The Excitement of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In the exciting month of August 2023, movie lovers can finally rejoice as they witness the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on digital platforms. This long-awaited sequel to the groundbreaking animated film introduces fans to a new chapter in the Spider-Verse saga. As the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Miles Morales reunites with Gwen Stacy and embarks on a thrilling journey across the Multiverse alongside a team of fellow Spider-People. However, when the heroes clash in their approach to a new threat, Miles must redefine his own heroism to save the ones he loves.
A Variety of New Releases to Delight Audiences
August 2023 brings a diverse selection of new movies to watch on digital and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming dramas, there’s something for everyone this month.
Exploring New Releases for U.S. Audiences
1. I AM RAGE (Uncork’d Entertainment)
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride with I AM RAGE, a thrilling action-packed film directed by David Ryan Keith. The story follows Erin, whose peaceful countryside trip takes a dark turn when she is abducted by a sinister blood cult. Little do they know, they have crossed paths with someone harboring severe anger issues.
2. Bad City (Out Now on Digital and On Demand)
Kensuke Sonomura’s Bad City offers an explosive experience as it delves into the gritty world of Kaiko City. Plagued by poverty, crime, and corruption, this city becomes the backdrop for a battle between rival factions. When a mafia-connected businessman aims for mayoral office and eliminates his opponents, a former police captain must rise from imprisonment to reclaim the city.
3. Big Crow (Freestyle)
Witness the inspiring story of SuAnne Big Crow in Big Crow directed by Kris Kaczor. From a talented young basketball player to a symbol of social activism, SuAnne’s legacy lives on even 30 years after her tragic death. The Lakota people continue to fight for their culture, drawing strength from her incredible journey.
4. The River Wild (Universal Pictures)
Prepare for a white-knuckle adventure in The River Wild, directed by Ben Ketai. Joey, Gray, and Trevor embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip. However, what starts as an exciting expedition quickly turns terrifying when they become stranded and find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. As secrets are revealed, they must confront their fears to overcome the deadly challenges that lie ahead.
5. Brother (September 29 U.K. Release)
Based on David Chariandy’s award-winning novel, Brother, directed by Clement Virgo, explores the profound bond between two brothers, Francis and Michael. Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s early hip hop scene in 1991, tensions escalate, and a mystery unfolds, shaping the course of their lives. Brother is a timely tale of resilience, community, and the transformative power of music.
6. The Collective (Quiver Distribution)
Join The Collective, a group of righteous assassins, as they take on a powerful human trafficking ring backed by untouchable billionaires. Directed by Tom DeNucci, this high-stakes mission pushes the assassins to their limits. With a rookie assassin named Sam Alexander thrown into the mix, the fate of their most important mission lies in his hands.
7. A Compassionate Spy (Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing)
A Compassionate Spy is a gripping real-life spy thriller directed by Steve James. Based on the story of controversial physicist Ted Hall, the film takes us back to the era of the Manhattan Project. Recruited as a young Harvard undergraduate, Hall becomes entangled in a web of secrets and espionage as he seeks to protect the world from the devastating potential of nuclear weapons.
8. Corner Office (Lionsgate)
Immerse yourself in the world of workplace comedy with Corner Office, directed by Joachim Back. Orson, a misfit, finds himself trapped in the absurdities of corporate life. However, when he discovers a hidden room that unlocks his true potential, his confidence soars. But as he invites a receptionist into his sanctuary, a clash ensues between the realities of corporate life and his wildest fantasies.
9. Lola (Dark Sky Films)
Journey back to 1941 England in Lola, directed by Andrew Legge. Two sisters invent a machine capable of intercepting future broadcasts. As World War II looms, they utilize their invention to change history and alter the course of events.
10. The Passenger (Paramount Pictures)
Prepare for a suspenseful and thrilling ride with The Passenger, directed by Carter Smith. When Randy invites Benson on a hunting trip, their peaceful excursion takes a dark turn as violence erupts, leaving them fighting for their lives. This intense survival story explores the depths one person will go to overcome unforeseen challenges.
11. Reveille (Buffalo 8)
Witness the moral dilemmas faced by American soldiers in Reveille, directed by Michael Akkerman. While engaged in a skirmish with German soldiers during World War II, an American squad finds themselves sheltering in a cave with their wounded prisoners. As they are forced to see the enemy as human, they grapple with unimaginable moral questions that test the boundaries of nationality and allegiance.
12. Rub (Entertainment Squad)
Experience a life-changing journey with Neal in Rub, directed by Christopher Fox. Lonely and unlucky in love, Neal follows a suggestion to visit a massage parlor. Little does he know that this decision will lead to unexpected and extraordinary events that will transform his life forever.
13. The Wendigo (Terror Films)
Prepare for a gripping mystery in The Wendigo, directed by Jake Robinson. When a social media star goes missing in the woods of North Carolina, his friends embark on a quest to unravel the truth behind his disappearance. However, they soon realize that ignoring the legend of cursed land was their first mistake.
14. What Comes Around (IFC Films)
Get ready for a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game in What Comes Around, directed by Amy Redford. When Anna befriends an online stranger, her life takes a dangerous turn as their innocent connection evolves into a menacing game. As past and present collide, Anna and her mother, Beth, must confront unexpected threats that challenge their perception of reality.
15. H.I.M. (Breaking Glass Pictures)
Embark on a coming-of-age journey with Damien in H.I.M., directed by Anthony Bawn. Damien navigates college life while wrestling with his sexuality and the challenges of young love. As he encounters diverse personalities and experiences, he discovers the complexities of relationships and the universal struggles of growing up.
