Latest news with #Exterritorial
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix movie racks up over 33 million views – but not everyone is convinced
Sophie-May Williams Published May 21, 2025 3:23pm Link is copied Comments If your idea of a perfect film involves ex-cons, James Bond-esque stunts and a 'will they or won't they' romantic line, Netflix's 'Bad Influence' might be for you. The 2025 Spanish movie, originally titled Mala influencia, has been a hit for the platform since its release earlier this month, racking up 33.2 million views. But such figures have not only catapulted it to number one on Netflix's most-watched films chart in the non-English section, it has also taken the lead by almost eight million views, ahead of Exterritorial (Picture: Netflix) So, what's all the fuss about? Based on a Wattpad story, a website where people can read and submit fiction, Bad Influence follows the unlikely duo of wealthy school girl and socialite, Reese, and the troubled orphaned ex-con, Eros. When Reese experiences a stalker, her father, Bruce, hires Eros to be her bodyguard - much to the teen's initial dismay (Picture: Netflix) Not to give too much away (and what you can already discern from the trailer), Reese tries to distance herself from Eros, worried that his presence is going to affect her popularity. Eros isn't the biggest fan of the set-up either, asking Reese if she really thinks his goal in life is to follow her everywhere (Picture: Netflix) However, as the film progresses - and the pair spend more time together - Reese can't ignore her feelings for Eros, despite her telling him his 'bad boy' persona is outdated. The chemistry is also obvious to Eros, too. But due to their differing backgrounds, and the fact that Eros was hired to protect Reese, not fall in love with her, will their relationship withstand the challenges they face? (Picture: Netflix) Even though Bad Influence is one of Netflix's trending films, its reviews aren't as positive. OnRotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation site, people criticised 'poorly' written characters, and thought the chemistry between Reese and Eros, played by Eléa Rochera and Alberto Olmo, could have been better. Others said the 'poor dubbing that often plagues foreign films' was partly to blame (Picture: Netflix) 'Paper thin plot line,' one person said, adding that the 'ending defies logic.' Another dubbed it as 'mediocre', suggesting that it could have been better if Eros's backstory was more prevalent. They said: 'I wish it was more intense and exciting but it came out simple. Recommend it to anyone who has nothing to watch.' On X, a different user suggested the film didn't hit the mark because the original story 'wasn't the literary work of the century to have the best adaptation' (Picture: Netflix) However, they said that 'what Netflix did with the movie is hair-raising.' Another viewer loved the movie just for Olmo, while someone else said that Mirela Balić's performance as Peyton was 'great'.They added that they wished her role had been bigger (Picture: Getty Images) For the against camp, another Rotten Tomatoes user said: 'It was like a puzzle with pieces from all different types of puzzles that just didn't fit at all. The storyline just wasn't strong, the characters [were] not properly developed & [there was] no great chemistry. It's like it tried to be a movie similar to some other great ones but it just severely missed the mark. Very disappointing' (Picture: Getty Images) Another viewer described it as a 'stereotypical romance movie,' featuring a 'bad boy and the good girl.' They continued: 'I felt the two main characters didn't have chemistry at all, and their interactions were lacklustre at most. It's a cheesy movie to watch with your girlfriends over take out and a bottle of wine and pretty much make fun of it the whole time. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.' And finally - to end on a positive note - someone else penned: 'Good films make people happy. As a young woman, this film makes my day!' Have you seen this movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments (Picture: Getty Images)
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Intense New Thriller Series Soars to #2 on Netflix (& the Trailer Alone Gave Me Chills)
Netflix has released so many binge-worthy thrillers this year that I've lost count. We've yet to reach the halfway mark in 2025, but the streaming service has already brought us nail-biting thrillers like iHostage, Havoc and Exterritorial, all of which dominated Netflix's top ten chart. And now, another must-see thriller series is making waves. If you've yet to glance at this week's top trending shows on Netflix, Secrets We Keep—which was released less than a week ago—currently sits at number two, surpassing titles like Forever, The Four Seasons, Bad Thoughts and Love, Death + Robots. In the Danish limited series, a young au pair suddenly disappears in a wealthy Copenhagen neighborhood, and Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen), one of the residents, is determined to find out what happened when she suspects foul play. The premise was enough to make me look up the trailer and, all I can say is, I'll be watching this one tonight. The intense two-minute teaser shows Ruby (Donna Levkovski), the Filipino au pair, looking worried as she does the dishes. Just a few