To the Theater and Beyond: A Recap of 2026's Summer Movies (Part One - May)

A Bright Batch of Movies

Another summer season has come and gone, as a new semester begins at Centenary University. But although the sun has set, that does not mean there was nothing to commend about this summer. In fact, when looking at its slate of blockbusters, I'd argue that it has had one of the most varied and unique filmographies I've seen in a while.

There was something for everyone to enjoy this season, whether it be high-stakes action adventures or slower independent horror films. But what stands out as the best of the best in this massive mountain of entertainment? Having attended 28 screenings over the past four months, I am more than happy to recap my journey, and dignify the strongest and weakest films of this season. 

Pop some popcorn and get comfortable in your recliner, as we go over the best and worst movies of the summer!

Hokum (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home)

Ireland is known for its vast landscapes and enthusiastic locals, but not everything is as it seems in this psychological horror outing! Director Damien McCarthy takes viewers on a demented trip through the lens of struggling writer Ohm Bauman, who travels there to scatter his parents's ashes. But while staying at a dilapidated hotel, he becomes trapped in a tense race for survival as a mysterious and vengeful threat looms through the building, leaving him to question his own sanity. 

This movie kickstarted the summer in an effectively frightening fashion, resulting in one of the best horror films to come out of this year so far. This is largely thanks to how well it balances out its scare factor, relying on classic tactics like jumpscares while building a unique sense of psychological dread. The film remains consistently tense throughout the runtime, moving at a steady pace as it devotes time to exploring its setting and the dark secrets which lie within, all culminating in a crazy third act. 

But even amid all the scares and frights, the movie still manages to tell an engaging story full of twists and turns, in one of the year’s most unpredictable horror outings to date. Told entirely through the lens of Bauman, it tracks his descent into madness effectively, especially as more of the hotel’s darkness comes to light. All the while, it gives him an in-depth character arc as he comes to terms with his familial trauma, while simultaneously struggling to complete his manuscript. 

Furthermore, he is portrayed expertly by Adam Scott, in what could be the best performance of his entire career. He sports prominent traits of skepticism and bitterness in his interactions with the rest of the ensemble, while also having a tragic layer as he confronts his past traumas. Scott manages to be both grounded and entertaining in this role, making his presence worth the price of admission itself. Combined with the effective mystery and unpredictable writing, the movie is able to cement itself as a strong start to the summer, and most certainly worth checking in to watch.

Deep Water (MGM+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime)

Just when you thought it was safe to go back on a plane, an aquatic threat has arrived to cause havoc! Directed by Renny Harlin of Die Hard 2 and Deep Blue Sea, this film centers on the passengers and crew of an airplane en route to Shanghai, which unexpectedly crash lands into the ocean. As the survivors try to regroup, they are visited by a pack of ravenous sharks, who begin eating them one by one. With the seas unsafe, the group must band together and find a way to survive until help arrives.

I went into this movie completely blind, having not watched any of its trailers and only going off its word-of-mouth. Ultimately, I found myself surprised by this flick, having much more fun with it than I initially expected. Shark movies are often hit or miss for me, as they often rely on over-the-top tropes and an astounding lack of logic, resulting in products more stupid than entertaining—a key example is the Sharknado franchise. And to be fair, this movie is not entirely safe from faults which can occasionally jump the shark. 

Namely, its script lacks a strong backbone, playing it relatively safe with its content and not showcasing much development. This can not only be recognized in the movie's highly standard storyline, but also in how it handles its characters. There are a number of passengers in this movie, including a pilot estranged from his family, two young children separated from their parents, and a snobbish narcissist who causes nothing but trouble. Outside of these traits, the characters don't have any distinct arcs, resulting in a rather one-dimensional ensemble with very few standouts, even with the energy provided to them by the cast.

However, to make up for this, the film puts its entertainment value at the forefront to ensure its audience has a fun time. There is an endless showcase of shark shenanigans in this movie, which goes into full effect in the second and third acts with several unique and tense setups. These include an effective showdown on a stranded raft, and a final swim across infested waters in the climax. As such, despite the many writing issues it has, the picture remains fun and tense through its open water setting, and the unpredictable patterns of its aquatic antagonists. The final result may not bite perfectly, but it still stands out as a satisfactory summer blockbuster.

The Sheep Detectives (Prime Video)

This isn't your average murder mystery, but rather, it's more of a herd-er mystery! In this family comedy, a shepherd named George Hardy tends to a flock of sheep, reading them murder mystery stories every day. But one fateful day, Hardy is found murdered without probable cause by his flock, with no clear idea of who could have done it. With his will now up for inheritance, the sheep must work together to solve the crime, using skills from Hardy's readings to decipher clues and find the culprit.

At first glance, this movie seemed like a very silly idea, especially given its strange combination of a murder mystery with a family comedy. However, despite not expecting much out of it, I ended up leaving the theater highly surprised, largely due to how well it managed to appeal to a wide audience. The film features an effectively balanced tone which greatly combines all of its silly antics and sheep puns with a prominent emotional core, not only allowing for many great dramatic moments, but also giving it a unique talent from other blockbusters this season: appropriately appealing to children and adults alike.

