This week’s picks include a political crime thriller, an action-comedy, a quirky supernatural series and two theatrical releases. Here are five titles to consider this weekend, followed by three bonus picks.

Animals

Ben Affleck directs and stars in this political crime thriller as Mark Kimball, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped days before the election. As the family struggles to raise the ransom, Mark and his wife, Abby (Kerry Washington), must deal with the secrets and corruption surrounding them.

Steven Yeun and Gillian Anderson also star.

Where to watch: Netflix

Matchbox: The Movie

John Cena leads this live-action adaptation of Mattel’s Matchbox toy car brand. The action-comedy also stars Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris and Arturo Castro. When a group of childhood friends reunite, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous international plot, turning their reunion into a mission to save the world.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Small Prophets

After spending seven years living with his girlfriend’s disappearance, Michael Sleep turns to an unusual alchemical recipe inherited from his father. He begins growing tiny magical beings in his garden shed, hoping they can help him discover whether he will ever see his girlfriend again.

Created by Mackenzie Crook, this comedy-drama series stars Pearce Quigley and Michael Palin.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

The Social Reckoning

Aaron Sorkin writes and directs this legal thriller about Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen and the disclosures that brought renewed scrutiny to the social media platform in 2021. Mikey Madison plays Haugen, alongside Jeremy Allen White.

Where to watch: In theaters

Other Mommy

Jessica Chastain stars in this supernatural horror film about an eight-year-old girl who insists that another version of her mother lives inside her bedroom closet. As the sinister presence begins to emerge, the family faces a terrifying threat inside their home.

Directed by Rob Savage, the film also stars Lulu Wilson.

Where to watch: In theaters

Bonus picks

Who Is Martin Mull? — Netflix

This documentary traces the life and career of the late Martin Mull, whose work spanned comedy, music, acting and painting. It features the final directorial work of Bob Saget.

Is It Cake? Halloween: Season 2 — Netflix

Mikey Day returns to host this three-episode Halloween edition of the baking competition, where contestants create cakes designed to look like spooky objects and decorations.

Dead-End Job — Netflix

This South Korean supernatural horror-comedy follows a debt-ridden man who takes a highly paid part-time job, only to discover that the work involves dealing with supernatural threats. The series stars Lee Jae-wook.

That’s all for this week’s picks. See you next weekend.