Hello and welcome to Movie Reviews 2026 – your somewhat sinister guide to film.
The summer blockbuster season is over, and as we inch into the spooky season, horror is on the horizon. And this week we encounter supernatural shenanigans via Aussie horror, Leviticus, which was released in Australia back in June, but finally wings its way over to the UK this September.
Plus, this week there’s a serial killer in unsettling crime thriller, The Whisper Man; and the Caped Crusader meets his match in animated comic book film, Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall (yes, the word Knightfall appears in the title twice). And if that wasn’t enough Hugh Jackman takes the lead in the ominously titled, The Death of Robin Hood.
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Now streaming…
Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall (2026)
First up this week it’s over to video-on-demand platforms for the DC Universe Animated Original Movie, Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall. The film – from director Jeff Wamester – is the first instalment in a three-part adaptation of the classic Knightfall comic book story, with a voice cast which includes Anson Mount, Michael Mando, and Pablo Schreiber.
As for the story, pumped up supervillain, Bane, comes to Gotham where he promptly frees all of Batman’s foes from Arkham Asylum. Over the coming days, Batman is pushed to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion as he attempts to round up all the miscreants before they wreak havoc on the city.
Meanwhile, with the Dark Knight overloaded and overwhelmed, Bane sets to work on the next phase of his plan. He takes the fight directly to Batman, to dismantle the hero’s hold over Gotham.
If you’re a fan of the Knightfall saga from the 1990s you’ll know it is one of the best Batman stories of its time. You’ll also know it’s quite a sizeable tale, which ran many issues, incorporated various villains, and featured an iconic scene in which Bane gets the upper hand on Batman.
This opening chapter in the animated take on Knightfall attempts to bring the essence of that story to the screen by including as much of the above as possible, and for the most part it works rather well. There are a few pacing issues here and there, and it’s likely to appeal more to those already versed in the Batman mythology than newbies, but it has the nuts and bolts of Knightfall and knows how to use them.
It’s also quite a brutal movie (a ‘15’ in the UK, an ‘R’ in the US), which includes lots of violence, and plenty of blood. This isn’t Knightfall for young Bat-viewers, this initial chapter in the saga skews a little older, and digs in deeper with the comic book fun too.
When the villains escape from Arkham, it’s not the instantly recognisable foes who appear, such as Joker or Two-Face, it’s lesser utilised enemies such as Catman, Mad Hatter, Mr. Zsasz, and the Ventriloquist who get screen time. We’re also given an era-accurate Bat-costume (i.e. the long pointy ears version originally designed by artist Kelley Jones), while Batman’s more obscure apprentice Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael is also retained for this adaptation.
Effort has been made to make Knightfall – Part 1 as comic book accurate as possible, while working within the constraints of an animated film. OK, so it could perhaps go harder, but the movie largely finds the right balance needed to get things off to a strong start.
Part 1 also serves up the best version of Bane we’ve ever seen in animation. Rather than the generic henchman with roid rage that we see all too often, Bane is repositioned as a calculating adversary, who is a credible threat to Batman, and who leaves the Dark Knight in a weakened position by movie’s end, whetting the audiences’ appetite for more.
Parts 2 & 3 of Knightfall are set to follow in 2026 and 2027 respectively, and will expand the saga then conclude it accordingly. Based on what Part 1 serves up, it’ll be worth coming back for more.
Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall is one of the stronger animated Bat-films and it is easily the best entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies collection for a while. If you found yourself falling out of love with recent DC animated movies due to some weak offerings (the three Crisis on Infinite Earths films being the most notable) then Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall should restore your faith and your interest.
Should you wish to take a look, Batman: Knightfall – Part 1: Knightfall is available to buy on digital now. And if digital isn’t your jam, you can pick up a copy on disc from September 7th.
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Now streaming…
The Whisper Man (2026)
Over to Netflix now for the creepy crime thriller, The Whisper Man. Directed by James Ashcroft, and based on the novel of the same name by Alex North, the movie stars Adam Scott, Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, and Michael Keaton, and focuses on a kidnapping in small town.
