama / LGBTQ+
Also known as: Des preuves d’amour / Love Letters
Runtime: 97 minutes; Douban link

@利兹与青鸟: The film opens with the sound of France legalizing same-sex marriage. Nadia and Céline are in the hospital preparing for the birth of their child. Although they are already married, the child must still go through an adoption process; otherwise, legally, the child belongs only to the biological mother, Nadia. The adoption procedure is complex and lengthy, taking 8–10 months and requiring letters of support from 15 friends and family members. This forces Céline to reconnect with her estranged mother, a pianist living in Prague. As Céline navigates the adoption process, they also face the discomfort, fear, confusion, and self-doubt common to all new mothers, as well as challenges unique to same-sex families. Along the way, Céline begins to re-examine her relationship with her mother, Marguerite.

This is director Alice Douard’s feature debut and was nominated twice at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Through seemingly mundane daily moments, the film sketches a full portrait of a non-traditional family, quietly telling the story of what comes after “happily ever after.” The “proof of love” is not only the legal letters required, but also Céline’s uncertainty about her identity as a mother, and the unease shaped by her own mother’s absence during childhood. With a light yet powerful narrative, the film gently dissolves the distance between mother and daughter, delivering a story that is both delicate and sincere.

[South Korea] In Your Radiant Season

Keywords: Drama / Romance
Also known as: In Your Radiant Season
Runtime: ~60 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

Love heals us both.

@潘誉晗: Designer Song Ha-ran has refused to fall in love for years. As a child, she witnessed her parents die in a car accident; seven years ago, she flew to the U.S. to surprise her beloved boyfriend, only to encounter an explosion in his lab. Since then, she has believed that if she doesn’t love, she won’t have to fear loss. Her studio is now collaborating with an animation company, bringing character designer Sunwoo Chan into her life. What she doesn’t know is that Sunwoo Chan was her boyfriend’s roommate in Boston—and the comforting messages she thought came from her boyfriend were actually written by him.

The male lead has lost his memory and hearing in one ear, while the female lead sees herself as someone doomed to misfortune. They heal each other and gradually move toward one another. What could have been a purely romantic story becomes something more layered due to the misaligned relationship between them, making this love story unfold slowly and deliberately. This may also explain why the show’s reputation continues to grow over time—it avoids sugary clichés, instead using love as an entry point to explore inner trauma and emotional redemption. Its gentle pacing quietly strikes a deep emotional chord.

[Japan] The Son of the Future

Keywords: Comedy / Romance / Family
Also known as: The Son from the Future — A Boy Appears in the Life of a Woman Who Hasn’t Dated in 10 Years!
Runtime: ~45 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

In the future, I will become your mother.

@潘誉晗: To pursue her dream of becoming an actress, Mirai Shikawa ignores her mother’s advice and moves to Tokyo alone. One night, while resting at home, she hears a strange noise outside her door. After a sudden clap of thunder, a boy around five years old appears before her. He calls himself Sota, claiming to be from the year 2036—and her future son.

Adapted from a manga of the same name, the premise may seem familiar at first glance. The story begins with a time-traveling son hoping his mother will reconcile with his father, while also establishing that Mirai hasn’t been in a relationship for ten years. Three potential love interests are then introduced, inviting viewers to guess who will become her husband. Yet what makes this light comedy stand out is how it uses this seemingly cliché setup to let Mirai reflect on herself through this unusual mother-son relationship. Looking back on the past decade, she has juggled part-time jobs while performing in theater productions, constantly auditioning and chasing her dream. Now 28, she feels she has achieved nothing and remains stuck in place. When will this long pursuit of her dream finally come to an end?

This cross-temporal bond of family adds warmth and emotional depth to the tension between dreams and reality.

[China] The Invisible Name

Keywords: Drama
Runtime: 45 minutes per episode × 32 episodes
Where to watch: Tencent Video; Douban link

Finding a ray of light in hardship.

@利兹与青鸟: Professor Liu Xiaoran’s new book is published, but it is actually plagiarized from a diary co-written by his wife Ren Xiaoming and their old friend Bai Shu. This crosses a line for Ren Xiaoming. Even though the secrets in the diary cannot be made public, she decides to search for the diary hidden by her husband while preparing a copyright lawsuit. Meanwhile, an unidentified skeleton is discovered at the site of Ren Xiaoming’s former middle school, and a pen found at the scene belongs to her former teacher, Mr. Zhou. This case connects the past of Ren Xiaoming and Bai Shu, as well as the intertwined histories of Ren Xiaoming’s mother and Mr. Zhou. Though their life paths differ, they all face hardship with resilience, supporting and illuminating one another.

