Ready for your next film fix? This month’s lineup brings a mix of gripping thrillers, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies — all either ready to stream or on the big screen. Whether you’re after edge-of-your-seat action or a comforting story to sink into, our edit of new releases has something to suit every mood.
Caught Stealing
When & Where to Watch: 28th August, In cinemas
Starring: Austin Butler, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith
In Caught Stealing, Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom turned bartender whose life gets hilariously derailed when he agrees to watch his neighbor’s cat — and ends up in the crosshairs of New York’s 1990s criminal underworld. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film boasts an star-studded cast including Zoë Kravitz and Bad Bunny.
The Roses
When & Where to Watch: 29th August, In cinemas
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Allison Janney
The Roses brings a delightfully twisted take on marital mayhem. When Theo’s career collapses while Ivy’s soars, beneath their picture-perfect family life lurks fierce rivalry and simmering resentment. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman lead this sharp, dark comedy directed by Jay Roach, with Allison Janney supporting.
The Naked Gun
When & Where to Watch: 15th August, In cinemas
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson
The Naked Gun brings us back into hilariously absurd territory — now with Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as the irresistible femme fatale. It’s the movie that blessed us all with the pair’s real-life chemistry, making it one of this month’s most buzzed-about releases.
The Thursday Murder Club
When & Where to Watch: 28th August, Netflix
Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley
The Thursday Murder Club is a murder-mystery comedy that follows four spirited retirees — played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie — who spend their Thursdays solving cold cases for fun. But when a real murder shakes their retirement community, their hobby becomes a high-stakes whodunit.
Frankenstein
When & Where to Watch: November, Netflix
Starring: Ralph Ineson, Mia Goth, Jacob Elordi
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein arrives on Netflix this month with an emotionally charged, gothic retelling of Shelley’s classic. Oscar Isaac embodies the brilliant Dr. Frankenstein, while Mia Goth and Ralph Ineson support in key roles. Jacob Elordi’s Creature is a compelling mix of terror and pathos — del Toro’s most intimate monster yet.
Workmates (NZ film)
When & Where to Watch: 21st August, In cinemas
Starring: Matt Whelan, Sophie Henderson
Workmates is a heartfelt Kiwi rom-com-drama about Lucy and Tom, best mates running a broke little theatre whose future — and friendship — is thrown into jeopardy after an accident. Directed by Curtis Vowell and written by (and starring) Sophie Henderson, it’s warm, funny, and steeped in Tāmaki Makaurau theatre culture.
Grace: A Prayer for Peace (NZ film)
When & Where to Watch: In selected cinemas (NZIFF)
Starring: Robin White, Ebonie Fifita, Taeko Ogawa
GRACE — A Prayer for Peace unites filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and artist Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa) in an extraordinary creative journey across Aotearoa, Kiribati, and Japan. More than a portrait, it’s a luminous exploration of art, connection, and the urgent need to protect what matters — blending beauty, humour, and humanity into a quietly transformative cinematic experience.
The Map That Leads to You
When & Where to Watch: 20th August, Prime
Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa
The Map That Leads to You is a charming romantic drama that follows new grad Heather (Madelyn Cline) as she embarks on a European adventure with friends — only to have her plans upended when she meets Jack (Kiwi actor KJ Apa), a spontaneous stranger retracing his grandfather’s journey.
Weapons
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich
Weapons is a gritty, intense thriller featuring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenreich caught in a web of deception and danger. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the stakes rise to a pulse-pounding climax.
Freakier Friday
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters
Freaky Friday returns with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprising their iconic mother-daughter swap in this hilarious and heartfelt reboot. Joined by Julia Butters, the film mixes comedy, chaos, and family fun for all ages. Now playing in cinemas — the perfect feel-good watch to brighten your day.