Exciting New Releases for U.K. Audiences
1. On the Line
Experience a thrilling mind game in On the Line, directed by Romauld Boulanger. When Elvis, a radio presenter, has his phone line taken over by a sinister caller, his life takes a dramatic and potentially life-threatening turn. With suspense mounting, Elvis must make critical decisions to save his family’s lives and uncover the identity of the mystery caller.
2. Hunt Club
Prepare for a gripping and intense ride in Hunt Club, directed by Elizabeth Blake-Thomas. Cassandra’s life takes a terrifying twist when her daughter goes missing. Teaming up with Tessa, the pair unravels a dark secret while embarking on a deadly hunt where young women become targets for sadistic hunters.
3. The Inhabitant
Discover the chilling tale of Tara in The Inhabitant, directed by Kelvin Bachar. As Tara uncovers her ancestry, she is plagued by violent visions related to Lizzie Borden, the notorious axe murderer. Confronting a family curse and dark forces, Tara must face her deepest fears to break free.
4. Bandit
Immerse yourself in a thrilling caper with Bandit, directed by Allan Ungar. Follow Gilbert Galvan Jr., a charming criminal who pulls off elaborate bank heists. With unexpected twists and turns, Bandit takes audiences on a wild ride as Gilbert’s schemes escalate, blurring the line between fame and infamy.
5. The Secret Kingdom
Embark on a magical adventure with The Secret Kingdom, directed by Matt Drummond. When siblings Peter and Verity stumble into The Below, a mystical world beneath their family home, they encounter fascinating creatures and enchanting landscapes. Their extraordinary journey tests their courage and leads them to discover the secrets hidden within The Below.
6. Mother, May I?
Prepare for a psychological thriller in Mother, May I?, directed by Laurence Vannicelli. Emmett finds himself entangled in a nightmarish therapy session with his wife Anya, who inexplicably channels the persona of his deceased mother. As their twisted battle of wills escalates, Emmett must grapple with his deepest fears.
7. Alone at Night
Ashley Benson stars in the suspenseful Alone at Night, directed by Jimmy Giannopoulos. Vicky seeks solace in an isolated cabin after a tumultuous breakup. However, her retreat takes a sinister turn when she encounters a masked killer in the dark. Will she be able to survive this terrifying night?
8. Fool’s Paradise
Written and directed by Charlie Day, Fool’s Paradise takes audiences on a hilarious journey. Charlie Day’s directorial debut presents an ordinary man entangled in a fever dream of Hollywood fame. With a star-studded cast and satirical comedy, Fool’s Paradise offers a fresh and entertaining take on the pursuit of stardom.
9. Filling in the Blanks
Explore the significance of family and heritage in Filling in the Blanks, a poignant documentary directed by Jon Baime. Inspired by the filmmaker’s personal journey, this film uncovers a family secret that has been hidden for half a century. Through interviews, family photos, and films spanning generations, Filling in the Blanks explores the meaning of family and the impact of unexpected discoveries.
10. Kill Shot
Get ready for a thrilling hunt in Kill Shot, directed by Ari Novak. When a wilderness guide and a client stumble upon a cache of stolen money, they unwittingly become the target of a dangerous terrorist group. As they navigate the vast wilderness of Montana, they must outmaneuver their pursuers to survive.
11. Stay Awake
Explore the struggles of addiction in Stay Awake, directed by Jamie Sisley. Set in small-town Virginia, this coming-of-age drama delves into the challenges faced by a teenager, Derek, and his mother who battles prescription drug addiction. With heartfelt performances and raw emotions, Stay Awake offers a realistic portrayal of a family fighting against the odds.
12. Dark Windows
Experience a chilling horror experience in Dark Windows, directed by Alex Herron. A group of teenagers finds themselves trapped in an isolated summerhouse, hunted by a masked killer who lurks in the darkness. As they unravel the secrets of the house, they must confront their deepest fears to survive.
13. Dead Shot
Join Michael, a retired Irish paramilitary, on his quest for revenge in Dead Shot, directed by Tom & Charles Guard. After witnessing the fatal shooting of his pregnant wife, Michael escapes, presumed dead. However, he resurfaces in 1970s London to exact vengeance on the British sergeant responsible. With high stakes and intense action, Dead Shot explores the price of revenge.
14. The Queen Mary
Embark on a haunting journey aboard The Queen Mary, directed by Gary Shore. When photographers Erin and Patrick visit the ship, they unleash a series of events that intertwine their family with the ship’s dark past. As they explore the ship’s mysterious legacy, they must confront violent secrets and find a way to escape before it’s too late.
15. Waking Nightmare
Prepare for a spine-chilling rollercoaster in Waking Nightmare, directed by Anthony Bawn. Jordan suffers from nightmare-filled nights after the loss of her friend. Seeking help from medication, she becomes entangled in a nightmarish web where reality blurs with her own fears. Delving into the realms of dreams and memories, Waking Nightmare keeps audiences guessing until the shocking truth is revealed.
Conclusion
August 2023 is a month filled with excitement for movie enthusiasts. From the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to a diverse range of thrilling and thought-provoking releases, there is something to captivate every audience. Whether you’re in the United States or the United Kingdom, these new movies on digital and VOD promise a captivating cinematic experience filled with suspense, action, and heart.
Unique FAQs
- What makes Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse so highly anticipated?
- Are there any standout performances in the lineup of new releases?
- Are there any films that explore important social issues?
- Which directorial debuts should audiences look out for?
- Are there any films on the list that have received critical acclaim?