The series features a strong cast and compelling performances, using a dual timeline structure that interweaves character development with both the mystery investigation and the diary narrative. This also makes its strengths and weaknesses clear: the investigative aspect is relatively weak, and the main plot progresses slowly, but the overall story is rich, layered, and deeply moving. It portrays youthful friendships built on mutual protection, a mother silently enduring hardship for her child, another mother whose controlling nature destroys lives, and above all, the courage to persevere and support one another in the face of adversity.

[Brazil] Radioactive Emergency

Keywords: Drama / Thriller / History / Disaster
Also known as: Emergência Radioativa / Radioactive Emergency
Runtime: 53–65 minutes per episode × 5 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

The most severe nuclear accident in Brazil’s history.

@潘誉晗: On September 13, 1987, in Goiânia, Brazil, two scavengers sold an object they found in an abandoned hospital to a scrapyard. That night, the scrapyard owner noticed the object emitting a glowing blue light—strikingly beautiful in the darkness. Believing it to be something valuable, he took it home and even shared the glowing blue powder with workers, friends, and family. What they didn’t realize was that the luminous powder was cesium-137, a highly radioactive nuclear element.

This recent Netflix release is a realist disaster thriller adapted from the real-life Goiânia radiation accident. The globally shocking event originated from an abandoned radiotherapy device, whose blue glow led people to mistakenly treat it as something precious, spreading it widely. It was smeared on skin, furniture, even poured into water sources… Almost documentary-like in tone, the series uses a restrained and somber style to recreate the tragedy, reminding viewers of the terrifying power of nuclear materials and the importance of public safety. At the same time, the inaction and blame-shifting by authorities depicted in the show also invite reflection.

[US Series] The Comeback Season 3 / Final Season

Keywords: Comedy
Also known as: The Comeback Season 3
Runtime: ~30 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

AI has taken everyone’s jobs.

@潘誉晗: After eleven years, Valerie is back. Returning to the spotlight at this age, she may already be seen by younger audiences as a washed-up actress—but she still holds an Emmy, and believes she can find work again. She even moved back to Hollywood in advance. But reality proves far less kind. With COVID and AI reshaping the industry, Hollywood has undergone dramatic changes. Up-and-coming directors now rely on AI-generated scripts, while writers protest in the streets. Valerie studies scripts carefully, even for roles with just six lines, yet on set, no one takes her seriously.

The cult-favorite series The Comeback returns with its third—and final—season. Following real-world timelines, the show releases roughly one season per decade, offering a brutally honest portrayal of the entertainment industry. Presented in a mockumentary style, it captures the journey of a faded star trying to make a comeback. In an era shaped by streaming and AI, survival comes with new pressures, but Valerie continues to persevere in her own way.

[Japan] Can’t Girls Make the First Move?

Keywords: Comedy / Romance
Also known as: 女の子が抱いちゃダメですか? / Ladies on Top
Runtime: ~20 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

What we call “normal” in relationships is just a habit—not the only answer.

@Sholmes: Kajitani feels uncomfortable whenever her dates with men turn intimate. Her previous relationships all ended because she was perceived as too distant. Shinomiya, on the other hand, prefers his partner to take the initiative during intimacy, but his ex-girlfriend found this strange and broke up with him. When Kajitani and Shinomiya start dating, Kajitani is happy to take the lead, while Shinomiya, influenced by his past relationship, tries to be more proactive—but always falters at critical moments. With their shared awkwardness and vulnerability, the two begin an unconventional romance.

Adapted from a manga, the series explores intimacy and gender expectations through a gentle questioning of what “normal” really means. Kajitani resists the social expectation that women shouldn’t be too forward, while Shinomiya struggles under the gaze of others, unable to overcome the idea that men should lead—even when he knows what he wants. Rather than treating this pairing as a novelty, the show uses a light comedic tone to seriously examine who defines the “right” way to love. The characters’ awkwardness and misalignment are handled with precision, with each comedic moment carrying a subtle sting of truth. Perhaps a healthy relationship is simply about finding your own rhythm within that misalignment—even if imperfect, it feels more genuine than a rigid, so-called ideal.

[Animation] Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl

Keywords: Sci-Fi / Action / Mystery
Also known as: ヴァージン・パンク Clockwork Girl / Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl
Runtime: 35 minutes; Douban link

One day, I will kill you.

