Slasher films return as streaming platforms' most profitable genre
Regional language productions outperform global content on certain platforms
Medical drama Heart Beat secretly follows real hospital controversies
Streaming platforms unveil their biggest May releases this week. Major platforms fight for viewer attention with star-studded content dropping simultaneously. Expect high-profile returns and fresh stories.
Nicole Kidman returns as wellness guru Masha in Nine Perfect Strangers. John Krasinski and Natalie Portman hunt for immortality. Horror fans get a nostalgic treat with Fear Street. Let's dive into what's worth watching on Netflix, JioHotstar, Apple TV+, and more.
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, Henry Golding, Mark Strong
Release date: 22 May 2025
Nicole Kidman returns as wellness expert Masha in a new Austrian Alps setting. David E. Kelley's 8-episode season follows guests at Tranquillum House retreat. Masha's unusual methods expose secrets and traumas. Think The White Lotus in a cold mountain setting. Episodes released weekly run about 50 minutes each.
Cast: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Kevin Bacon
Release date: 22 May 2025
This dark comedy follows Devon trying to save her sister Simone from manipulative socialite Michaela Kell. Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, and Julianne Moore star in this weekend drama at a beach house. Created by Molly Smith Metzler and directed by Nicole Kassell. All five 45-minute episodes were released at once.
Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Rhys Ifans, Ciara Baxendale, Kersti Bryan
Release date: 23 May 2025
Director Neil Burger's espionage thriller spans New York, Cairo, Seoul and New Delhi. Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor plays Maya who discovers her father's hidden life during a work trip. The 2-hour film follows her uncovering family secrets while navigating danger. Rhys Ifans portrays her mysterious father.
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson
Release date: May 23, 2025
Guy Ritchie directs estranged siblings Luke and Charlotte on a hunt for immortality. John Krasinski and Natalie Portman play reluctant partners following ancient clues. Their 2-hour-5-minute journey faces competition from rival hunters. Eiza González and Domhnall Gleeson round out the cast in this adventure blending action and humor.
Cast: Deepa Balu, Anumol, Charukesh, Amit Bhargav, Yogalakshmi, Padine Kumar, Guru Lakshman
Release date: May 22, 2025
This Tamil medical drama returns to RK Multispeciality Hospital. Created by Deepak Sundarrajan, it's often compared to Grey's Anatomy. The series blends medical cases with staff drama. Ten weekly episodes run 45 minutes each. Its cultural storytelling approach has built a loyal regional audience.
Cast: India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, David Iacono, Ella Rubin, Chris Klein, Ariana Greenblatt, Lili Taylor, Katherine Waterston
Release date: May 23, 2025
R.L. Stine's horror books inspired this 1980s slasher film. Director Matt Palmer sets the story during Shadyside High's prom night. Prom queen candidates mysteriously die one by one. India Fowler and Suzanna Son lead the young cast with Katherine Waterston and Lili Taylor as town adults. The 1-hour-45-minute film captures the books' nostalgic fear factor.
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Hussain Dalal, Mahika Sharma
Release date: 1 May 2025
Set in 1990s Goa, this biographical drama follows customs officer Costao Fernandes. Nawazuddin Siddiqui stars in Sejal Shah's 2-hour-10-minute film about breaking up a gold smuggling ring. Based on a true story, it shows one man's battle against corruption. Writers Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava researched extensively for authenticity.
Cast: Mayur More, Palak Jaiswal, Deven Bhojani, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Hakkim Shahjahan, Anant Jog, Kamlesh Sawant
Release date: 2 May 2025
This 8-episode crime thriller follows journalist Daniel Gary investigating a disappearance. A young man from a marginalized community vanishes without trace. Each 45-minute episode reveals corruption, prejudice and systemic failures. The series uses crime to examine societal issues while blurring lines between right and wrong.
With such diverse content releasing this week, streaming platforms are offering something for every viewer. The trend of adapting book series continues with Fear Street while true stories inspire films like Costao.
Platforms are increasingly investing in star power to attract subscribers. Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and John Krasinski lead major productions as the streaming wars intensify.
Regional content like Heart Beat shows growing attention to diverse language markets. This strategy helps platforms expand their subscriber base beyond English-speaking audiences.
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