It’s time for your weekly update of the latest OTT releases and the next seven days have the perfect blend of movies and TV shows to satiate all your bingeing needs. Henry Cavill-led The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare prepares for a digital premiere after a theatrical run in April; Lisa Kudrow stars in a series remake of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film Time Bandits; the Spanish drama Elite returns for its final season; Avika Gor and Vardhan Puri spearhead Vikram Bhatt’s latest horror flick, Bloody Ishq.
Time Bandits (July 24)
Time Bandits reimagines Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult classic film as a 10-part series. Directed and co-written by Taika Waititi, the plot centres around Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), an 11-year-old history enthusiast who unexpectedly comes across a ragtag group of time-travelling thieves. This eccentric group, equipped with a mystical map, journeys through various historical epochs, looking for invaluable loot. Kevin, whose room turns out to be a time portal, joins the bandits on a dangerous quest not just for treasure but also to save his family and, ultimately, the world. The show also stars Lisa Kudrow, Rachel House, Jemaine Clement and Waititi himself.
Streaming on Apple TV+
Kleo season 2 (July 25)
In Kleo season 2, Jella Haase reprises her role as Kleo Straub, a former East German Stasi assassin. The new episodes delve deeper into her relentless quest to retrieve a mysterious red suitcase, which holds documents pivotal to the reorganisation of post-Cold War Europe. The narrative intensifies as she finds herself pursued by both the CIA and KGB, each determined to claim the contents of the suitcase. The series explores not only the geopolitical ramifications of the case’s secrets but also Kleo’s journey as she unravels the truth behind her imprisonment and uncovers hidden facets of her past.
Streaming on Netflix
One Life (July 25)
One Life is a biographical film that narrates the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a British humanitarian who orchestrated the rescue of 669 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in the months leading up to World War II. It features Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn as Nicholas at different stages of his life. As a young London broker, Winton travels to Prague in December 1938, where he collaborates with local humanitarians to identify and secure safe passage for the children, despite immense challenges. Upon returning to London, Nicholas and his mother, Babi (Helena Bonham Carter), work tirelessly to arrange foster homes and obtain the necessary funds and visas, ensuring the children’s safety across Europe. The film also delves into Nicholas’s later years, as he reflects on his efforts and the lives he couldn’t save, culminating in a poignant reunion with some of the rescued children during a British television show in the ’80s.
Available to buy and rent on BookMyShow Stream
The Decameron (July 25)
This series offers a darkly comedic and lavishly dramatic reimagining of Giovanni Boccaccio’s eponymous 14th-century classic book. Set against the backdrop of the Black Death in 1348, the plot follows a group of nobles and their servants who escape to a grand villa in the Italian countryside, hoping to avoid the plague’s devastation. Their initial plan for a luxurious and carefree retreat quickly unravels as social norms erode, leading to a chaotic mix of wine-soaked revelry, class tensions and a desperate struggle for survival. The ensemble cast includes Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Tanya Reynolds and Saoirse-Monica Jackson, among others.
Streaming on Netflix
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (July 25)
Helmed by Guy Ritchie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare brings to life a true World War II narrative based on the 2014 book, Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII by Damien Lewis and recreates a heavily fictionalised version of Operation Postmaster. Henry Cavill stars as Gus March-Phillips, a rogue British operative called in by Brigadier Colin Gubbins (Cary Elwes) and Lieutenant Commander Ian Fleming (played by Freddie Fox), the creator of James Bond, to lead a group of soldiers on a dangerous and unauthorised mission. This top-secret team, known for their bizarre tactics, embarks on the seemingly impossible task of sabotaging Nazi operations behind enemy lines. The film also stars Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Eiza González, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Henry Golding.
Streaming on Prime Video
Tokyo Swindlers (July 25)
An adaptation of Ko Shinjo’s novel, this Japanese crime drama revolves around a cunning group of land scammers who orchestrate an elaborate and high-stakes real estate fraud in Tokyo. Spearheaded by the charismatic Takumi Tsujimoto and the shrewd mastermind Harison Yamanaka, the swindlers aim to deceive wealthy investors and authorities alike. Their target is prime real estate valued at 10 billion yen, and the team employs a variety of tactics, from forging documents to elaborate schemes involving bribery and manipulation, to secure their fortunes. As the operation unfolds, tension mounts, exposing the intricate web of deceit and personal dynamics within the group.
Streaming on Netflix
Bloody Ishq (July 26)
Vikram Bhatt brings another horror tale to your screens with Bloody Ishq, featuring Avika Gor and Vardhan Puri in the lead. The narrative focuses on Neha (Gor), who finds herself in a precarious situation following a harrowing accident that robs her of her memory. Seeking solace and a path to recovery, she retreats with her husband (Puri) to a desolate residence on a remote Scottish isle. However, the peaceful facade of their home soon crumbles as Neha starts encountering eerie supernatural phenomena. As Neha grapples with fragmented recollections and unsettling experiences, she must piece together her lost memories before time runs out.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
Elite season 8 (July 26)
Elite season 8 marks the final chapter of the beloved Spanish teen drama series. This season delves deeper into the intricate lives of Las Encinas’s students, unveiling new secrets and escalating rivalries. As the prestigious high school opens its doors one last time, the arrival of siblings Emilia and Héctor Krawietz, leaders of the Las Encinas alumni association, stirs chaos. These formidable characters, known for their influence and corruption, threaten to dismantle the lives of everyone at the school. Determined to stand against them, Omar and Nadia vow to expose their corrupt ways and bring justice to Las Encinas.
Streaming on Netflix
Which Brings Me to You (July 26)
This rom-com revolves around two romantically disillusioned individuals who cross paths at a mutual friend’s wedding. Jane (Lucy Hale) and Will (Nat Wolf) share an initial flirtation that nearly leads to an impulsive yet failed hookup. They decide to spend the next 24 hours candidly revealing their past romantic misadventures and heartbreaks, hoping to uncover a genuine connection. Their confessions range from humorous to deeply personal, exposing their vulnerabilities and fears. As the night progresses, the two delve into their emotional scars and the moments that have shaped their views on love and relationships. As dawn breaks, Jane and Will find themselves at a crossroads, weighing the risks of opening up to each other against their fear of repeating past mistakes.
Streaming on JioCinema
Also read:
Papa, please. It’s not me, it’s the economy. 18 Indian films that define India’s current job market
38 best thriller movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat
