A hero is defined by the obstacles they overcome, and this week’s new streaming films feature a formidable gallery of villains, antagonists, and opposing forces. From deadly assassins to a terrifying new android, these are the characters and groups that will push our protagonists to their limits.
In Ballerina, which lands on Starz today, the antagonist isn’t a single person but an entire system. Ana de Armas’s character must fight her way through the High Table’s network of killers, a seemingly endless supply of highly trained foes who represent the brutal world that shaped her. The true villain is the cycle of violence itself.
Premiering today on Hulu, The Surfer presents a more grounded but no less terrifying set of antagonists: a local surf gang. These men are not supervillains, but their territorialism and toxic masculinity make them a menacing force. They represent the dark side of human nature, turning a paradise into a psychological torture chamber for Nicolas Cage’s character.
The world of science fiction gives us a clear-cut new villain in M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock). The rogue android AMELIA, designed for military assassination, is the next evolution in technological threats. Faster, stronger, and more lethal than M3GAN, she serves as the perfect antagonist to force our former villain into a heroic role.
Arriving this Saturday on Netflix, Karate Kid: Legends features antagonists in the form of tournament opponents. These rivals will test the skills and resolve of the young protagonist, Li. More than just bullies, they are skilled martial artists who represent the final hurdle in Li’s journey to save his friend’s family business.
Finally, in All of You, coming to Apple TV+ tomorrow, the antagonist may be more abstract. The central conflict appears to stem from internal fears and societal expectations that keep the two best friends from expressing their true feelings, making this a powerful story of personal struggle.