New to Streaming: The Secret Agent, BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, It Was Just an Accident, Videoheaven, and More

      Every week, we spotlight significant titles that have recently become available on streaming services in the United States. Explore this week's picks below and past compilations here.

      BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions (Kahlil Joseph)

      Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions captures and synthesizes centuries of Black history, a task that would take scholars lifetimes to fully comprehend. Rather than employing a dry academic approach, Joseph offers a vibrant and compelling experience. Drawing from Henry Louis Gates and Anthony Appiah’s extensive work, “Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience,” which spans nearly 4,000 pages, the film incorporates numerous references while maintaining an engaging viewing experience. By merging countless media elements to impactful effect, this ambitious directorial debut delivers a fast-paced exploration that invites deeper examination of its intricate connections to Black history. – Jordan R. (full review)

      Where to Stream: VOD

      End of History (Jacob Gregor)

      Filmed on a modest budget of about $5,000 during a 10-day road trip to Deadhorse, Alaska, Jacob Gregor’s End of History provides profound insights into the grim reality of American culture, often surpassing what larger-budget films convey. It follows an isolated man's journey as his mind deteriorates under the influence of damaging media figures, showcasing an American slow cinema that eloquently reflects the nation’s loneliness and decline.

      Where to Stream: Means.tv

      Hamnet (Chloé Zhao)

      Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel operates on an emotional level that some may find easy to mock. The concept—that the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet inspired the play Hamlet—invites skepticism. However, the film is imbued with quiet tenderness and patient storytelling. Jessie Buckley plays Agnes, and Paul Mescal portrays William Shakespeare, showcasing their talents within Zhao’s cinematic vision. Some films resonate at the right moment in a viewer's life; for me, Hamnet was one of those films that left a meaningful impact. — Dan M.

      Where to Stream: Peacock

      How to Shoot a Ghost (Charlie Kaufman)

      Charlie Kaufman is among the most recognizable voices in American cinema, known for unique films like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Since directing Synecdoche, New York in 2008, he has retained creative control over his projects. His latest work, How to Shoot a Ghost, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is now available on Criterion Channel, features Jessie Buckley and newcomer Joseph Akiki as two spirits traversing Athens. The film reflects Kaufman’s themes of mortality, paired with Eva H.D.'s poetic script. – Ethan V. (read the full interview)

      Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel

      It Was Just an Accident (Jafar Panahi)

      What would you do if you confronted the person responsible for your suffering—a psychopath who committed heinous acts for a tyrannical regime? This core question drives Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, his first film after being released from prison in Iran. The narrative unfolds as four Iranians, who served time for protesting the regime, manage to kidnap the guard linked to their torment. As they navigate their journey, pondering their next steps, the film masterfully combines social critique with riveting storytelling, resulting in a powerful statement about justice. – Leonardo G. (full review)

      Where to Stream: Hulu

      A Little Prayer (Angus MacLachlan)

      In the serene mornings of A Little Prayer, directed by Angus MacLachlan, a woman sings gospel songs that resonate throughout a small North Carolina neighborhood. Although many find her singing bothersome, Bill Brass (David Strathairn) and his daughter-in-law Tammy (Jane Levy) are captivated by the music and curious about its origins. Their search for the source takes them through their community, and as the spirituals fade away, they revel in the mystery of it all. – Jake K.S. (full review)

      Where to Stream: Prime Video

      Mistress Dispeller (Elizabeth Lo)

      Affairs have been a recurring theme in storytelling for ages. Elizabeth Lo’s Mistress Dispeller introduces a fascinating idea: a Chinese service that helps women persuade their husbands to end relationships with their mistresses, thereby safeguarding their marriages. Although the film is well-crafted, it does not thoroughly explore such a compelling premise, falling short of the drama one might expect from the narrative. – Devan S. (full review)

      Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel

      The Moment (Aidan Zamiri)

      The Moment spotlights Charli xcx during a pivotal time in her career. After building a niche following, the release of her album brat propels her into global fame. With her tour concluded, Charli and her expanding team grapple with her next steps. Do