New Movies Streaming This Week on Netflix and More
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6 Top New Movies to Stream This Week on Netflix, Paramount+, Hulu, and More (July 7-13) — Including a Viral Hit That’s Made $350 Million
The latest viral hit sweeping the nation is “Backrooms,” a sci-fi horror film that has been making waves both in theaters and on streaming platforms. The movie has grossed over $350 million worldwide, but what’s behind its massive success? At its core, “Backrooms” is about liminal spaces – those threshold areas where reality seems to bend and warp.
Protagonist Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character finds himself transported through a mysterious portal in his furniture showroom’s basement to an endless series of rooms that defy explanation. This concept resonates deeply with modern anxieties about the unknown, the unknowable, and being lost in a sea of information. “Backrooms” is not your run-of-the-mill ghost story or slasher film – it’s a cerebral, atmospheric, and unsettling take on horror.
The movie employs a found-footage format that immerses viewers in the world of its characters. This approach creates a sense of claustrophobia while raising questions about the nature of reality itself – a theme both timely and timeless. Unlike many horror movies reliant on jump scares and gore, “Backrooms” prioritizes subtlety over shock value.
In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in films like “Hereditary” and “A Quiet Place,” which use horror as a metaphor for our collective fears about family, identity, and survival. “Backrooms” is part of this lineage – pushing the boundaries of what we consider “horror.” While some might find it too cerebral or unsettling, those willing to engage with its themes will discover a cinematic experience that’s both unnerving and thought-provoking.
This week on streaming platforms, several new movies are vying for attention. On Netflix, viewers can catch “The Gray Man,” an action-thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. Meanwhile, Paramount+ is releasing “The Terminal List,” a military drama based on the bestselling novel by Jack Carr. Hulu, too, has its own offerings, including “Prey,” a sci-fi horror film set in the Predator universe.
Other notable releases include “Fallen Angel” on Amazon Prime Video and “The Black Phone” on Showtime. Whether you’re in the mood for horror or something else entirely, there’s something for everyone this week on streaming platforms.
Reader Views
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
While the article accurately captures the eerie atmosphere and thought-provoking themes of "Backrooms," I think it overlooks one crucial aspect: its implications for our modern relationship with technology. The film's portrayal of a liminal space that blurs reality and virtuality raises questions about the psychological toll of immersive technologies like VR and social media on our collective psyche. A closer examination of this theme could reveal more about what makes "Backrooms" such a timely release.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While the article does a great job of highlighting "Backrooms"' unique approach to horror, it glosses over one important aspect: the film's potential long-term impact on mainstream audiences. Will its thought-provoking themes and subtle scares be enough to sustain viewers' interest beyond the initial shock value, or will they fade like so many other trendy horrors? The fact that it's already grossed $350 million suggests a broad appeal, but we'll have to wait and see if it inspires a lasting cultural conversation.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While "Backrooms"' unique take on horror is certainly captivating, I'm concerned that its viral success might be due in part to the fact that it's playing into modern anxieties about being lost and disoriented in a chaotic world. As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of our post-pandemic reality, films like this one are tapping into our collective fears in a way that's both thought-provoking and unsettling. However, I worry that the film's found-footage format might be alienating viewers who prefer more traditional narrative structures – will its cerebral approach ultimately limit its mainstream appeal?