Granted, the movie is not perfect, as its story can be occasionally predictable in how it sets up and pays off certain murder mystery tropes. That, and many of the supporting characters—especially the humans, who are the primary suspects of this crime—follow very standard archetypes while lacking any noteworthy development. However, the film more than makes up for that with an energy that is prominent throughout the runtime, which keeps it engaging in the buildup to a satisfying final reveal. 

Part of what keeps this flick's enthusiasm so high is the ensemble cast, who all perform greatly in their respective roles, both in live action and voiceover. Whether it be Hugh Jackman as tender shepherd Hardy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the clever Lily, or Chris Messina's humor and wisdom as Mopple, everyone in this movie gives it their all, resulting in a highly charming cast of characters which keep the film worthwhile. Top it all off with gorgeous cinematography and adorable animation on the anthropomorphic investigators, and the evidence proves that this movie was way better than it had any right to be, making it a case most certainly worth cracking!

Mortal Kombat II (HBO Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime)

Choose a fighter and practice your moveset, because one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time is back on the big screen! This sequel to 2021's Mortal Kombat focuses on Johnny Cage, a washed-up action star who is transported to the realm of Outworld to fight in the titular lethal tournament. Alongside other iconic franchise fighters, Cage must compete to save Outworld and Earth from the merciless Shao Kahn, a warlord who threatens to rule the realms with an iron fist.

I went into this movie fairly skeptical, largely since I was not the world's biggest fan of the previous Mortal Kombat film. However, in yet another one of the summer's biggest surprises, I found this film to be a significant improvement from its predecessor. Okay, it's still far from a flawless victory, with many of its plot beats feeling rather generic and the characters lacking any sort of real development. But when compared to the mediocrity presented in the last film, this sequel easily knocks it to the ground!

This is largely because I found it to be much more accurate and in spirit of the original games. One of my biggest issues with the predecessor was how it focused so heavily on exposition with a bland ensemble, that it felt like a slog to get through in the non-action sequences. However, returning director Simon McQuoid cranks the chaos up to 11, putting viewers directly into the tournament as fighters kick, punch, slice, and dice through their opponents. There is no shortage of action in this film, and all of the subsequent fights are a blast to watch thanks to their commendable choreography, creative locations, and often brutal conclusions.

I even found myself enjoying the cast much more than I did in the previous match, as they portrayed their gaming counterparts with ease. I particularly loved Adeline Rudolph as the vengeful and determined Kitana, Martyn Ford as the condescendingly brutal Shao Kahn, and especially Karl Urban as the suave and sarcastic Cage. Other performers like Josh Lawson, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada also stand out, even if their characters do not get as much screentime. All of these factors combined result in an absolute blast of a movie, taking the predecessor’s faults and finding a way to level them up.

Obsession (Peacock, Apple TV, Amazon Prime)

Be careful what you wish for, because this demonic spin on a love story is ready to rattle you to your core! Directed by Curry Barker in his feature length debut, this sleeper hit focuses on a man named Bear, who struggles to confess his true romantic feelings for his longtime crush, Nikki. One night, he discovers the One Wish Willow—a toy which grants any desire its host wants—and uses it to wish for her love. However, this unleashes a demonic side within Nikki, leading the two on a downhill spiral which results in dire consequences for both of them.

This movie is the definition of an overnight sensation, standing out as one of this year's most acclaimed and profitable movies, which made more of an impact than I originally expected. But after checking the film out myself, it is not hard to see why it did as well as it did, as it currently ranks among my favorites of the entire year thus far. In fact, I would even make the argument that this is one of the greatest achievements in the horror genre I have seen in a long time. 

This is largely because the film manages to do something very few scary flicks have managed to do to me: it left me unsettled and on the edge of my seat for the entire runtime. This can be tied back to much of the movie's craftsmanship, whether it be the ominously expert usage of shadows, the unpredictable screenplay, or the consistently horrifying tone. Rather than rely on cheap jumpscares and fakeouts as its sole fear factor, it lets the atmosphere do the work, introducing an offputting feel right when it starts and culminating in a haunting conclusion. 

But what truly sells the severity of this movie's scare factor is the cast, who portray an unforgettable array of characters with fantastic arcs. Namely, Michael Johnston does an incredible job as Bear, a man who deteriorates into someone much worse upon using the One Wish Willow to fulfill his romantic desires. But by far, the strongest character in the movie is Inde Navarette as Nikki, in one of the most bone-chilling, intense, and magnificent performances I have seen in any recent film. Together, the two of them may be a deadly couple, but they headline one of the most effective horror movies of this entire decade, elevating it into a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

Is God Is (Prime Video, MGM+, Apple TV)

There’s nothing more satanically satisfying than a strong revenge story, which can be found in one of the summer’s most underappreciated flicks! Based on director Aleshea Harris’s play of the same name, the movie focuses on sisters Anaia and Racine, who have both been disfigured from a traumatic childhood fire. After meeting with their mortally wounded mother—previously believed to be dead from the same accident—the two are sent on a complex cross-country trip to kill the man who caused their scars: their own father. 

Despite earning widespread acclaim from critics, this film received very little traction at the box office, ultimately flopping and falling under the radar very quickly. And it's a shame, too, as I found myself highly impressed with this feature. Using a traditional revenge story as its outline, it expands upon it to introduce familial stakes into the conflict, setting it apart from others in its subgenre and arguably making for a more intense viewing experience. Sure, it does trip up with occasional foreseeable outcomes, but in the grand scheme of the screenplay, those moments barely impact the final product. 

What truly helps this movie evolve into something grander is its two protagonists—Anaia and Racine—who share impeccable chemistry throughout the entire runtime, which keeps the film entertaining. Played magnificently by Mallori Johnson and Kara Young, respectively, the two share an authentic sisterly bond complete with sarcastic quips, tender exchanges, and unique traits. While they both share a common goal of seeking revenge, they approach and react to the conflict differently, with Anaina being skeptical about the whole ordeal and Racine acting more ruthless and straightforward. 

They are surrounded by a number of other talented performers, including Vivica A. Fox as their vengeful mother and Sterling K. Brown as one of the year's most ruthless villains. Though they may not be onscreen as prominently, their presences still serve as some of the film's high points. In fact, once the film reaches its climax, that's when the most intense moments come into play as a final familial brawl takes place. As a whole, this movie nails it in practically every category, which not only helps it stand out as a unique revenge story, but as one of this year's most overlooked films.

The Mandalorian & Grogu (Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime)

After seven years of waiting, the iconic Star Wars franchise is finally back on the big screen, through a whole new lens! Serving as a continuation of streaming series The Mandalorian, this movie focuses on bounty hunter Din Djarin and his adorable accomplice, Grogu, as they traverse the galaxy to take down members of the evil Galactic Empire. After one of their jobs tasks them to find and rescue Rotta—the son of infamous crime lord Jabba the Hutt—Djarin and Grogu find themselves in a tense race against time to save not just him, but also themselves.

Star Wars is the series that originally got me into movies, so I was very excited upon hearing it would return to the big screen after seven dormant years. And generally speaking, I was entertained by this movie, and found it to be serviceable overall. This is largely due to how the film puts its entertainment value at the forefront, being full of action sequences and creative visual designs in both the environments and characters. It makes use of respectable choreography, a brilliant musical score, and impressive puppetry on characters like Grogu to give the film a decent engagement factor, which is mostly consistent the entire time. 

But even with its impressive technical aspects, I actually found myself to be slightly disappointed by this movie. This is largely because of how imbalanced the screenplay felt, which messed up the pacing in turn. The best way I can describe this film is as though two or three episodes of The Mandalorian were stitched together into one movie. Though there were many fun moments, this approach led to many slow and inconsistent sequences—a key example is a subplot involving Grogu in the second half, which brought the main plot to a sudden halt as it needlessly padded the runtime. 

Not to mention, even with all of the action it beholds, the film could not find time to properly develop its characters. Other than Rotta, none of the ensemble has any substantial growth, doing what the screenplay says or relying on expository dialogue rather than show any development to their audience. I do not blame the cast for this, as they all do a solid job with what they are given—especially Pedro Pascal as Djarin and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta. But alas, the film's subpar storytelling ends up becoming its greatest downfall, turning a promising intergalactic adventure into an average return to the big screen for Star Wars.

Backrooms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home)

What was once an icon of internet folklore has now crept its way into cinemas, courtesy of a filmmaker who’s only 21 years old! Based on director Kane Parsons’s YouTube series of the same name, this cinematic expansion introduces viewers to Clark, a furniture store owner who finds a mysterious dimension full of empty rooms within his establishment. But this discovery soon turns deadly, as malevolent entities and other mysterious findings lurk within. With the threat looming and its pattern unclear, Clark and his therapist Mary Kline enter the dimension to uncover the secrets of the Backrooms, while attempting to escape them alive.

The fact that this movie even exists in the first place is commendable itself, but even more astounding that it is actually of very high quality! Tackling the concept of a mysterious otherworldly dimension, this film is built on mystery and an unnerving atmosphere, which make for a very tense viewing experience and emphasizes the uncertainty of its primary location. As such, it serves as a strong adaptation of the original webseries, with Parsons doing an extraordinary job at directing his vision on the big screen. 

I especially loved how well he utilized the titular location, both in terms of storytelling and practicality. The film has an engaging story full of twists and turns, especially once the protagonists delve deeper into the realm. This can be highlighted in sequences filmed using a found footage style—unbroken shots told from the perspective of a character holding a camera—in some of the greatest examples of the format I have seen, right up there with The Blair Witch Project. Combined with stellar production and sound design, the Backrooms serve as a fantastically eerie backdrop for the film's many supernatural happenings.

To be fair, the movie will not appeal to all audiences, as it does move at a pretty slow pace and builds up to an abrupt ending. But personally, I thought this approach benefitted the film as a whole, as it allowed for a sense of psychological dread to build, while still providing strong development for its protagonists—played impeccably by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. As such, though it may move a bit glacially, it still succeeds as both a directorial debut and horror story as a whole, concluding the month of May on a very high note.