A Week of Transformations: How Characters Evolve in This Week’s New Films

Great stories are about change, and this week’s new streaming movies are all centered on profound character transformations. From an underdog who becomes a champion to a villain who becomes a hero, these are the powerful arcs you can expect to see.
The most dramatic transformation is in Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Saturday). The protagonist, Li, begins as a young man struggling to adapt to a new city. Through the crucible of his training and the tournament, he will be transformed from a timid newcomer into a confident and skilled martial artist who stands up for others.
In The Surfer (Hulu, today), we will witness a much darker transformation. Nicolas Cage’s character starts as a gentle father trying to have a nice day. The relentless torment he endures will transform him into a hardened, obsessive man on the edge of his sanity. It’s a chilling look at how circumstances can change a person.
M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) features the transformation of its title character from a clear-cut villain into a complex anti-hero. Forced into a new role as a protector, M3GAN will have to evolve beyond her original programming, a fascinating arc for an artificial being.
The protagonist of Ballerina (Starz, today) has already been transformed by tragedy before the film begins, from a young girl into an assassin. The film’s story will likely be about a second transformation: whether her quest for revenge will further harden her or allow her to find some semblance of peace.
Finally, the two best friends in All of You (Apple TV+, tomorrow) are on the cusp of a major transformation in their relationship. The entire film will be about their journey from friends to potentially something more, a powerful and relatable evolution that will define their future.