@SHY: Raised in an orphanage, Habane Kamibane loses her home after the head of the orphanage is executed by the bounty hunter known as Mr. Elegant. Ten years later, Habane has grown into an independent bounty hunter, only to be ambushed by Mr. Elegant. Her consciousness is transferred into an artificial cyborg body. Forced to join the assassin organization “Archimedes DEATH” and work under him, Habane begins a battle dictated by fate.

After more than a decade working across various productions, legendary director Yasuomi Umetsu—known for works like Kite—returns with his signature violent aesthetic, delivering a striking experience for a new generation of viewers. This project, ten years in the making since its planning began in 2015, packs 740 cuts and 35,000 key frames into just 35 minutes, showcasing an incredibly dense display of animation craftsmanship and creating a thrilling audiovisual spectacle. It stands as one of SHAFT’s highest production peaks in recent years.

Although Umetsu has somewhat restrained himself compared to his earlier works, his trademark provocative elements are still present. Themes of sexuality, youth, and crime—recurring throughout his career—combine with intense hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and explosions, evoking the feel of a 1990s OVA recreated with modern technology. Even if many of the core ideas echo his past works, the result still leaves viewers wanting more—hopefully it performs well enough to ensure a sequel doesn’t remain a distant dream.

[Reality Show] Agents of Mystery Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller / Crime / Fantasy / Adventure
Also known as: Agents of Mystery Season 2
Runtime: ~57 minutes per episode × 9 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Step into mystery and science.

@潘誉晗: Six months ago, an object measuring 43 meters in diameter crashed into the waters off southern Florida, triggering a tsunami that caused multiple casualties. While the U.S. government claimed it was merely a fragment of an asteroid, it is in fact an unidentified flying object from outer space. The advanced data contained within it holds significant military implications. The organization XIN therefore partnered with a private space company to preserve this data. However, this decision sparked opposition, and Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Lee Hyeri, Kim Do-hoon, Yoo Jimin, and Shin Ga-bi must act before a crisis unfolds to delete the classified information.

With clearly increased funding compared to the first season, this reality show demonstrates major improvements in both puzzle design and overall production. Right from the first episode, it introduces a large-scale, sci-fi narrative, immersing viewers in a fantastical adventure centered on high-tech data from a UFO. Agents of Mystery builds each episode around strange cases that science cannot fully explain—space phenomena, zombies, ghosts, and more. Once the mission is set, the cast members are left to explore and develop the story themselves.

[Japan] Alley Inn
@SHY: Deep within a secluded alley stands an unassuming inn that offers its guests a mysterious night. Struggling with writer’s block, screenwriter Yuika returns to a school trip she was meant to skip; art student Mina, seeking a quiet place to paint, reunites with her high school best friend… A night spent here may help untangle the worries buried in one’s heart. Featuring all third-generation members of Sakurazaka46, the series includes fan-service elements and strong yuri undertones, but also puts genuine effort into its storytelling, with each episodic story offering its own appeal.

[Japan] The Vice President’s Main Duties
@SHY: The student council of Shikyuu Girls’ High once had seven members, but now only vice president Kurishita Rui and president Haiya Gin remain, as Rui has taken on nearly all responsibilities herself. Behind the closed doors of the student council room, the two female colleagues engage in intense, unseen battles every day. Adapted from a short manga on pixiv, this sweet and light series pairs a composed yet cunning tall vice president with a timid and adorable petite president, delivering a height-gap reverse-romance comedy. Its everyday moments, tinged with ambiguity, remain endlessly charming.

[Film] Dive in Wonderland
@SHY: College student Rise, who has repeatedly failed to secure a job, arrives in a strange Wonderland after receiving a mysterious invitation letter left by her late grandmother. There, she embarks on an unknown journey alongside Alice. Blending classic fairy tales with modern themes, animation studio P.A.WORKS—known for its “working girl” stories—this time tells the story of a girl who cannot find work. The vibrant visuals recreate a dreamlike Wonderland, adding color to this brief escape from reality, helping viewers set aside confusion and rediscover the courage to face tomorrow.

[Documentary] The Murdoch Dynasty
@潘誉晗: Netflix’s latest documentary focuses on Rupert Murdoch, patriarch of the Murdoch family and a giant in the global news media industry. Through rare archival footage, letters, and interviews with insiders, the documentary traces Murdoch’s rise from a small local newspaper to a global media empire. It also reveals the power struggles between Murdoch and his children—essentially a real-life version of Succession.

