Couch Theater – August 25, 2022

#Middlebury #Movies

“Disobedience” (R) – Ronit (Rachel Weisz), a photographer in New York, travels to London after the sudden passing of her father, the Rav Krushka. Arriving back at the Orthodox Jewish community that she has been estranged from for so long, Ronit reunites with two of her old friends, Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams), who now happen to be married to each other. As Ronit attempts to tie up her late father’s loose ends, she and Esti become very close, just like they were when they were young girls, in a way that is completely unacceptable within their community. A slow burn at first, this romantic drama dives into themes of forbidden love, religious and societal ideals, and learning to accept one’s true self. Premieres Aug. 26. (Netflix)

“House of the Dragon” (TV-MA) – Three years after the series finale of one of the biggest TV shows of all time, the first episode of the prequel series to “Game of Thrones” has now premiered on streaming services. Set 300 years before the time of the beloved Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, “House of the Dragon” mainly focuses on the history leading up to the end of the Targaryens’ rule over the Iron Throne. When the question emerges of who is to assume power after the current king, Viserys I, three potential candidates – the king’s firstborn child, his brother and his cousin – make their respective stances. But, only one will win the war to rule the Iron Throne. (HBO Max)

“Samaritan” (PG-13) – There once was a man named Samaratin, whose feats were so incredible that he was well known throughout his city as a superhero – that was, until he went missing and was pronounced dead in battle. Twenty-five years later, a young boy named Sam is in the middle of getting jumped on the street by neighborhood bullies when Joe, a garbage man, comes to his rescue and sends the bullies running for the hills. Sam’s convinced Joe is actually Samaratin and, when proved right, hesitantly gets taken under the irritable old man’s wing. But, little does Joe know, all it can take is one kid to show him that Samaratin shouldn’t have to hide anymore. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Javon Walton (“Euphoria”), this action film premieres on Aug. 26. (Prime Video)

Sarah Greene, Sharon Horgan and Eve Hewson star in “Bad Sisters.” (Courtesy of AppleTV+)

“Bad Sisters” (TV-MA) – Some people would do anything to protect their siblings, even if their siblings don’t outrightly ask them to. That’s the case with the four Garvey sisters, who have had enough of seeing their fifth sister suffer in an abusive marriage. Now, a good sister might suggest couples’ therapy or a separation period, but as the series’ title claims, there are no good sisters here. So, the Garvey girls decide to speed up the end of this marriage with a much-faster means: murder. The first two episodes of this comedy-thriller series are out now. (AppleTV+)

© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.