moments later, when she tells Cecilie that she needs help, Cecilie quickly declines and seemingly defends Ruby's boss. Not long after, Cecilie learns that Ruby has gone missing and decides to investigate, bringing some disturbing truths to light. Several critics are already raving about the crime thriller, which boasts a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to its deep themes and mystery elements. For instance, Joel Keller writes in Decider that it "doesn't try to distract viewers by sending them down too many dead ends, and tells a story about class, race and wealth in the process." Meanwhile, Collider's Samuel R. Murrian says it "explores similar thematic territory to this year's most zeitgeisty hits Adolescence and The White Lotus, and in some ways handles its dark material even better." Courtesy of Netflix Created by Ingeborg Topsøe, the cast includes Simon Sears, Lars Ranthe, Danica Curcic, Excel Busano and Frode Bilde Rønsholt. The six-part series was also directed by Per Fly and written by Ina Bruhn and Mads Tafdrup. You can now stream Secrets We Keep on Netflix. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. An Action-Packed Thriller Just Hit #1 on Netflix & I'm Definitely Watching Tonight
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
An Action-Packed Thriller Just Hit #1 on Netflix & I'm Definitely Watching Tonight
I can always count on Netflix to put the best thriller movies on my radar. First, it was the Dutch thriller, iHostage, which peaked at number two on the streaming service. Then, it was Tom Hardy's gritty action thriller, Havoc, which soared to number one in less than three days. Now, I've got my eye on Exterritorial, a high-stakes German thriller that's currently dominating Netflix's top ten list, outranking titles like Twilight, Home and Denzel Washington's The Equalizer 2. Curious to see the reason for the hype, I watched the brief trailer. In less than two minutes, my jaw dropped as I watched a distraught mom embark on a search for her son after he suddenly vanished inside the U.S. consulate. It's every parent's worst nightmare come to life, but it's gripping, action-packed and features a fierce heroine who will stop at nothing to reunite with her child. To offer a bit more context, the film centers on Sara (Jeanne Goursaud), a former Special Forces soldier who served in Afghanistan. She heads to the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt to apply for her work visa, and during her visit, she leaves her son in the playroom. But when she returns to pick him up, he's not there. When she asks the staff for help, everyone claims that he was never checked in. Here, we see the panic set in, but despite everyone's lack of cooperation, Sara doubles down and takes matters into her own hands. Per Netflix's Tudum, the overwhelmed mom must navigate "a labyrinth of deception" as she "battles against consulate officials" to uncover a major conspiracy. Courtesy of Netflix If you've seen Flightplan or Searching, then you'll find familiarity in this captivating thriller, which also explores the theme of a parent being gaslit into questioning themselves after their child suddenly goes missing. And if you're leaning more towards the action elements, then you'll be happy to know that the intense combat sequences will remind you of action flicks like Atomic Blonde. Directed by Christian Zübert, the movie also stars Dougray Scott, Lera Abova, Emanuel Fellmer, Annabelle Mandeng and Nina Liu. Exterritorial is now available to stream on Netflix. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. This Morgan Freeman Psychological Thriller Is a Netflix Hidden Gem—and the Trailer Alone Is Giving Me Serious Goosebumps
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 10 Best Movies of 2025 Thus Far, According to PureWow's Editors
We've yet to hit the halfway mark in 2025, but this year has already brought us some of the best movies. Millions have flocked to theaters to see blockbuster hits like Sinners and Companion, while streaming services like Netflix delivered unforgettable titles like Bullet Train Explosion. So, naturally, I thought I'd poll the other PureWow editors to craft a list of the 10 best movies of 2025 so far, ranging from laugh-out-loud comedies to nail-biting thrillers. Now, not every popular release made the cut (sorry, Exterritorial). But my colleagues and I can assure you these top movies of 2025 will make your movie nights ten times better. Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Katt Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway Rating: R Palmer and SZA star as best friends who scramble to raise enough money for rent after one of their boyfriends steals it—and guys, these two are such a delight to watch. The chemistry between them is so genuine, and I love how the film smartly uses humor to tackle real issues. Associate Commerce Strategist Jael Rucker wrote, "I didn't realize how much a film like One of Them Days was needed within Black storytelling—just two young women in a movie that is…funny. There's no traumatic retelling, nothing that will make you emotional and no critical deep-thinking required—just lighthearted fun." Watch on Netflix Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku Rating: R Black Panther director Ryan Coogler strikes again with this Oscar-worthy horror film, where Jordan plays a dual role as twin brothers