📅 This Week’s New Trailers

The Witch Under the Dome official trailer

On March 25, the TV anime The Witch Under the Dome released its first official trailer. It will begin airing in July and premiere in June at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Adapted from the manga of the same name, Naoko Yamada serves as chief director, Abel Gongora directs, and Science SARU handles production. The original work ranked No.1 in the 2023 edition of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (Female Readers category). Source

Island of Oblivion first trailer

On March 25, DreamWorks Animation released the first trailer for Island of Oblivion, set to premiere in North America on September 25. Directed by Puss in Boots: The Last Wish directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the story follows two friends spending their final night together after graduation, only to be transported to a long-forgotten magical island. Source

Harry Potter TV series first trailer

On March 26, HBO released the first trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The series is set to premiere during Christmas 2026. Original author J.K. Rowling serves as executive producer, with Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout starring. The first season consists of 8 episodes, offering a comprehensive retelling of Harry’s first journey into the wizarding world. Source

Moana live-action film official trailer

On March 24, the live-action film Moana: Voyage Begins released its official trailer, with a North American release date of July 10. Directed by Thomas Kail, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, and starring Catherine Laga‘aia, John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen. Moana sets sail with Maui to protect her people and island. Source

Blinded by Fire first trailer

On March 24, the Hong Kong action film Blinded by Fire released its first international trailer, set for North American release on May 29. Directed by Kenji Tanigaki, written by Mak Tin-shu, and starring Nicholas Tse, Yang Enyou, Joe Taslim, Yayan Ruhian, and JeeJa Yanin. After his daughter is abducted on the street, shop owner Wang Wei dives into a complex criminal network, using every means necessary to rescue her. Source

Stranger Things: 1985 Stories official trailer: Set between Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things, the story returns to Hawkins in the winter of 1985, with Eleven and her friends facing new monsters and supernatural mysteries. Premieres April 23 on Netflix. Source

The Sheep in the Box official trailer: Directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda, starring Haruka Ayase, Daigo, and Rim Yuwaki. Inspired by The Little Prince, the story is set in the near future, where a grieving couple welcomes a humanoid robot into their home after losing their child. Releases May 29 in Japan. Source

A Spoonful of Chocolate first trailer: Produced by Quentin Tarantino and directed by RZA, starring Shameik Moore and Paris Jackson. A former soldier travels to a small town, where he finds love—and trouble he cannot handle. Premieres May 1 in North America. Source

Hacks Season 5 official trailer: Starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, the fifth and final season promises their most exciting journey yet. Premieres April 9 on HBO Max.

Artificial Intelligence trailer: Directed and written by Ryoo Seung-wan, starring Zo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung. A South Korean agent tracks a drug cartel in Russia and clashes with a North Korean agent, drawing both into a web of danger and secrets. Premieres March 31 on Netflix.

Peak Hunt official trailer: Starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana, directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Everest). The story follows an outdoor survival expert who encounters a serial killer in the Australian wilderness and must use all her skills to fight back. Premieres April 24 on Netflix.

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

The Devil Wears Prada 2 set for April 30 release in mainland China

On March 23, the film The Devil Wears Prada 2 was officially scheduled for release in mainland China on April 30, alongside a trailer and poster. Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, and director David Frankel return. Glamour on the runway, sharp rivalry behind the scenes—the fashion world is about to be turned upside down. Source

Michael Jackson: The Legend set for April 24 release in mainland China

On March 27, the biographical film Michael Jackson: The Legend was scheduled for release in mainland China on April 24, with a trailer and poster released. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s nephew—as MJ, portraying his life beyond the stage while recreating some of the most iconic performances from his early career. Source

The Sheep Detective Agency confirmed for mainland China release

On March 24, the film The Sheep Detective Agency was confirmed for release in mainland China, with a trailer and poster unveiled; the release date is yet to be announced. Directed by Kyle Balda (Minions series), Hugh Jackman (“Wolverine”) plays a shepherd who dies mysteriously at the very beginning. When rookie police officers fail to solve the case, the sheep themselves decide to take action and uncover the truth behind their shepherd’s sudden demise. Source

Rise of the Monkey King set for July 10 release

On March 27, the animated film Rise of the Monkey King was scheduled for nationwide release on July 10, with a trailer and poster released. Produced by the team behind Monkey King: Hero Is Back and Paths of the Soul, the story follows the Monkey King as he embarks on a new heroic journey 11 years later. The Buddhist pilgrimage has ended, but the game of demons has begun—heaven and earth become a chessboard, all beings its pieces, and the line between Buddha and demon lies within a single thought. Source

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