our list of notable streaming premieres for February features an animated film from a cult screenwriter, the third entry in a beloved romantic trilogy that drew record audiences, two Chinese films that sharply critique their home countries; one portrays various forms of bullying, the other follows the chase of a serial killer, an action story about a baker, a flashy take on the classic superhero arc, a Serbian title that could pair well with a major historical drama, and a documentary focused on African American experiences. a candid look at trans sex workers. overall, this month delivers breadth and bold storytelling.
Freaks
Gabriele Mainetti’s second feature unfolds as a historical fantasy set in Nazi-occupied Italy. A quartet from a circus—each member excelling in a distinct superhuman trait—escapes persecution with skills that once dazzled fairground crowds: adept bug manipulation, formidable strength, electricity-based power, and a gifted female mind whose abilities feel electric. The film’s tone lightly leans toward a fantastical clash with monstrous forces rather than a strict war drama. If Mainetti pursues a sequel, Freaks Out 2 could extend this world with a similar mix of spectacle and humanity.
Orion and the Darkness
Adapted from a children’s book by Emma Yarlett, this story follows a boy whose fears drive him to document them in a sketchbook. He wrestles with shyness, bullying, fear of death, and especially fear of the dark. A colossal, smiling creature named Darkness becomes an unlikely ally, guiding him toward courage. The project showcases the wit of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, marking a return to animated cinema as it explores universal pains and the healing power of family bonds. Nine years after Anomalisa, this film reaffirms Kaufman’s signature blend of insight and humor.
Guardians of the Formula
Set in 1958, the narrative moves between Paris and Belgrade as four researchers encounter radioactivity during a government push to advance nuclear capabilities. The story honors the bonds that form under pressure, highlighting how loyalty and care for others can surface amid ideological rifts. It interweaves suspense with scientific curiosity, crafting a tense portrait of people who risk their reputations to save a stranger. The execution leans into procedural suspense that invites careful attention from viewers, while illustrating how moral choices unfold under scientific pressure.
Better Days
Challenged by censorship and political scrutiny, Derek Tsang’s film surveys the social pressures of modern China through the lens of a turbulent school environment and the notorious gaokao. The drama maps the impact of a rigid system on individual lives, tracing how class dynamics shape opportunities and anxieties. Visually, the film blends realism with stylized moments to expose how social networks and ubiquitous surveillance shape behavior, raising questions about safety, privacy, and human connections in a highly connected society.
Maggies Moore(s)
Two women sharing the same name become the center of a quiet hometown investigation. As the police chief probes the case, a colorful cast of unfaithful spouses, lonely neighbors, and hidden motives enters the frame. John Slattery steps into the director’s chair, bringing a psychological lens to crime storytelling. The film dwells on character psychology and interpersonal dynamics as much as on mystery, letting actors Tina Fey and Jon Hamm (among others) carry the emotional weight of the narrative.
Kokomo City
In her debut as a documentary filmmaker, D. Smith profiles Black transgender sex workers in the United States. The film presents intimate testimonials in stark black-and-white, offering unflinching commentary on gender identity and social attitudes. Rather than cataloging hardship, it foregrounds resilience, using candid interviews and provocative imagery to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the vitality of its subjects.
As You Look
Completing a teen romance trilogy, this Netflix installment reunites Raquel and Ares after a summer in Costa Brava. The couple confronts distance and evolving feelings as they navigate the winter in Barcelona, reconnecting amid new social circles. The film continues the emotional arc established in the preceding chapters, exploring growth, commitment, and the pull of old memories in a shifting landscape.
The Silence of the Water
An obsessive detective pursues a serial killer through a rural Chinese landscape, a pursuit that uncovers a town full of secrets. Directed with noir sensibilities, the film nods to classic detectives while painting a portrait of a society on the cusp of modernization. The mood is contemplative, with quiet menace and a focus on character psychology as the investigation deepens.
Mea Culpa
Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix feature elevates a courtroom drama about a cunning lawyer who takes on a high-stakes murder case involving a controversial client. The story threads intrigue, seduction, and danger, offering a look at ambition and the spy-thriller energy of late-night genres. With Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes in the cast, the movie leans into stylish suspense and psychological tension while probing moral gray areas.
The Baker
Inspired by classic crime cinema, this tale follows an elderly baker who is forced into perilous actions to protect his grandson. Led by Ron Perlman, the film pairs gritty action with a dramatic arc that sees the protagonist confront a dangerous underworld. The sequence style emphasizes practical, hands-on confrontation and a stubborn resolve in the face of danger.