By John Corrado

New releases for the week of October 17th, 2025.

Theatrical Releases:

Good Fortune (Wide Release): Aziz Ansari makes his feature directorial debut with this high concept comedy that opens in theatres after premiering at TIFF last month. Ansari plays a struggling gig economy worker who swaps lives with a rich tech bro (Seth Rogen), thanks to the interventions of a well-meaning angel (Keanu Reeves). I enjoyed this one, and it’s worth it just to see Reeves playing an angel. (Full Review)

Frankenstein (Limited Release): Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein was one of the buzziest films at TIFF last month, including placing as the first runner up for the People’s Choice Award. Oscar Isaac stars as the mad scientist, but it’s Jacob Elordi’s fascinating performance as the monster he creates that has really stuck with me. Opens in select theatres today, including a 35mm run at TIFF Lightbox, before hitting Netflix on November 7th. This one is worth seeing in theatres for the dazzling production design. (TIFF 2025 Review)

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Limited Release): Rose Byrne plays a mother on the verge of a breakdown in this intense character study from writer-director Mary Bronstein. The film mainly serves as a brilliant showcase for Byrne, who delivers a compelling performance. It’s also interesting to see Conan O’Brien playing her therapist, in a dramatic supporting role. Opens in limited release, including at TIFF Lightbox. (Full Review)

Kiss of the Spider Woman (Limited Release): Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) returns to the musical genre with this remake of the 1985 film and 1992 stage musical. Diego Luna stars as a political prisoner in 1980s Argentina. As his cellmate (breakout star Tonatiuh) recounts the story of his favourite musical to him, Condon’s film goes into colourful fantasy sequences featuring Jennifer Lopez, done in the style of an Old Hollywood musical. (Full Review)

Ballad of a Small Player (Limited Release): Colin Farrell stars as a gambler in Macau in this latest from German director Edward Berger (Conclave, All Quiet on the Western Front). It’s not as good as Berger’s previous two, and can feel a bit hollow, but still features a committed performance from Farrell and another pounding Volker Bertellman score. Playing in limited release, including at TIFF Lightbox, before coming to Netflix on October 29th. (TIFF 2025 Review)

More Releases: Black Phone 2 (Wide), After the Hunt (Limited), Truth & Treason (Limited)

Streaming Releases:

Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV+): Director Rebecca Miller offers a deep dive into legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s life and career in her new five-part documentary series. The series goes into Scorsese’s childhood, his Catholic faith, the history of Italian-Americans in New York, exploring how this has all influenced his work. I just started watching it, and it’s compelling stuff, letting us hear directly from one of the masters.

More Releases: The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix), The Diplomat: Season 3 (Netflix)