who return to their hometown to get a fresh start. Unfortunately, they come to realize that things have changed, and they're forced to confront something terrifying and evil. From Coogler's masterful direction to Jordan's captivating performance, I can see why it debuted with a 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Rucker says, "I feel confident saying that this is Jordan's best role to date, or at least his most diverse. Playing a dual role is the ultimate of an actor's prowess, in my opinion, because the actor has to convincingly play two different characters within the same project—not an easy task by any means, but one Jordan does with ease." Get Tickets Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén Rating: R In the mood for a twist-filled thriller that's fun and thought-provoking? Try Companion. Without giving too much away, it revolves around Iris and Josh, a young couple who join their friends for a getaway at a remote cabin. But things take a wild turn when a gruesome death occurs, and Iris makes a shocking discovery. In his review, PureWow's VP of News & Entertainment, Philip Mutz, wrote, "Though Companion is definitely a thriller, it's also so fun to watch. It's jam-packed with humor—much of it coming from one of Josh's friends, Eli, played by the brilliant Harvey Guillén—and ridiculous plot twists. It's a wicked and wild ride that I'm so glad I went on." Watch on Max Cast: Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Isla Fisher, with Colin Firth and Hugh Grant Rating: R In this fourth installment of the beloved franchise, Bridget is a widowed single mother of two, having to juggle her family and career with an unexpected love triangle. Even if you've never seen any of the films, it's just as charming as a standalone rom-com. Per PureWow's Senior Editor, Dana Dickey, "The film is fast-paced, with surprising character arcs and narrative twists. There's a centerpiece performance by one of the children that you'll get misty-eyed watching. A recurring owl is a resonant symbol of grief. There is physical comedy, and there are montages and—no spoiler here, it's in the trailer—a cameo from Bridget's famous granny panties." Watch on Peacock Cast: Lucas Jade Zumann, Beverly D'Angelo, William Baldwin, Ashanti, Ty Pennington Rating: NR Inspired by true events, this eye-opening drama follows a group of people who are experiencing homelessness. They all forge an unbreakable bond and look out for each other as they deal with criminals, gangs and an apathetic community. Rucker wrote in her review, "This film is actually a cross between a mystery and a thriller, taking you through the gut-wrenching reality of what can happen when you are homeless. If you're looking for a unique storyline that provides an in-depth look on a topic that doesn't get discussed nearly enough, I highly suggest giving this film a shot." Watch on Prime Video Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jeffery Self Rating: R Edge-of-your-seat thrillers like Carry-On and Havoc have become my bread and butter, and Drop is easily one of the best I've seen. It follows Violet, a widowed mom who goes out on her first date in years. However, the date takes a dark turn when she starts to receive threatening messages from a mysterious hooded figure. To ensure her kids don't get killed, she's commanded to follow one task: murder her date. Fahy is truly the star here, convincingly portraying an overwhelmed mom who's forced to keep up a charming facade with her date while communicating with her blackmailer and trying to plot an escape. It's tense, it's full of suspense and it's got the ultimate plot twist that'll make your jaw drop. (Pun intended.) Watch on Apple TV+ Cast: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Kanata Hosoda, Non, Takumi Saitoh, Machiko Ono, Jun Kaname Rating: TV-14 In the high-stakes thriller, which serves as a sequel to the 1975 film, The Bullet Train, a group plants a bomb on a Tokyo-bound train. Panic ensues when news gets out that the bomb will go off if the train's speed drops below 100km per hour. If you liked Speed (which, FYI, was inspired by the original film), then you'll enjoy the palpable tension and suspense. The main cast also delivers unforgettable performances. Watch on Netflix Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas Rating: PG-13 MCU fans may have expected an action-packed, heart-pumping spectacle with all the CGI effects, but in a refreshing twist, Wilson puts on his detective cap as he investigates a major conspiracy—one that involves U.S. president Thaddeus Ross. Per Rucker's review, "The film is a full-blown conspiracy thriller—so different from what has become typical in the MCU that you can almost separate it completely. Perhaps this was deliberate on the part of director Julius Onah, as many people (myself included) are 'superheroed out,' and this was the perfect way to slowly reel those of us in this category back in." Watch on Disney+ Cast: Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, Connie Britton Rating: PG-13 Based on Lori Nelson Spielman's novel, the romantic drama follows Alex Rose, a young woman who tries to fulfill her late mom's wish of completing a teenage bucket list. The feel-good story explores grief, self-discovery and the importance of taking risks. Danielle Long, PureWow's Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment, writes, "It's