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The Surfer definitely feels longer than it actually is but other than that this is an engaging look at the cult of toxic masculinity with surprisingly strong parallels to Hot Fuzz. It's designed to be a gruelling watch where almost all the characters are hostile and it only escalates until it reaches the inevitably destructive conclusion. It isn't afraid to be gross or darkly funny and it concludes in an unexpectedly satisfying fashion.

This is a perfectly tuned role for Nicolas Cage's singular talents, continuing his recent winning streak that has been sustained pretty consistently over the last few years. He starts off completely normal and then gradually gets more unhinged in a way only he has mastered. The majority of the supporting cast does a great job being incredibly intense from the start, especially Julian McMahon as the manipulative cult leader.

Lorcan Finnegan's direction wisely saves the most surreal visuals for the third act when the screen begins to ripple like a wave and always uses the extremely saturated single location to the fullest. Composer François Tétaz's amazing score beautifully contrasts what's happening on screen by constantly being very upbeat which really works in scenes where all the locals are laughing at Nic Cage having a mental breakdown.

This episode's shorter run time is an immediate concern and Feel Her Love does unfortunately feel rushed thanks to its uneven pacing however, the moments it needed to get right, it really does and they all arrive in the second half so it ends on a strong high with the promise of a stellar episode next week. The first handful of scenes feel like it's barely got going when it's actually at the halfway point, counterbalanced by the second half picking up the pace significantly even if it isn't able to fully overcome it.

Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced continue to be an amazing pairing with an unexpectedly lighthearted comedic rapport which works to show how out of their depth they get in this one. Isabela Merced continues to add new layers to Dina in a way that makes the character feel more human and gives her a greater reason to be so willing to help Ellie on her path of revenge. Bella Ramsey crosses a point of no return here, giving them some of the best and darkest material yet.

Director Stephen Williams starts proceedings with an impactful scene that brings the show closer to its video game source material and massively increases the stakes. The tension remains present in the sequences where the infected are present in larger numbers and the gore pulls no punches. The most important part is the penultimate scene which also goes to dark places in an unflinching fashion and the red lighting is a perfect recreation of the original version. Fittingly, it's followed by the warmest moment so far.

Another Simple Favor is about as inventive as the title suggests. It offers another relatively fun twisty adventure that contains some colossally stupid moments and even though it starts very strong, it quickly fizzles out with at least 90 minutes to go. Considering most of the original team returns to make this one and it ends up being significantly weaker than its highly entertaining predecessor, it really shows how a film being made for streaming changes so much and not for the better.

Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively are definitely carrying this. It's their undeniable chemistry that allows the film to start in such a strong fashion and it's fun to watch them bond again despite their character's tumultuous past. The plot decides to once again separate them for most of the run time unfortunately but when it happens Anna Kendrick is more than capable enough to keep it going thanks to her endlessly likeable nature. Also, Elena Sofia Ricci is just terrible.

Paul Feig's direction tries to counteract the bland, overexposed look present in this and so many streaming originals by properly indulging in the gorgeous locations that turn it into virtual tourism. There are some pretty nice shots interspersed throughout and they would only look better if it wasn't so visually flat. It's a bold choice to end the film with an abrupt sequel bait for a trilogy closer; however, the idea of another simple favour isn't the worst thing Amazon could do.