Favorite First-Time Watches of February 2026
As y’all know, one of my favorite things to do is recommend movies to people. Bonus if I can put a movie on your radar that you have not heard of. So, here are some movies I watched this past February to put on your radar.
Send Help (2026) – Sam Raimi
Raimi is back with a vicious movie. Fun and nasty Raimi is the best Raimi. Rachel McAdams is not taken seriously at her work, which is run by a boys’ club led by a villainous Dylan O’Brien.
On a work trip, their plane crashes, and they wash up on a deserted island where their roles and dynamics change.
Finally, someone made the best third of Triangle of Sadness into a feature-length movie. It’s a fun time at the movies, and shows what makes Raimi so great. As well as showcasing McAdams and O’Brien
Ms. 45 (1981) – Abel Ferrara
A mute woman is attacked twice in one night. Afterwards, she decides to take revenge against any man, or just the patriarchy itself.
It’s hard not to talk about what makes this film so great without spoiling the film. Suffice to say that yes, this is a sad film, but it’s possibly the best women rape/revenge film. Because it actually wrestles with that idea and its impact.
Thana’s tunnel visioned in her revenge, not just killing for killing’s sake. There is a brilliant moment towards the end of the film where she has the opportunity to kill a woman, but doesn’t. Because her anger was pointed at the patriarchy.
The Moment (2026) – Aidan Zamiri
A mockumentary about Charli XCX and the making of a concert film after her Brat World tour. Starring Charli as herself, with actors portraying people and other celebs playing themselves.
It’s bitingly hilarious, uncomfortably funny. Kylie Jenner is actually great in a pivotal moment. Rachel Sennot is equally hilarious as herself as well.
The biggest takeaway from this film is that a certain blonde Mega-Star will take umbrage with the film.
The Children’s Hour (1961) – William Wyler
Audrey Hepburn (Karen) and Shirley MacLaine (Martha) run a private boarding school for girls. After a spoiled bully is reprimanded, she creates a rumor that could ruin the lives of Karen and Martha.
For a film released during the Hays Code, it is more forward than I would’ve expected, with its language and its skirting of issues. Maybe it’s because it was in the tail end of this era. But its frankness with the subject matter was refreshing. Plus, Shirley and Audrey are incredible.
Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie (2026) – Matt Johnson
Based on the Web series Nirvana the Band the Show from Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol. Matt and Jay are trying to get a gig at the Rivoli in downtown Toronto. Their latest hairbrained idea might just work.
I don’t want to say much more. The less you know, the better. You don’t need to know anything about the Web series to understand the movie.
Go in as blind as possible. It’s a magical film, so many elements I don’t understand how they did it, and I don’t want to know. Matt Johnson has yet to miss in my book.
The Fall (2006) – Tarsem Singh
A stuntman in 1920s Hollywood/Los Angeles is bedridden in a hospital and befriends a young girl. Together the tell a fantastical story about five men who set out to get revenge against the evil Governor Odius.
The Wizard of Ozinspirations are clear throughout. However, this isn’t just a ripoff, using elements to tell a wholly original story while creating one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen.
I’ve read about this film, but finally seeing it was something else. I can only hope to see this on the big screen sometime in my life.
