What drives a character to action? This week’s new streaming movies offer a masterclass in motivation, with each protagonist propelled by a powerful and relatable force. From the burning desire for vengeance to the selfless quest for victory, these are the stories behind the stories.
The driving force in Ballerina (Starz, Sept 25) is vengeance, pure and simple. Ana de Armas’s character is on a singular mission to make the people who murdered her father pay. This raw, emotional engine fuels every brutal fight and daring move she makes, creating a compelling and intense narrative of retribution.
In Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Sept 27), the motivation is altruism. The young protagonist, Li, doesn’t enter the karate tournament for his own glory. He fights for his friend Mia, hoping to win and save her family’s business. This selfless goal gives his journey a powerful, emotional weight that makes his victory all the more meaningful.
Survival is the primal motivation in The Surfer (Hulu, Sept 25). Nicolas Cage’s character is initially driven by pride, but as the situation escalates, his struggle becomes a desperate fight for his own and his son’s safety. The film is a gripping portrayal of how quickly our motivations can shift from wants to needs.
In M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock), the motivation is a complex form of programmed purpose. M3GAN is reactivated with a new directive: to stop a more dangerous android. Her actions are dictated by her code, but the film cleverly plays with the idea of whether she can develop her own motivations beyond her programming.
Finally, the driving force in All of You (Apple TV+, Sept 26) is love. The two main characters are motivated by their deep, unspoken feelings for one another. Their entire story is a delicate dance around this central motivation, exploring the fear and hope that come with unspoken love.