In the movie, recently widowed novelist Tom Kennedy moves to the town of Garretton with his son, Jake. And as Tom settles in, a police investigation is currently underway which involves the abduction of a young boy.
The police believe the suspect is in someway connected to a notorious serial killer known as The Whisper Man. This is the same killer who Tom’s estranged father – a local police detective – caught many years ago.
But with The Whisper Man in prison and therefore out of the picture, who is following in his footsteps? This is something Tom will need to figure out quickly, as Jake is the next child to be abducted.
With a chilling atmosphere, an engaging story, and a vibe which places it in similar territory to the likes of Kiss the Girls (1997) and The Bone Collector (1997), The Whisper Man is a solid chilling thriller. It’s grim, it’s gritty, and it features excellent performances from Scott, De Niro, Monaghan, and Keaton.
These are all performances which enhance the picture. De Niro is particularly strong as detective Peter Willis, who is brought out of retirement to investigate the disappearance of his grandson, while Scott gives an understated turn as the distraught Tom, and Monaghan is laser focused as Amanda Beck – the detective currently working the case.
And then there is Keaton who is most effective as Frank Carter, aka the incarcerated Whisper Man. Despite very limited screen time – Keaton only appears in three scenes in the film – he nails his part.
It’s the sort of performance that could lend itself to sequels or spin-offs, should this world be revisited in the future. And hopefully it will, as there’s something here which strikes a chord.
Sure, on paper, The Whisper Man sounds like a standard creepy thriller, and in many respects it is, but director James Ashcroft and screenwriters Ben Jacoby and Chase Palmer add depth to keep things interesting and occasionally unnerving. A slight lull in the middle displaces a bit of the momentum, but it never takes the sheen off what is being presented.
The result is a picture that gets under the skin. If you’re a fan of serial killer thrillers, or films of this ilk, then head on over to Netflix to take a look.
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In cinemas…
Leviticus (2026)
Off to the cinema now for the release of Australian coming-of-age horror, Leviticus. Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, the movie stars Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen, and tells the story of two teenagers tormented by a violent entity.
In the film, after relocating to a Christian town in Victoria with his mum, gay teen Naim Reid begins a secret romance with fellow teenager, Ryan Whelan. However, when Naim catches Ryan kissing local boy Hunter, he outs the pair to their parents in retaliation.
This results in Ryan and Hunter being forced to undergo conversion therapy from a so-called ‘deliverance healer’. A short while later, Naim is also forced into the same treatment.
From here, the teens find themselves being hounded by an entity only they can see. It takes on the form of someone they are attracted to – in Naim’s case, Ryan – which causes them to distrust the one person they want to be around.
Aussie horror has been experiencing a bit of a high as of late. In 2022 there was the excellent Talk to Me, and in 2025 we got the brilliant Bring Her Back, and the delightfully dark Dangerous Animals.
Leviticus joins this collection of Australian horrors as another fine addition. Not only because it’s well directed, expertly cast, and sprinkled with upsetting moment, but because it has something to say.
The film’s discussions about conversion therapy and the suppression of LGBTQ+ teens is something which is worryingly topical right now. This sort of nonsense is going on in various parts of the world, with ‘the fear of queer’ becoming all too real, and this is something Leviticus taps into.
Things are obviously heightened for the picture, by introducing a supernatural element via an entity which stalks the teens, but at the heart of the story this is a harrowing LGBTQ+ drama. While Leviticus is about monsters, it’s not really about the spooky kind, it’s more about the crazy people who indulge in such practices as conversion therapy and ruin lives in the process.
Where Leviticus really zeroes in on this is by making the entity into a representation of someone you love. This – as well as the fear of death – is what drives a wedge between the teens, and ensures the problematic parents achieve their goal.
Even if Naim and Ryan escape the entity, there will always be a level of doubt in their relationship. Their innocence and love has been tainted by outside forces, changing their lives completely, and really demonstrating the damage that can be caused by conversion therapy.
