3 overlooked movies on HBO Max to check out this weekend (April 25-27)

      What do you think about the latest episode of The Last of Us? It certainly makes for a great conversation starter. Without revealing any spoilers, it’s safe to say that it will join HBO’s roster of unforgettable moments. On the film front, Max has introduced Companion, a new sci-fi thriller produced by the team behind Barbarian.

      Companion is likely to remain in the top 10 for the foreseeable future. Aside from the most popular films, there are three lesser-known titles that might be worth your time this weekend. Our selections include an emotional teen drama, a bloody horror, and a psychological thriller.

      We also offer guides to the best new films to stream, including the top movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      The Fallout (2021)

      HBO

      Debut director Megan Park addresses a poignant issue, school shootings, in her first film, The Fallout. High school student Vada (Jenna Ortega) is in the restroom during a school shooting. She hides with classmates Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Niles Fitch). While the trio survives, the school endures 16 casualties.

      The Fallout explores the aftermath of the shooting and how the students, particularly Vada, deal with the trauma. Vada attempts to distract herself with drugs and sex, but it’s her friendship with Mia and someone to confide in that the frightened teenager truly needs. The Fallout is an impressive debut for Park, who handles a delicate subject with empathy and grace.

      Stream The Fallout on Max.

      Malignant (2021)

      Warner Bros. Pictures

      One would assume that a horror film by James Wan would create considerable buzz upon its release. However, Malignant was part of “Project Popcorn,” Warner Bros.' initiative to release its 2021 film slate simultaneously on Max. As a result, Malignant didn't become part of the cultural conversation at the time.

      This is unfortunate because Malignant is a solid three-out-of-five-star movie. Annabelle Wallis stars as Madison, an abused woman who incurs a head injury following a dispute with her husband. Madison later awakens in a hospital after having a nightmare that involves visions of murder. Is Madison experiencing side effects from her injury, or are these visions foreseeing the future? Malignant hinges on a twist, which might lessen its impact upon repeat viewings. Nonetheless, it’s a gruesome offering from a horror expert who knows how to weave a compelling story within this genre.

      Stream Malignant on Max.

      The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

      A24

      Prepare to view spaghetti differently after watching The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this psychological horror film centers on Dr. Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a cardiovascular surgeon with a wife, Anna (Nicole Kidman), and two children, Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and Bob (Sunny Suljic).

      One day, Steven encounters Martin (Barry Keoghan), an unusual teenager who invades the lives of the Murphy family. Eventually, Martin unveils his sinister agenda to Steven, sending the entire family into chaos. At times, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is genuinely unsettling. Nevertheless, it’s a gripping thriller featuring a dark moral quandary that keeps viewers on their toes.

      Stream The Killing of a Sacred Deer on Max.