A Look at the 7 New Movies Coming Out This Week: ‘Alien: Romulus,’ ‘Skincare,’ and More!

Are you excited about this week’s new releases? Prepare yourself for a return to one of the most terrifying creatures ever to grace the screen in our top release. But if alien horror isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—there’s also a film about a skincare specialist facing unexpected sabotage. Check out the full list below of new movies hitting theaters and streaming this week!

First up is Alien: Romulus, a spine-chilling addition set between the first and second Alien films, bringing back the iconic horror. Next, we have Skincare featuring Elizabeth Banks as a celebrity skin expert on the brink of launching her new business—only to find herself the target of mysterious sabotage.

Rounding out the list is The Union, starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry as former high school sweethearts who reconnect. The twist? She’s now a secret agent for a covert organization linked to the CIA, and he’s a construction worker she ropes into her latest high-stakes mission.

Check out the complete list of all the new movies coming out this week, both in theaters and on streaming platforms!

New Movies Coming Out This Week: August 12 – 18, 2024

Alien: Romulus   (2024)

Rating:  R

Release Date:  In theaters nationwide on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Summary: In Alien: Romulus, a group of young space colonizers travel to a derelict space station named Romulus to make some quick money stealing equipment. Little do they know that they are about to come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

What to Watch For: The movie is set between Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). 

Word on the Street: Filmmaker Fede Álvarez, known for his films Evil Dead (2013) and Don’t Breathe (2016), directed and co-wrote the film. 

My Take: I love that Ridley Scott, who directed the first Alien film, is a producer of the movie. 

Skincare  (2024)

Rating:  R

Release Date:  In theaters on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Summary: Skincare is about Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks), an in-demand aesthetician who is about to go big, launching a skincare line. Someone is trying to stop her by spreading rumors and false emails and sabotaging a customer base that took years to build. Hope is about to embark on a quest to solve the mystery of who’s trying to destroy her life.

What to Watch For: The film is loosely based on the story of facialist to the stars Dawn DaLuise, who was accused of a murder-for-hire plot against a rival aesthetician.

Word on the Street: The cast includes Nathan Fillion, Lewis Pullman, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Michaela Jae Rodriguez. 

My Take: Director Austin Peters is known for his music videos of Orville Peck, Bastille, and Chvrches.

The Union  (2024)

Rating:  PG-13

Release Date:  Premiering on Netflix on Friday, August 16, 2024. 

Summary:  In The Union, it has been twenty years since Mike (Mark Wahlberg), an ordinary construction worker, has seen his high school ex-girlfriend Roxanne (Halle Berry). Out of the blue, Roxanne returns to Mike’s life, and the girl he has always loved is back in his life. One problem: Roxanne is a member of The Union, a top-secret government agency that does the dirty work that the CIA doesn’t want to do, and she needs Mike’s help on a mission. Anything for love. Right, Mike?

What to Watch For: The cast includes J. K. Simmons, Mike Colter, Alice Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jessica De Gouw.

Word on the Street: The film is directed by Julian Farino, known for his four-time Emmy-nominated directing on the Entourage TV series.

My View: I know Jessica De Gouw from her role as Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress on the TV series Arrow.

Jackpot!  (2024)

Rating:  R

Release Date:  Premiering on Amazon Prime on Thursday, August 15, 2024. 

Summary: Jackpot! takes place in 2030, as a Grand Lottery has been established in California with a giant payout. The only catch is that if you kill the winner before sundown, you can claim their prize. Katie (Awkwafina), an out-of-work actress, realizes that she is suddenly the winner and everyone is out to kill her. Her only hope of survival is amateur jackpot protector Noel (John Cena), but can Katie trust him?

What to Watch For: The film is directed by Paul Feig, known for his movie Bridesmaids and creating the legendary TV show Freaks and Geeks. 

Word on the Street: The screenplay is written by Rob Yescombe, who is known for writing for the video games The Division, Farpoint, and Rime.

What to Watch For: I still feel that Awkwafina should have gotten an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 2019 film The Farewell.

My Penguin Friend  (2024)

Rating:  PG

Release Date:  In theaters on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Summary: My Penguin Friend is the story of a penguin rescued from an oil spill by a heartbroken fisherman (Jean Reno). Their friendship is so strong that 5,000 miles cannot separate them.

What to Watch For:  The film is based on the incredible true story that became an internet sensation. 

Word on the Street: The film was shot on location on the coasts of Brazil and Argentina.

My Take: The movie is from director David Schurmann, known for his award-winning 2016 film Little Secret.

Daughters  (2024)

Rating:  PG-13

Release Date:  Premiering on Netflix on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. 

Summary: The documentary Daughters follows four young girls as they prepare for a special Daddy-Daughter Dance. Their fathers are in prison; some have never even touched their daughters, but now, through a program in a Washington, D.C. jail, they will spend time with them.

What to Watch For: The film won the Audience Award for Best U.S. Documentary at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

What to Watch For: The film is already considered a leading contender for an Academy Award nomination.

My Take: This is the directorial debut of co-directors, Natalie Rae and Angela Patton. Patton is the CEO of Girls for a Change and the author of Finding Her Voice.

Close to You  (2023)

Rating:  R

Release Date:  In theaters on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Summary:  In Close to You, Sam (Elliot Page), a trans man, is coming back to his hometown for the first time in years. He will try to reconnect with his family, maybe reunite with his first love, and discover that the world can change.

What to Watch For:  This is Elliot Page’s first feature film post-transitioning.

Word on the Street: The film’s dialogue is mostly improvised, following a script outline.

My Take: The film is directed by three-time BAFTA award winner Dominic Savage.

Which New Movies Coming Out This Week Are You Excited to Watch?

Below, let us know what new movies you plan to see this week.