This Week’s New Movies: What’s Playing in Theaters

As October draws to a close, moviegoers have a diverse selection of new releases to choose from, ranging from intense dramas and biographical narratives to animated adventures and unsettling thrillers. This week brings a mix of wide and limited theatrical releases, ensuring there’s something to capture the interest of various audiences. Whether you’re seeking a thought-provoking docudrama or a pulse-pounding action film, the latest cinematic offerings provide ample opportunity to experience compelling stories on the big screen.

New Releases: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Wednesday marks the arrival of a significant drama, offering a deep dive into complex human emotions and societal pressures.

• Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios, Limited)

  Nia DaCosta directs this bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play Hedda Gabler. Set in 1954 England, the film stars Tessa Thompson as the titular socialite, a complex woman navigating unfulfilled desires and societal constraints during a tense dinner party. The adaptation introduces a queer love triangle and is praised for its intense performances and visually sumptuous aesthetic. After its limited theatrical run, Hedda is scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting October 29, 2025.

• Mistress Dispeller (Oscilloscope, Limited)

  This American-Chinese documentary film, directed by Elizabeth Lo, explores the unique profession of “mistress dispelling” in mainland China. It follows a woman who hires a professional to covertly intervene and dismantle her husband’s affair, offering an intimate look into modern relationships, loyalty, and control without sensationalism. The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024 and is being released in select U.S. theaters this week, with a wider release to follow.

New Releases: Friday, October 24, 2025

The weekend brings a broader selection, including a highly anticipated biographical musical drama, an absurdist black comedy, and an anime action film.

• Regretting You (Paramount Pictures, Wide)

  Directed by Josh Boone, this romantic drama is based on Colleen Hoover’s 2019 novel. The story centers on Morgan Grant (McKenna Grace) and her daughter Clara, whose lives are upended by a tragic accident that reveals a shocking betrayal. The film explores family secrets, the redefinition of love, and rediscovery amidst grief.

• Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (Walt Disney Motion Pictures/20th Century Studios, Limited)

  This biographical musical drama, starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, chronicles the making of his iconic 1982 album Nebraska. Directed by Scott Cooper, the film delves into Springsteen’s personal and professional struggles as a young musician grappling with the pressures of global superstardom and the ghosts of his past. The movie aims to portray Springsteen as a fragile human being and an uncompromising artist.

• Bugonia (Focus Features, Limited)

  From acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos, this absurdist black comedy is an English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet!. Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, the film follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, convinced she is an alien bent on destroying Earth. It offers a satirical exploration of mass hysteria and the blurred lines between insight and delusion. Bugonia will have a limited release before expanding wider on October 31, 2025.

• Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (Sony Pictures Releasing/Crunchyroll, Limited)

  Fans of the popular anime series can catch this direct sequel on the big screen. The animated dark fantasy action film continues Denji’s story as he faces a deadly battle fueled by love, involving a mysterious girl named Reze who steps into his world with ulterior motives. The film is produced by MAPPA and promises an action-fueled adventure.

• Last Days (Vertical Entertainment, Limited/VOD)

  Directed by Justin Lin, this biographical drama recounts the true story of John Allen Chau, a Christian missionary who embarked on a dangerous journey to evangelize the self-isolated Sentinelese people. The film explores his mission and the efforts of a detective to stop him before he harms himself or the tribe. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

• Tenement (Dark Sky Films, Limited/VOD)

  This Cambodian horror/thriller, directed by Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea, follows a Japanese-Cambodian manga artist who travels to Cambodia after her mother’s death. She moves into her mother’s old apartment and uncovers strange events hinting at a darker ritual among the residents, who are preparing a new host for an evil spirit.

• Where the Wind Blows (Level 33 Entertainment, Limited/VOD)

  A Western romance film, Where the Wind Blows features a hardened cowboy who temporarily poses as a husband for his late friend’s widow so she can adopt a child. This unexpected arrangement leads to a deepening connection and a chance at love for both. The film stars Trevor Donovan and Ashley Elaine.

Conclusion

This week’s new movies in theaters offer a varied landscape for film enthusiasts. From biographical explorations like Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere to the intense drama of Hedda and the unique horror of Tenement, there are narratives to suit many preferences. Whether you seek powerful storytelling, unsettling satire, or animated action, the current slate of releases provides compelling reasons to visit the cinema.