Every great story involves a test, and this week’s new streaming movies are putting their characters through the ultimate trials. From grueling physical combat to intense psychological warfare, these five films explore what happens when people are pushed to their absolute limits.
In Ballerina (Starz), the protagonist is tested physically and emotionally. Her fighting skills are pushed to the limit as she faces off against an army of the world’s deadliest assassins. At the same time, her resolve is tested as she confronts the painful past that drives her quest for revenge.
The test in Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix) is a classic one: the tournament. The young hero, Li, must use everything he has learned from his two masters to face a series of increasingly difficult opponents. The tournament is a test not just of his physical skill, but of his discipline, focus, and spirit.
Nicolas Cage’s character in The Surfer (Hulu) endures a harrowing psychological test. He is systematically broken down by a group of tormentors, and the film is a gripping examination of how much one person can endure before they snap. It’s a test of sanity, pride, and the will to survive.
M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) presents a test for both the android and her creator. M3GAN is tested to see if she can be controlled and used for good, while Gemma is tested as she must trust her dangerous creation to save the day. It’s a high-stakes trial with the potential for catastrophic failure.
The characters in All of You (Apple TV+) face an emotional test. Their long-held friendship and unspoken love are put to the test by the film’s central conflict. They must find the courage to confront their true feelings, a test that can be more daunting than any physical battle.
