New Movies Today: `Honey Don't!`, `Nobody 2` Lead Diverse Releases on August 21, 2025, Alongside Key Industry Developments

The cinematic landscape is buzzing on August 21, 2025, with a diverse array of new films hitting theaters and streaming platforms, offering everything from quirky dark comedies to high-octane action sequels. Beyond the silver screen, significant industry news is also making headlines, particularly the resolution of a major film federation strike.

Fresh Films to Watch This Week

Moviegoers have a compelling selection of new releases to choose from, catering to various tastes.

`Honey Don't!`: A Coen-esque Caper

Ethan Coen's latest solo directorial effort, Honey Don't!, arrives in theaters, promising a "light, sexy fun" caper that echoes the distinctive quirkiness of his previous works with brother Joel Coen, such as Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Starring Margaret Qualley as private investigator Honey O'Donahue, the film delves into a convoluted plot involving a client's mysterious death and a sex ring, delivering plenty of accidental killings and dark humor. Critics note its entertaining, albeit at times gratuitous, exploration of sex and its unique character portrayals that stand out in 2025 cinema.

`Nobody 2`: Bob Odenkirk Returns to Action

Fans of visceral action rejoice as Bob Odenkirk reprises his role in Nobody 2. The sequel sees the everyman assassin embark on a "blood-soaked family vacation," relocating the intense, choreographed fights to an amusement park setting. Director Timo Tjahjanto, known for his bone-crunching Indonesian action films, brings a fresh, inventive rhythm, balancing brutality with dark humor. The film is praised for improving upon the original's climax by fully leaning into its theme-park backdrop, featuring creative traps and set pieces.

`Splitsville`: A Chaotic Romantic Comedy

For those in the mood for romance and laughter, Splitsville offers a "side-splitting relationship comedy" starring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona. The film, which premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, follows a quartet of characters through a chaotic series of romantic entanglements. It's lauded for its inventive filmmaking techniques, drawing inspiration from 1970s American independent cinema and the screwball energy of classic 1930s and 1940s comedies. A standout sequence involves a "tour-de-force display of stunt choreography" during a physically elaborate fight within a luxurious beach home.

Other Noteworthy Releases:

Eenie Meanie: This Hulu heist film, starring Samara Weaving and Karl Glusman, offers "throwback, throwaway fun" with realistic car chase scenes and magnetic lead performances, blending elements of 90s Tarantino-esque thrillers with modern police-chase videos.
Primitive War: An action-horror-sci-fi-war film, Primitive War is also making its theatrical debut today, pitting battle-hardened soldiers against ancient horrors in a jungle valley.
Soothravakyam: Premiering on Lionsgate Play, this Malayalam comedy-thriller features Vincy Aloushious and Shine Tom Chacko in a story known for its quirky humor and suspenseful twists.

Industry Update: Telugu Film Federation Strike Ends

In significant industry news, the 18-day-long strike by the Telugu Film Industry Employees' Federation has been called off. The strike, which brought film shootings across Telangana to a standstill, concluded following the intervention of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. An agreement was reached, granting a 22.5% wage hike against the federation's initial demand of 35%, with a revised agreement providing a 15% increase in the first year, followed by additional hikes in subsequent years. This resolution brings relief to producers, artists, and thousands of workers, with film shootings set to resume promptly. The Chief Minister also expressed a vision to transform Hyderabad into a hub for international film shoots, assuring full government support to the industry.

Key Takeaways

Diverse New Releases: August 21st sees a variety of films, including Ethan Coen's dark comedy Honey Don't!, the action-packed sequel Nobody 2, and the romantic comedy Splitsville.
Streaming and Theatrical: New movies are available across both theatrical releases and major streaming platforms like Hulu and Lionsgate Play.
Industry Stability: The resolution of the Telugu Film Industry strike signals a return to normalcy for film production in the region, with government support aimed at fostering growth and international collaboration.

Sources

Scrollflow

New Movies Today: Honey Don't!, Nobody 2 Lead Diverse Releases on August 21, 2025, Alongside Key Industry Developments