Welcome to the Weekend POURcast – your boozy guide to the box office.
Every Thursday, we serve up what’s new in theaters and on streaming (movies only!), paired with curated cocktail suggestions to match the mood. Whether you’re catching the latest flick on the big screen or mixing a drink for a night in, we’re here to help you turn your weekend watchlist into a cinematic experience. Let’s pour it up. 🍸🎬
Last Weekend in Review
The back half of September showed moviegoing is still very much alive. DemonSlayer held strong in first place, with Him making a strong showing in second. Another horror movie – Conjuring: Last Rites came in third. The Long Walk made a strong debut with genre fans, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale pulled in its loyal audience (yes, with champagne in hand), and Spinal Tap II brought cult chaos to the big screen. Meanwhile, Toy Story’s 30th anniversary 3D re-release reminded us all why we fell in love with animated storytelling in the first place. Streaming was quiet, but theaters kept the energy flowing—and audiences came out for stories with real stakes and bold voices.
New in Theaters (September 26 – 28)
One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson directs Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and more in this politically-charged action drama based on Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland. Early buzz is divisive, which means: Oscar bait or your next favorite hate-watch. Either way – it demands your attention.
The Strangers: Chapter 2
They’re back – and still masked. The home-invasion franchise that made you check your locks twice returns with a fresh cast and terrifying new trailer. Horror season is fully here.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
From Netflix kids’ fame to the big screen, this family feature aims straight at preschoolers and their exhausted parents. Bright, bubbly, and guaranteed to sell a lot of popcorn.
Dead of Winter
Emma Thompson and Judy Greer lead this wintry thriller about strangers trapped in a blizzard-struck cabin. Paranoia. Secrets. Cabin fever. Cozy, but make it unsettling.
Eleanor the Great
Scarlett Johansson directs and stars in this emotionally resonant story about a lonely college student and a 90-year-old woman who shake up each other’s lives. Expect tears, warmth, and festival-style storytelling, and more tears (if you’ve seen the trailer, you know).
📡 New on Streaming (Movies + Franchise-Related Series)
28 Years Later (Netflix)
Yes, it’s real. The long-awaited sequel in the 28 Days/Weeks lineage is finally here. Gritty, bleak, and emotionally grounded, this is a must-watch for apocalyptic fans.
The Surfer (Hulu)
Nicolas Cage is back with bleach-blonde hair and vengeance. Set in coastal Australia, this revenge thriller brings surf noir energy and sun-baked rage.
All of You (Apple TV+)
A quiet romance with a poetic soul. No explosions, no zombies—just love, grief, and meaningful looks across quiet cafes.
📈 Box Office Prognostications (September 26–28)
| Rank | Title | Projected Weekend Gross |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | The Strangers: Chapter 2 | $22M–$28M – Horror fans + early Halloween vibes = strong turnout. |
| 🥈 | One Battle After Another | $15M–$20M – Star power plus controversy draws awards-season eyes. |
| 🥉 | Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie | $9M–$13M – Huge kid appeal, especially in matinees. |
| 4️⃣ | Dead of Winter | $5M–$8M – Small but suspenseful, especially in colder regions. |
| 5️⃣ | Eleanor the Great | $3M–$5M – Quiet indie with strong word-of-mouth potential. |
🧾 Final Pour
Whether you’re here for award-season ambition, creeping shadows in the hallway, or just something to make you cry and hug your grandma, this weekend has it. There’s something oddly comforting about seeing films that make you feel something, especially as we slide into fall. Just remember to pair wisely: the right drink can elevate your movie night from routine to ritual.
We’ll see you next Thursday – with more to watch, more to sip, and more to say. Cheers. 🍸🎬
