In this week’s most compelling new films, the setting is far more than a simple backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character that shapes the story, tests the protagonists, and defines the very mood of the movie.
In The Surfer (Hulu, today), the seemingly serene Luna Bay is the film’s primary antagonist. The beach is a beautiful monster, its vastness creating a sense of isolation and its relentless waves providing a soundtrack to the protagonist’s psychological breakdown. It is a character that offers paradise and delivers torment.
The John Wick Universe in Ballerina (Starz, today) is a character in itself. It’s a world with its own personality: secretive, stylish, violent, and bound by a strict code of honor. This setting actively works for and against the protagonist, with its resources and its assassins influencing her every move.
New York City in Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Saturday) is the ultimate mentor and challenger. The city is a character that tests the young hero Li, forcing him to adapt and grow. Its energy, its diversity, and its challenges all contribute to his transformation, making the city an essential part of his journey.
The sterile, high-tech Corporate Lab in M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) is a character that represents cold, detached ambition. It is the birthplace of the film’s conflict, a place where humanity’s hubris takes physical form. The lab’s clean, orderly facade hides the chaotic potential of its creations.
The Futuristic World of All of You (Apple TV+, tomorrow) will also function as a character. Its technological advancements and societal norms will actively shape the central romance, either by creating new ways for the friends to connect or by presenting new obstacles to their love.