Hi, {{first_name | friend}}!
Has anyone else noticed that a majority of new movies and shows are based on popular books? Think about it—this year alone we’ve had A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Wuthering Heights, Project Hail Mary, The Odyssey, Verity, and Carrie, just to name a few.
What’s going on here? Does Hollywood have an originality problem? Or do viewers not actually want original stories? That question has been on my mind a lot lately, especially after watching Tom Cruise’s recent flop, Digger. So, I decided to investigate in my latest edition of Worth the Watch: Why almost every new movie and show is based on a book.
More on that later. First, let's get into the most anticipated premieres of the weekend that are not(!) based on books, a first look at Greta Gerwig's long-awaited Narnia adaptation, and more!
Yours,
John
Film & Television Content Manager @ Pix
Quick links
Every pick is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Reviews Are In
It’s not every day that critics start throwing around phrases like “all-time great.” But these two new releases are inspiring some seriously enthusiastic reviews.
“A gleefully entertaining binge perfect for this Halloween season.”
—Collider
“Not just the film of the year—it’s a documentary that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the all-time greats.”
—The Daily Beast
Sponsored
Personalized Weight Care That Fits Your Budget
Join 300,000+ people who have trusted Found for personalized weight loss support. Get expert care from board-certified clinicians and access to 15+ medication options, including FDA-approved brand-name and compounded treatments. Plans start at $99/month, with or without insurance, and Found now accepts Medicare. Plus, save $100 on your first month.
The Biggest Premieres of the Weekend
Unhinged is apparently the vibe this weekend. We invite you to grab some popcorn, kick back, and marvel at these bizarre and wholly original new movies.
Sacrifice
Streaming now on Netflix
A struggling movie star (Chris Evans) is taken hostage by a radical cult leader (Anya Taylor-Joy) who believes a volcanic sacrifice can prevent the apocalypse. It looks as hilariously absurd as it sounds! Plus, the cast is ridiculously stacked (Salma Hayek-Pinault, Charli XCX, Vincent Cassel, and John Malkovich), so you know we’ll be tuning in.
Watch trailer
You Can See Everything
In theaters now
Thirty-four days before going to prison, disgraced Theranos founder and fraudster Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her life. From the master of uncomfortably captivating storytelling (Nathan Fielder), this three hour documentary looks as bonkers as you’d imagine.
Watch trailer
The full list:
Sponsored
Reset Your Ritual. Keep the Unwind.
Discover Kava Haven. A non-alcoholic botanical spirit made for relaxing, connecting, and sipping with intention. In an independent 22-day observational study, participants reported 44% lower stress during periods they consumed Kava Haven and 48% less alcohol consumption on days they used it, along with better sleep and 42 additional productive minutes per day. Named Best Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit of 2025, Kava Haven delivers a satisfying social ritual without alcohol or added sugar.
The Pick of the Moment
Digger
The headlines surrounding Tom Cruise’s new movie, Digger, have mostly been about its catastrophic bomb at the box office. While I’m saddened by the fact that more people haven’t given it a chance, I’m not surprised.
It’s a doomer satire that tries to comment on the absurdity of the current moment we’re living through. Maybe people don’t want to watch a nihilistic, feel-bad movie given the current state of the world. Or maybe the studio didn’t do a very good job at marketing the movie. Whatever the reason for the flop, I still think the movie is worth your time. It’s ambitious, surprising, and wholly unique.
For my in-depth thoughts on Digger and an exploration of why seemingly every new movie and show is based on a book, check out my newest edition of Worth the Watch.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
The Cassara Carlsbad
The Vibe: Mediterranean charm with California cool
The Location: Carlsbad, CA
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Trade your everyday routine for a little Mediterranean-inspired California sunshine at The Cassara Carlsbad. Perched above the famous Flower Fields, this coastal retreat features 119 stylish rooms and suites, including private-balcony accommodations with views stretching toward the Pacific and spacious two-room family suites. Spend your afternoons lounging by the Quiet Pool, splashing around at the Family Pool, or sipping locally brewed beer at Karl Strauss Brewery. With Carlsbad's beaches, shopping, and coastal attractions nearby, there's plenty to explore beyond the resort. Plus, for those traveling with kids, LEGOLAND is just 10-minutes away on foot!
Trailer of the Day
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Two children stumble upon a magical forest filled with portals to other worlds, setting the stage for the creation of Narnia. Greta Gerwig (Barbie) takes us back to the very beginning of C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy universe in this highly anticipated adaptation starring Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, and Meryl Streep. Only in theaters February 12.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Atlas Ocean Voyages
The Vibe: Boutique luxury at sea
The Location: Worldwide
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Who says exploring the world's wildest places means roughing it? Atlas Ocean Voyages takes you from Antarctica's icy wilderness to Europe's historic coastlines aboard intimate luxury yachts carrying fewer than 200 guests. Elegant suites and staterooms offer a peaceful retreat between adventures, while globally inspired dining, craft cocktails, and SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE make life at sea feel indulgent. Spend your days spotting wildlife on guided Zodiac excursions, discovering local cultures, or simply soaking up panoramic ocean views from the observation lounge. With immersive experiences, gourmet meals, and 24-hour room service included, adventure has never felt so luxurious.
Coming Soon
👽 It’s no longer a rumor—Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot is officially coming to Hulu.
🥂 Watch the trailer for Season 4 of The Gilded Age.