There’s much to like about Leviticus. The horror angle works, as does the coming-of-age drama, and the fact it’s all crammed into a swift runtime of just 88-minutes is all the better.
The film sets out its story, gets its message across, and doesn’t wear out its welcome. More importantly, it’s another win for Australia, who certainly seem to be showing the world how to tell great horror stories.
Should you wish to take a look, Leviticus is now playing in UK cinemas.
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In cinemas…
The Death of Robin Hood (2026)
And finally, continuing with the cinema for The Death of Robin Hood. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, and starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, and Bill Skarsgård, the movie follows the story of an aged Robin Hood during his twilight days.
In the movie, the year is 1247 and in England, legendary outlaw Robin Hood is living alone. Troubled by his past he tries to keep himself to himself until he is pulled into one last adventure.
From Errol Flynn and Michael Praed to Kevin Costner and Jonas Armstrong, a long collection of actors have played the role of Robin Hood on TV and in film. The latest name to be added to the list is Hugh Jackman, who in The Death of Robin Hood plays the hero toward the end of his life.
An interesting hook? It sure is, but not one that completely works.
Jackman isn’t bad (slightly iffy accent aside), but he’s playing the role in a film which is an acquired taste at best. The Death of Robin Hood isn’t awful, far from it, but it’s also not as appealing as it perhaps should be and suffers from being plodding, perhaps a bit too brutal, and somewhat lacking in energy.
It sort of works as a character piece, which is presumably its main intention, but it’s not as interesting as it needs to be. The film is arguably too miserable too, with way too much brooding going on for a couple of hours of entertainment.
On the plus side, The Death of Robin Hood looks gorgeous, is suitably atmospheric, and has a beautiful score from Jim Ghedi. In terms of creating the right world for the character, filmmaker Michael Sarnoski nails it, but the sense of adventure or the likability just isn’t there and it’s a shame.
Jackman does what he can with the character, and he’s no stranger to playing a hero during his dying days, but this ain’t no Logan. The Death of Robin Hood is missing some magic, and while some may be carried along by its mood, I expect many will come away disappointed.
Either way, if you wish to take a look, The Death of Robin Hood is now playing in UK cinemas.
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Recent Releases
Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:
Coyote vs. Acme (2026)
“This isn’t just a cartoon caper made up of random skits and a paper thin narrative, there’s an interesting case, some investigative work, and an ongoing battle between wild animals. Plus, there are various nods to the classic cartoon shorts of yesteryear for good measure.”
Insidious: Out of the Further (2026)
“Insidious: Out of the Further is fairly standard stuff and it isn’t likely to wow anyone who isn’t already invested in this series, but it provides a perfectly fine couple of hours of spooky entertainment.”
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (2026)
“…Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is a quirky little horror, which is both a satire on the genre, as well as a love letter to slasher films of yesteryear. Significant nods are made to the Friday the 13th franchise, but everything from The Shining to Sleepaway Camp is thrown into the mix, as (writer/director Jane) Schoenbrun casts an eye over some of the iconic horrors of the past.”
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week which this week goes to Leviticus. Aussie horror continues to lead the way right now, and with its mix of drama and the supernatural, this one lands rather well.
And if you like Leviticus you may also like:
- It Follows (2014) – David Robert Mitchell’s supernatural horror about a young woman who is followed by a supernatural force after a sexual encounter.
- Talk to Me (2022) – Danny and Michael Philippou direct this Aussie horror about a group of friends who conjure spirits.
- Bring Her Back (2025) – The Philippou’s return to the director’s chair for this supernatural horror about two siblings who uncover a terrifying secret at their new foster home.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for this week, but coming soon Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reunite for Practical Magic 2; Weapons creator Zach Cregger takes us to Raccoon City for his reworking of Resident Evil; and Tom Cruise headlines Digger. Plus, Verity, Other Mommy, Matchbox: The Movie, Street Fighter, and Whalefall are all coming up on the horizon!
Alex
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this edition of Movie Reviews 2026. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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