the kind of film that has you feeling all the emotions as Alex navigates this second coming-of-age moment and learns to live fully again. It's a mix of drama, romance and self-reflection." Watch on Netflix Cast: Abigail Breslin, Matthew Daddario, Lainie Kazan Rating: PG It's the charming, underrated gem no one is talking about, but it's a heartwarming flick that'll make you run the gamut of emotions, where you're cackling your socks off one moment and shedding tears the next. The film follows a young woman as she meets her boyfriend's traditional Italian-American family for the first time, and it proves to be an unforgettable experience. The movie expertly tackles common Italian stereotypes and sheds light on the complexity of family relationships. Watch on Prime Video Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. The 70 Best Summer Movies of All Time & Where to Watch Them
Tom's Guide
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just got a tasty new Vince Vaughn dramedy that's already hit No. 1 — and it's based on a true story
Netflix just added a heartwarming new dramedy to its menu, and it's already grabbed the top spot in the streamer's top 10 list of most-watched movies. "Nonnas" landed on Netflix on May 9 and has wasted zero time climbing to the No. 1 spot in the U.S. It's a different flavor from the explosive thrillers like "Exterritorial" or "Havoc" that have been dominating Netflix's charts in recent weeks. "Nonnas" is a simple yet satisfying crowd-pleaser that's based on a true story and as comforting as a home-cooked meal. Between its stacked cast of comedy icons like Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon and its release tied to Mother's Day weekend, it's little wonder to see viewers gobbling up Netflix's latest release. That being said, it's important to keep in mind that Netflix's top 10 chart isn't always the best indicator of quality. It's easy to think that landing on the list guarantees a movie is a hit, but sometimes the titles that make the cut end up being total letdowns. Wondering whether 'Nonnas' is worth adding to your watchlist? Read on for everything you need to know about the latest Netflix No. 1 movie of 2025, as well as our verdict on the popular new Netflix movie to help you decide. Directed by Stephen Chbosky ("The Perks of Being a Wallflower") and written by Liz Maccie, "Nonnas" follows the real-life-inspired story of Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), an Italian-American and born-and-bred Brooklynite who struggles to find direction after losing both his mother and grandmother. He gravitates to his family's generations-old recipes for comfort, and in doing so, cooks up a plan to share that feeling with the community. Leaving his career behind, he opens a restaurant in Staten Island run entirely by Italian grandmothers, affectionately known as nonnas. But getting the place into shape is no easy task, especially with a gaggle of spunky nonnas — played by Hollywood legends like Sarandon, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, and Lorraine Bracco — providing commentary over his shoulder. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. What follows is a charming journey packed with familiar Italian staples, both culinary and cultural. Each dish comes with a heaping dose of nostalgia and laughter, as the nonnas bring their signature blend of sass, warmth, and chaos to the table. Toss in an old flame (Linda Cardellini) and a ride-or-die buddy (Joe Manganiello), and you've got a recipe for a feel-good tale with plenty of heart and a dash of fun. That depends. If everything above sounds to your taste, then the answer is a resounding yes. "Nonnas" is a breezy, fun watch that's perfect for families getting together this weekend. It truly feels like comfort food, hitting all the familiar beats you'd expect of those classic, easily rewatchable cable movie favorites you may remember from the '80s and '90s. Even if the premise sounds a bit saccharine, I'd encourage you to give "Nonnas" a chance. While it easily could have spoiled into something tooth-rottingly sweet, the story is anchored by heartfelt performances all around and a script that knows exactly when to lean into its sentimental side. Clearly, director Chbosky understands the importance of good ingredients. Vaughn easily holds his own in the lead role, but it's the nonnas who truly steal the show. Each is bursting with personality, effortlessly playing off one another in every scene in a way that makes you feel like one of the girls. If you're willing to roll with a few overplayed tropes and some creative takes on New York geography, there's plenty of enjoyment to be had. Critics are eating it up, too. "Nonnas" currently has a respectable 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes (aggregated from over 30 reviews). Reviewing it for The Hollywood Reporter, Sheri Linden said, "Nonnas serves up something that doesn't make you work; rather, it invites you to sit down and enjoy." In a review for Collider, Nate Richard said the movie's "talented cast and tender heart do a lot of the heavy lifting, but it's the kind of movie the mothers in your family will absolutely love." If you're in need of a mood boost or just want something easy to fill a laid-back Sunday afternoon, "Nonnas" on Netflix will hit the spot. Stream "Nonnas" on Netflix now
