What to watch this week: From a wrestling flick to a murder mystery adaptation

This week has something in store for everyone. Step into the dark underbelly of Kuala Lampur with the Malaysian neo-noir drama Abang Adik, watch dragons breathe fire and tales of betrayal with HBO’s House of the Dragon’s second season, follow The Boys once again as Butcher takes the show into another dimension, trace the story behind a murder with the crime-procedural drama Presumed Innocent, and learn more about the history of the ever-wrestling Von Erich brothers in The Iron Claw. 

Here’s the rundown for this week:

Abang Adik (Mandarin)

This 2023 Malaysian neo-noir drama, marks the directorial debut of Jin Ong. 

The film follows two undocumented orphans in the fringes of Kuala Lampur, Malaysia: Abang, a deaf man, and his rebellious younger brother Adik. They grapple with poverty and crime in a harsh environment. 

Abang works hard to achieve stability, whereas Adik turns to criminality, two different roads that lead to the unfolding of a truly horrifying tragedy, as an accident throws their lives off-balance. Offering an edgy insight into the street life in Kuala Lampur, this film is really a drama about the said and unsaid. 

Starring: Wu Kang Ren, Jack Tan, Tan Kim Wang

Where to watch: Netflix

House of the Dragon (English)

HBO’s prequel to the acclaimed fantasy series Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, soared to critical acclaim like its sequel upon its debut in 2022, even surpassing its predecessor for some viewers. Season two starts back up from where we left off in season 1, promising fresh conflicts, vengeful plots, and plenty of dragonfire (and new dragons).

Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the series delves into the Targaryen dynasty’s reign nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. This era unfolds a century after the Targaryens unified the Seven Kingdoms, setting the stage for a new generation of power struggles.

Starring: Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans

Where to watch: JioCinema/HBO

The Boys Season 4 (English)

Everyone’s favorite anti-hero show is back. Buckle up for Season 4, where a ticking clock throws our grumpy but well-meaning Butcher into overdrive. With mere months left, he faces a double whammy: Becca’s son’s loss and a fractured team fed up with his lies. 

Now, redemption and collaboration are his only options if he wants to save the world teetering on the brink. Can The Boys bridge their divides before it’s too late?

Starring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Presumed Innocent (English)

This Jake Gyllenhaal-starring adaptation of Scott Turow’s debut novel, published back in 1987, follows high-powered Chicago prosecutor Rusty Sabich, as he finds his perfect world shattered when his closest colleague, Carolyn Polhemus, is murdered. 

The first episode of the series throws Sabich into a web of suspicion and political maneuvering. With everyone from his ambitious colleagues to ruthless rivals vying for advantage, Rusty must navigate a precarious path to uncover the truth behind Carolyn’s death.

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard

Where to watch: Apple TV

The Iron Claw (English)

Merging cinematic brilliance and acting prowess, this film, set in the 80s, is an exhilarating sports drama centered around the lives of the Von Erich brothers who made history in the world of professional wrestling during that era. 

Highlighting the tragedy, triumphs, and messy haircuts of the 80s, while the brothers shared space under the shadow of their dominating father and coach, this film shows the talented brothers need to make a name for themselves and solidify themselves as immortals on the biggest stage in sports. 

Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson

Where to watch: Lionsgate Play